Holiday Party Outfit Ideas, Straight from the Experts at Theory
The holiday season is prime time for parties, but different occasions call for different outfits. We turned to the style team at Theory for advice on what to wear—from casual brunches to formal galas, office parties to New Year’s Eve fêtes. Here’s what they recommend for every celebration on your calendar.
Office Party
From polished professional to after-hours chic, master the art of effortless sophistication with structured yet wearable separates.
Womenswear: Pair a sleek midi-length black dress (Short-Sleeve Midi Dress in Admiral Crepe - Black) with a double-breasted blazer (Relaxed Double-Breasted Blazer in Sleek Flannel - Dark Thyme) and timeless pointed-toe pumps (Pointed-Toe Pump in Leather - White).
Menswear: Top a classic knit polo (Goris Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt in Light Bilen - Baltic) with a double-breasted wool blazer (Standard Double-Breasted Blazer in Sartorial Wool - Charcoal), then choose tailored wool pants (Standard Pant in Sartorial Wool - Charcoal) and polished calf leather loafers (City Loafer in Leather - Black) to round out the outfit.
Family Party
Arrive at seasonal family gatherings in layers that feel comfortable, festive, and photo-ready.
Womenswear: A luxe cashmere scarf (Classic Scarf in Cashmere - Cacao) is the perfect topper to a classic crewneck button-down cardigan (Crewneck Cardigan in Cashmere - Deep Navy) and ultra-soft shell (Crewneck Shell Top in Cashmere - Deep Navy). Keep it polished yet family-friendly in a full-length wool skirt (Soft Skirt in Astor Wool (available soon!)) and tall suede boots (Tall Boot in Suede - Hickory) on the bottom.
Menswear: Let winter white shine in a soft lightweight tee (Essential Long-Sleeve Tee in Anemone Modal Jersey - Winter White) layered with a relaxed-fit yet refined polo sweater (Relaxed Polo Sweater in Astor Wool - Winter Ivory). Complete the look with comfortable, slightly stretchy pants (Standard 5-Pocket Pant in Twill Stretch - Baltic) and a car coat (Car Coat in Motion Nylon - Black) that keeps you warm with its full lining and cocoon-like shape.
Formal Gala
Experiment with an outfit that turns heads at the season’s black-tie events, charity holiday galas, and New Year’s Eve balls.
Womenswear: A classic A-Line maxi skirt (A-Line Maxi Skirt in Base Satine (available soon!)) goes next-level with a deep jewel tone and a matching satin blouse featuring a twisted split cut (Twisted Split Blouse in Base Satin (available soon!)). A deliciously dramatic faux fur stole (Faux Fur Stole in Deluxe Faux (available soon!)) is the ultimate accessory to this chic yet standout outfit.
Menswear: Tux separates get taken to new heights with details like a blazer in luxurious wool featuring satin notch lapels (Chambers Tuxedo Blazer in Stretch Wool - Black), slim-leg pants with pressed creases and satin trim (Mayer Tuxedo Pant in Stretch Wool - Black), and a refined-fit, stretch-cotton blend shirt (Sylvain Tuxedo Shirt in Stretch Cotton-Blend - White).
Neighborhood / Building Party
Whether it’s an apartment gathering or lobby soirée, show up in style in elevated yet easy pieces.
Womenswear: Layer a trendy cropped track jacket (Cropped Track Jacket in Wool-Blend Flannel - Cacao) over the quintessential soft cashmere sweater with rib-knit details (Cropped Crewneck Sweater in Cashmere - Light Charcoal). Wear with fitted jeans for more casual occasions or upgrade the look in a tailored pleated maxi skirt (Pleated Maxi Skirt in Wool-Blend Flannel - Cacao).
Menswear: A soft, fully-lined vest (Zip-Up Vest in Motion Nylon - Alabaster) is a cozy companion to the classic mock neckline sweater (Mock Neck Sweater in Regal Wool - Brownwood) and casual yet sleek wool-blend pants (Standard Drawstring Pant in Motion Wool - Black).
Festive Dinner Party
Festive dinner parties at home are another holiday season staple—here's how to dress for them.
Womenswear: Mix an ethereally soft cashmere sweater (Drawstring P H Airy Cashmere - Black (available soon!)) with trendy wide-leg pants balanced by a fitted waist (Midrise Trouser Malfile Wool Charcoal (available soon!)).
Menswear: Opt for a sleek button-down (Relaxed Shirt Leaf Twill - Oat Milk (available soon!)) and soft sweater (Boiled Ls J Harmonious Tarmac (available soon!)) on top, partnered with comfy, five-pocket cords (Standard 5pkt Crosby - Cord Alabaster (available soon!)) on the bottom.
Holiday Brunch
Whether you’re getting together with friends or family (or both!), discover ideas on how to dress for a festive daytime meal.
Womenswear: Daytime is the perfect place to let soft neutrals shine. Balance out fresh neutrals on a simply chic turtleneck sweater (Turtleneck Sweater in Regal Wool - New Ivory) and straight-leg denim (Straight-Leg Five-Pocket Pant in Denim - Ecru) with a suede, menswear-style shirt (Classic Menswear Shirt in Suede - Deep Tobacco) and brushed plaid jacket (Cardigan Jacket in Plaid Wool-Cashmere - Brass Multi).
Menswear: For the men, winter whites make a statement in a cozy quarter-zip sweater (Hilles Quarter-Zip Sweater in Cashmere - Winter Ivory) and cashmere scarf (Scarf in Cashmere - Winter Ivory) and beanie (Ribbed Beanie in Cashmere - Winter Ivory). Rinsed black, relaxed denim (Worker Jean in Denim - Rinsed Black) and a double-face wool-cashmere overshirt in dark charcoal melange (Overshirt in Double-Face Wool-Cashmere - Dark Charcoal Melange) add contrast and keep the outfit seasonally appropriate.
Tree Trimming, Cookie Swap, or Game Night
Let your outfit match the vibe of the more fun and relaxed seasonal gatherings.
Womenswear: A pop of festive green takes on a fun, almost neon vibe in a soft cashmere cardigan (Brush Cardigan in Airy Cashmere (available soon!)), while flared, slit-style leggings (Flared Slit Legging in Motion Ponte - Black) add to the playful feel. Mix with a more traditional mock neck top in ivory (Mock Neck Top in Soft Rib - Ivory) and a sensible pair of socks (Trouser Socks 2pk in Regal Washable (available soon!)) to peek out from beneath the flares.
Menswear: Layer a dark quarter-zip sweatshirt (Relaxed Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt in Wool Bilen - Charcoal Melange) with a similarly colored button-down knit (Sylvain Shirt in Structure Knit - Pestle), then choose relaxed, straight-leg knit trousers (Straight Trouser in Knit Twill - Cafe) on the bottom.
New Year's Eve Celebration
From a chic dinner to a Champagne countdown, ring in 2026 with sleek, statement-making styles.
Womenswear: Start the new year on a bold note with a deeply toned statement coat in a striking silhouette (Long Double-Breasted Coat in Textured Wool-Cashmere - Plum) and wide-leg double-pleat pants (Double Pleat Pant, 33'' in Sleek Flannel - Merlot), paired with a tie-waist leather vest (Tie Waist Vest in Sleek Leather - Cacao).
Menswear: Cheers to a brand-new year in sleek, feel-good layers. Start with a blue cotton button-down (Sylvain Shirt in Good Cotton - Blue Lake), topped with a black crewneck sweater (Hilles Crewneck Sweater in Cashmere - Black), and a versatile wool jacket (Reversible Jacket in Motion Wool - Charcoal Melange) to keep you warm when walking from party to party. Pleated, stretch-wool pants (Relaxed Pleat Pant in Stretch Wool - Dark Charcoal) ensure you stay comfortable, cozy, and chic for all the night has to offer.
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