This Year’s Holiday Party Outfit Trends Are Full of Unexpected Twists

The holiday season is officially here, and if you’re anything like us, you’re probably already planning out your festive ’fits and scouring Pinterest for outfit ideas to wear to all the holiday gatherings. Last year, we saw lots of sequins and over-the-top looks, but 2023 is going to look a little bit different. Instead of sequins, we’re expecting to see lots ofmetallics and understated luxe looks, and we’re here for it!

Interested in learning about the top holiday 2023 style trends? Continue below to get a look at the top 10 trends you need to know, along with some of our favorite product picks and expert styling advice from personal stylist Jamie Grimstad.

Night at the Nutcracker

Nutcracker-chic has entered the chat. In response to the balletcore trend that exploded this fall, modern ballerinas are going to take over at holiday parties and events this year—think ballet flats, tulle, and cozy over-the-shoulder sweaters. If you love the model-off-duty look, you’re going to fall even more in love with the ballerina-off-duty vibe. Grimstad tells Byrdie, “The ballet flat is having its moment, and if you invested in a pair for warmer weather, don’t put them away yet! Consider pairing embellished ballet flats with a mini skirt and black tights when you don’t want to wear heels!”

Frosty Blues

There’s nothing we love more than frosty blue this winter, and it’s going to pop off during the holiday season. The glacial hue can be seen in shoes, bags, dresses, and so much more. Whether you’re going for a monochromatic look or want to incorporate the color in a subtle manner, it’s easy to create fun and festive styling options. We especially love the idea of rocking some icy blue chunky heels with a matching bag and a neutral outfit. Just imagine how darling your IG photos will turn out.

Drop-Waist Dresses

Take a moment to appreciate the beauty that is a drop-waist dress. It’s a timeless look that’s making a resurgence this holiday season, and we plan on wearing the style every chance we get. So many designers have taken their own spin on the silhouette, and we’re having a hard time choosing between all the stunning options. The first one we added to our carts was this Staud dress and we know it’s going to be a major sleigh. “I am obsessed with a drop waist and find it to be such a [lovely] silhouette,” says Grimstad. “A drop waist can instantly elevate a dress or skirt that would otherwise seem rather basic. I love the idea of pairing a velvet drop-waist mini dress with a pair of tights and heels for a holiday party.”

Pops of Red

If you paid attention to NYFW this year, we’re willing to bet you saw tons of red incorporated throughout the shows. And it’s here to stay. From rich hues to fun pops in accessories and even full outfits, red—while always a classic holiday color—is going to be even more prevalent this year. “The ‘pop of red’ trend seems to be everywhere—and perhaps timely since the holidays are right around the corner,” shares Grimstad. “A red cashmere sweater or red pump can easily add a pop of color (and holiday spirit) to a look.”

"Quiet Luxury" Jewelry

“Quiet luxury” dressing has been all the rage thanks to the likes of Sofia Richie Grainge, Zendaya, and even Taylor Swift (at least when she’s not on stage). This holiday season, we’re expecting to see the “quiet luxury” trend carry over to jewelry. And no—this does not mean you have to rock designer pieces. Instead, think of classic pieces like gold hoops, dainty necklaces, and simple statement earrings that will elevate your holiday ’fits. Grimstad tells Byrdie, “Less is always more when it comes to jewelry, and I love simple accessorizing during the winter season.”

Ribbons and Bows

Christian Siriano’s S/S 24 collection at NYFW was iconic, to say the least. Not only were the pieces truly impeccable, but the styling choices when it came to the glam were what really pulled the looks together for us. Take inspo from the ribbons weaved into the models’ hair (which can be seen here) and give it a holiday twist. Go for red ribbons weaved in your hair and oversized black bow clips. But the trend doesn’t stop there—consider yourself the gift that keeps on giving and wear a dress embellished with bows or even a pair of cutesy heels.

Metallic Moments

While sequins will absolutely still have their place this holiday season, we’re predicting that metallics are going to take over in a major way. Whether you opt for a pair of blazing-hot boots or something more understated like a tube top, metallic pieces are sure to put you in a holly jolly spirit. “Metallics scream holiday to me and instantly bring something a little more festive into your outfit,” shares Grimstad. “This holiday season, I’ll be pairing a metallic midi skirt with a great fitted turtleneck and a pair of pumps. This is a great holiday look for dinner with your in-laws or maybe even your office holiday party. Conservative with a fun, festive flair.”

Pearlcore

If there’s one trend on your list you need to try out, make it pearlcore. Chances are you already have some pearly pieces floating around your closet, so why not show them off at your next holiday get-together? If you want to ease into the trend, you can’t go wrong with classic-yet-trendy pearl-drop earrings or even shoes with pearl-embellished straps. And if you feel like incorporating pearls into your clothes, we love the idea of going for a full-on pearl dress.

50 Shades of Brown

All-black outfits have their time and place—and the holidays are most certainly one of those moments. However, we predict brown is going to be the new black this year, and Grimstad agrees. “You’ve probably heard by now, but brown is the new black, but they also go together! I think that the easiest way to incorporate shades of brown into your wardrobe this season is with a great brown wool coat or a beautiful pair of brown leather heeled booties.” If you love the brown look as much as we do, go for a fully monochromatic look by pairing a brown dress with a trench and some suede boots—just make sure they’re all different shades of brown for the highest impact.

Edgy Tartan

Holiday flannels are bound to spark joy in anyone who tries the trend, but instead of just wearing them as pajamas, tartan prints are going to be rampant in an edgier form. Think combat boots with a grungy aesthetic. “An edgy tartan fabric can elevate a basic silhouette for a more holiday-themed look,” adds Grimstad. “For example, consider pairing this tartan dress with a black tight and a great pair of heeled boots for the holiday party that’s on your calendar.”