YOUR +1

An Official FP Guide for Your Next Holiday Party Appearance

By: Carrie Yotter
Published on 11/7/25

Featuring five most festive (and functional) outfits.

THE FREE PEOPLE GUIDE TO HOLIDAY PARTY OUTFITTING

Yes, ‘tis the season of…commitments.

Meaning SO MANY holiday parties–with friends, family, colleagues, total strangers, potential significant others all in tow. Regardless of who’s in attendance, the one thing we always want to aspire to when going to said soirees is to FEEL good, and to feel like ourselves. That can mean wearing a festive dress, lowkey jacket and denim…cargo pants even, when dressed up the right way. A few of our fellow FP teammates shared what they’re keeping on hand for their next Christmas or holiday entrances. Maybe you’ll want to follow suit?

FREE PEOPLE’S GO-TO HOLIDAY TRENDS

To kick off the fall season, we shared our Fall and Winter Trend Report, detailing three ideas that the team here at Free People were (and are) looking forward to interpreting in their own wardrobe

After Hours, or what our “mysterious night self” will be wearing–lux winter staples like jacquards, faux fur, velvet and shimmer, paired with more down-to-earth essentials like easy denim and knits.
Winterlight, heavy on femme winter whites (with a pastel twist). Accents of shimmer and shine play a pivotal part in making these outfits feel holiday–so special occasion dresses and tights abound in this look.
Giving Time, when it’s time to dress to the nines--adorned in plaids, tartan, poinsettias, and holiday motifs (bows!). Adding tights and heels when the moment calls

You’ll see touches of these references throughout the Christmas party outfits we’ve curated below:

OUTFIT 1: SETTING THE TONE

Monochromatic dressing isn’t necessarily a new idea, but it’s a timeless curation that holds up especially during the holiday season. We crafted this look to make an impact but not rely too heavily on a traditional Christmas or holiday palette. Here, the rich and chunky Clementine hits the mark in a vibrant orange.
And, though not an automatic reach-for for a party, cargo pants are big this holiday (not to mention functional–lipstick and phone in pockets, please) and to match them to your top makes for a super compelling though lax ensemble, so perhaps reserve this holiday look for meeting up at a bar, bowling alley or similar. Go the distance with matching sneakers and a fun, festive bag, and–look out, fellow partygoers.

Clementine Cable Knit Pullover | Brentwood Slouch Pants | Puma Speedcat Sneaker | Belle Velvet Bow Bag

OUTFIT 2: ALL BUSINESS

One outfit component that will always find a home in our closet–the blazer. It can do SO many things… Like the Whip Smart blazer, aptly named to whip smart any look depending on your destination. Here we’ve married the jacket with a lacy maxi top for a perfect sweet/cool balance. Pulling it all together are our washed chino trousers, another subtle menswear nod.
With a simple statement necklace and adorned flats, this look means business in a host of holiday settings.

Whip Smart Blazer | My Way Maxi Top | Spotlight Washed Chino Trousers | Lennon Layer Necklace | Mystic Mary Jane Flats

OUTFIT 3: FLOW FEELS

There’s always that person who seemingly, effortlessly glides into a party. If that sounds at all like you, in practice or theory, there’s a Chilco Maxi for that. With a satin-y finish and side slit for easy mobility, this skirt is a most gracious and subtle party favor. Topped off with a soft tonal sweater (perhaps layered with a made-to-be-seen intimate for drama), this outfit can take you from casual to semi-formal just the same, save for your shoe choice–a festive heel vs festive sneaker.

Chilco Maxi Skirt | Marina Soft Spun Knit Sweater | Lady Lux Layering Top | Chuck Taylor All Star Metallic High Top

OUTFIT 4: ALL PARTY

For some of us, minimalism is key for making a party statement–meaning a simple yet elegant mini dress can do all the talking for you. One of our favorite trend ideas for holiday is jacquard, so the Floreo Mini Dress checks off pretty much all of the boxes. Seamless tights can play a supporting role (nothing embellished), with a sleek kitten heel. Tote your necessaries in a little velvet pouch, and your co-guests will be in awe of your every step. And, for extra star power, don a full faux fur coat on your way in and out of the party.

Floreo Jacquard Mini Dress | Olivia Tights | Juls Kitten Heels | Valentina Velvet Pouch

OUTFIT 5: CHERRY ON TOP

For those who prefer a no-frills-with-frills look, a lacy satin cami like the Fiona paired back to a slim-fit velvet pant (ala the infamous Penny Pull-On Flared Pant) gives casual-yet-elevated-Christmas-affair like nothing else. Add extra trimmings with a choker-style necklace and statement heels, and you’re ready for any holiday party.
Just bring a gift and your million-dollar smile.

Fiona Satin Cami | Penny Pull-On Velvet Flared Pants | Ash Necklace