These Are the Coolest Holiday Party Outfits, Period

last updated 13 August 2019

Fitting in is great and all, but every holiday season we get the urge to do something different that stands out. Perhaps it’s our love for Carrie Bradshaw, or our desire to stay ahead of the curve with styling tricks and fashion trends, but whatever the matter, this December we’re determined to try at least one out-of-the-box holiday outfit idea.

To accomplished said task, we looked to a handful of women we can always rely on for outfit experimentation. Ladies like Olivia Palermo and Alexa Chung, for example. We browsed through their latest looks and gathered five truly unique ensembles that we suspect you’ll want to replicate for your next soirée as well.

Scroll down to see and shop these five creative outfits, and let us know in the comments which one(s) you’ll be trying out yourself.

#1: Statement Suit

We love a menswear moment; why not snag a suit in a festive fabric, like metallic or velvet? We can pretty much guarantee no one else will be wearing one.

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On Naomie Harris: Gucci suit; Lee Savage clutch; Christian Louboutin pumps.

5-out-of-the-box-holiday-outfit-ideas-1996885-1480527462 — Shop Our Pick:

Zara Velvet Blazer ($169) and Trousers ($100)

#2: Bold Slip Dress

We're not knocking a classic silk slip dress, but this is the holidays, for goodness sake. Let's shake things up! Try one in a bold animal print, like Alexa Chung, and layer a tuxedo blazer on top for good measure.

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On Alexa Chung: Archive by Alexa Harper Dress ($69).

Shop Our Picks:

Mango

Cropped Velvet Blazer

Equipment

Animal Print Dress

#3: Major Glam

The 80s were all over the F/W 16 runways, and we think testing out the trend for New Year's Eve by way of a one-shoulder top is perfection. Finish things off with one statement earring, trousers, and heels.

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On Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Saint Laurent top and heels.

Shop Our Picks:

Baja East

One-Shoulder Satin Top

Adia Kibur

Zoe Tassel Earrings

Who What Wear

Plus Size Skinny Crop Pants

#4: Embellished Sweater

Leave it to Olivia Palermo to inspire the coolest combination we've seen in a long time. Pair an embellished knit with an edgy leather skirt and choker for a look you'll definitely want to take pictures in.

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On Olivia Palermo: Versace sweater; Gianvito Rossi shoes.

Shop Our Picks:

Sonia Rykiel

Sequined Sweater

Adornmonde

Tran Black Leather Choker Lariat

Zara

Leather Studio Skirt

#5: Matching Separates

There's something so refreshing about a matching set—especially when it's in a luxe fabric, like Bella Hadid's satin duo. Find your magic pairing, throw on a coat, and hit the town.

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On Bella Hadid: Bec & Bridge top and pants.

Shop Our Picks:

Black Crane

Long Coat

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Whistles Pearl Tie Back Bandeau Top ($188) and Pearl Cropped Trousers ($248)

Click for more stylish holiday party outfit ideas.

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Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)