Festive Attire: Top Festive Attire Outfits for Men & Women

Published on October 4, 2024

Stylish group of men and women wearing black tie holiday party attire

The Best of Festive: Holiday Outfits for Fall & Winter

When it comes to festive attire, think of it as an invitation to have fun with your wardrobe. It’s that sweet spot between dressing up and showing off your personality, whether you're heading to a holiday party, a cultural celebration, or a family gathering. This article will dive into some top festive looks for both men and women, giving you ideas to stay stylish while embracing the celebratory spirit. Get ready for outfit inspiration that'll have you feeling merry and bright.

Key Takeaways

Festive attire blends seasonal colors, patterns, and fabrics to create stylish outfits for various events, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations.
Key festive fabrics include velvet, wool, sequins, and metallics, which can elevate any look, whether it’s a suit, dress, or tuxedo.
Accessories like ties, pocket squares, scarves, and jewelry help complete festive attire, adding seasonal flair and personality to your outfit.
Avoid common mistakes like misunderstanding the dress code, overshadowing the bride or groom at weddings, and wearing ill-fitting clothes—SuitShop’s Fit Finder and Fit Guide can help.
SuitShop’s made-to-order line offers the perfect solution for personalized festive attire, whether for a holiday party or destination wedding attire.

What Is Festive Attire?

Festive attire, also known as holiday attire, is your chance to dress to impress while adding a little holiday sparkle. It typically sits somewhere between formal and semi-formal, a fun take on cocktail attire that pulls in seasonal vibes like rich reds, deep greens, gold, silver, and even festive plaids. Fabrics are where the magic happens—think velvet, sequins, wool, and anything with a metallic sheen.

But festive attire isn’t always limited to cocktail hour. If you're invited to an event with a black-tie or formal dress code, you’ll still need to stick to those guidelines, such as donning gowns and tuxedos, while finding ways to sneak in some festive flair. Whether it’s a sparkly accessory or a velvet dinner jacket, blending in the holiday spirit while respecting the rules of formal vs black-tie attire is the key!

What Occasions Call for Festive Attire?

A classic black suit, styled with a festive tie with a Christmas tree pattern

Festive couple posed in front of a Christmas tree, wearing holiday-ready attire.

What Occasions Call for Festive Attire?

There are plenty of occasions that call for festive attire, whether you're heading to a low-key hangout with friends or dressing to impress at a holiday wedding. Here’s a breakdown of what you might wear for different events:

Casual gatherings: If you're off to a friend's house party or a cozy family get-together, festive attire can lean more casual and comfortable. Consider sweaters with a festive touch, paired with slacks or dark jeans and a nice pair of boots. You might even venture into garden party attire for a fun outdoor gathering—like layering up with a casual blazer or patterned shirt to keep things fun but relaxed.
Holiday parties: Corporate holiday parties can be tricky since you’ll want to balance professionalism with a bit of festive flair. This is where cocktail attire comes into play—blazers in seasonal colors like burgundy or deep green, paired with smart trousers, or a sleek yet festive dress with metallic accents. The key is to look polished while still nodding to the holiday spirit.
Holiday weddings: Winter weddings add a layer of elegance to festive attire, especially if the invite mentions formal wear. Think velvet gowns or chic cocktail dresses for women and velvet dinner jackets for men. Pay attention to the venue and the dress code on the invite—rich fabrics like velvet or silk in appropriate colors are a great way to keep things classy while showing off a little festive twist.
Formal celebrations: Galas, upscale family events, and other formal gatherings give you the perfect excuse to go all out with festive attire. This is where you can break out the elegant cocktail dresses, tuxedos, and men’s suits with holiday accents—whether it's a fun bowtie, a velvet jacket, or a gown in a seasonal hue.

Festive Attire Inspiration for Men

Holiday party guest wearing a velvet tuxedo for men

Holiday party-ready in a merlot double breasted suit jacket for men, styled with a black polkadot necktie

Festive attire for men is all about adding a little extra style and personality to your look while staying sharp. Whether you’re dressing up for a holiday party, a winter wedding, or another special occasion, incorporating festive colors and patterns is essential to nailing that perfect balance between festive and formal. Turn to rich colors like merlot and fabrics like velvet to bring the holiday spirit into men's wedding guest attire or any other celebration. Now, let’s break it down and dive into some outfit inspiration.

Suit: A great suit is the foundation of any festive look. A brown tweed suit is perfect for a holiday party or casual gathering—it's festive without being over the top. For something a bit dressier, you can't go wrong with a rich merlot suit, which screams holiday elegance and pairs beautifully with a simple white shirt.
Tuxedo: If the event calls for black-tie, or even just a step up from your standard suit, a white and black tuxedo has you covered. It’s classic, sharp, and with a little holiday flair, it’s sure to stand out in all the right ways. Pair it with a velvet bow tie to really get into the holiday spirit. Explore the various types of tuxedos, from a classic black to a colored or white tuxedo, to find the perfect match.
Tops: For tops, there are countless options to match your level of formality. A crisp white dress shirt is always a safe bet, but why not mix it up with a velvet blazer or even a patterned shirt with holiday tones? It’s a subtle way to nod to the season while still looking sharp.
Bottoms: When it comes to bottoms, keep it sleek. Slim-cut trousers in deep hues like charcoal or merlot can bring that extra holiday edge. If you’re going for a more casual vibe, consider pairing tweed trousers with a sweater or blazer. You can find a variety of dress pants or slacks to match the dress code and theme of your festive event.
Footwear: Don’t forget the finishing touch—your shoes! Polished leather dress shoes in brown or black are timeless, but you can always add a festive twist with a velvet loafer. Just make sure your shoes complement the overall color palette of your outfit for a cohesive, stylish look.

Festive Attire Inspiration for Women

A group of coordinated men and women wear burgundy tuxedos and floor length gowns to a festive holiday party

Holiday party guests wearing a red floor length gown and a classic black tuxedo

Festive attire for women is all about embracing bold colors, luxurious fabrics, and festive patterns to create a look that’s both elegant and fun. Whether it’s a holiday party, a formal event, or women's wedding guest attire, the key is to balance the seasonal vibes with sophistication. From rich reds to sleek tuxedos, there are plenty of stylish options to add some festive pizzazz to your wardrobe. Let’s break down how to put together the perfect holiday look.

Dresses: A classic holiday staple, dresses in rich hues or shimmering fabrics are always a win. For an upscale look, a white tuxedo dress offers a modern twist on formal holiday attire—perfect for formal wedding attire or an elegant holiday party. For something a little more festive, a deep red cocktail dress or gown adds that touch of seasonal spirit.
Suits and tuxedos: Who says suits are just for men? Women can rock festive suits and tuxedos just as well. A red suit is bold and striking, ideal for making a statement at any holiday event. Or, if you’re going for something more chic, the black and white tuxedo delivers a sleek, polished look with a festive twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, the fuchsia suit is a fun, fashion-forward choice for those who love to stand out.
Tops: For tops, you can keep it classic with a simple blouse or mix it up with a velvet or sequined top to bring in some texture. Whether you’re pairing it with a skirt or suit pants, your top is the perfect place to add a little holiday sparkle.
Bottoms: Tailored trousers are a must for a polished look. You can go with sleek black pants for something timeless, or opt for a pair of high-waisted trousers in festive colors like red or deep green. Pair them with a tucked-in blouse or a stylish blazer to complete the look.

Footwear: Shoes can make or break your festive outfit. Metallic heels or classic black pumps will always look great, but if you want to take your holiday style up a notch, velvet or jewel-tone shoes add a festive pop. Whether you’re dancing the night away or mingling at a holiday soiree, your shoes should balance comfort and style.

Festive Attire FAQs

When it comes to festive attire, the accessories you choose can take your outfit from simple to standout. It’s all about picking season-appropriate colors, patterns, and fabrics that complement your ensemble. Whether you’re wearing a tuxedo, a cocktail dress, or a velvet suit, here are some festive accessory ideas for both men and women.

Ties and bowties: For men, ties and bowties in festive colors like deep reds, forest greens, or even metallic fabrics can elevate a suit or tuxedo. If you're aiming for something bold, try a patterned tie with subtle holiday motifs.
Pocket squares: Pocket squares are a subtle but effective way to add a pop of color or pattern to your suit. A bright red or plaid pocket square can bring a festive flair, while metallic or velvet fabrics can take it up a notch.
Scarves: Scarves can be both functional and fashionable. For men, wool or cashmere scarves in dark, festive colors are perfect for outdoor events. Women can opt for silk scarves with patterns in rich hues or metallic accents.
Jewelry: When it comes to jewelry, the key is balance. For women, go for statement pieces like gold or silver earrings or a necklace with a festive twist, such as jewel tones or holiday shapes. Men can add cufflinks, tie bars, or even a watch with festive details.

Clutch or handbags: A clutch or handbag is the final touch for a festive look. Metallics, jewel tones, or velvet fabrics are all excellent choices to match the holiday theme

When it comes to festive attire, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure your outfit is both stylish and appropriate. First, misunderstanding the dress code—whether it's formal vs. semi-formal attire—can lead to underdressing or overdressing, so always double-check the invite. Wearing white or overshadowing the bride or groom at a festive wedding is another no-no; instead, stick to festive touches without going over the top. Skipping accessories can leave your outfit feeling incomplete, so don't forget to add a tie, pocket square, or bold jewelry. Finally, make sure your clothes fit properly—nothing ruins a look faster than an ill-fitting suit or dress. Tools like SuitShop's Fit Finder and Fit Guide are great for ensuring you get the perfect fit for your festive occasion.

Festive attire is all about standing out in style, and recent trends are making it easier to do just that. Here’s what’s hot for both men and women this holiday season:

Rich, luxurious fabrics: Velvet is making a big comeback, especially in made-to-order suits. Whether it’s a velvet blazer for men or a velvet dress for women, this fabric brings a luxe touch to any festive look.
Metallics and sequins: The holiday season is the perfect time to go bold with metallic fabrics and sequined outfits. Men can opt for metallic ties or pocket squares, while women can embrace sequined dresses or tops for that extra sparkle.
Jewel tones: Rich, deep colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red are everywhere in festive fashion. Both men and women can lean into this trend with jewel-tone suits, dresses, or accessories.
Sustainable fashion: More people are focusing on sustainability, and festive attire is no exception. Opt for high-quality, long-lasting pieces like a made-to-order suit or ethically sourced fabrics to keep your wardrobe eco-friendly.
Monochromatic outfits: Dressing in a single color from head to toe is a sleek, modern way to make a statement. For men, try a suit and tie in varying shades of the same color. For women, go for a monochromatic dress or matching top and bottoms in festive hues.

Festive flatlay featuring a black tuxedo, holiday patterns, and Christmas lights

Finish with Flair: Perfecting Your Festive Attire

When it comes to festive attire, it’s all about finding the perfect balance of style, seasonal colors, and the right accessories. From bold, jewel-toned suits and luxurious fabrics like velvet to thoughtfully selected ties, scarves, and jewelry, you can easily create a look that’s both festive and appropriate for any occasion. Remember to keep the dress code in mind, whether it's formal or semi-formal attire, and always aim for the perfect fit with the help of SuitShop’s Fit Finder and Fit Guide.

Whether you’re prepping for a corporate holiday party or winter wedding, or even need the right destination wedding attire, SuitShop has you covered. With our made-to-order line featuring seasonal colors and patterns, you’ll have everything you need to step into the season looking sharp and stylish.

Kristen Jones

Kristen is Director of Marketing at SuitShop. Prior to SuitShop, Kristen worked for startups like Yik Yak and Uber Eats, and has helped develop marketing s...