There are two kinds of holiday dressers: those who play it safe, and those who believe a party outfit should have at least a little plot twist.
At ModCloth, we wholeheartedly support the plot twist.
The holiday season is your invitation to dress like the most delightful version of yourself. Think technicolor embroidery that deserves its own standing ovation, a little black dress with main-character energy, velvet straight out of a ’70s daydream, and brocade critters that make even the most serious cocktail party a little more interesting.
Whether your calendar is filling up with office parties, family festivities, cocktail soirées, or a cozy gathering where the dress code is “one more cookie,” we have four wonderfully unexpected ways to make your holiday outfits feel extra special.
Ready to dress merrily and mischievously? Let’s get festive.
1. Colorful Embroidery: Go Big, Go Bold, Go Beautifully Extra
For the person who believes subtlety is overrated.
Some holiday outfits whisper. Colorful embroidery? It arrives with its own brass band.
Intricate stitching, vibrant florals, and eye-catching details bring an artful, almost storybook quality to holiday dressing. It's the kind of statement-making style that does all the talking before you even say hello. And honestly, isn't that what a great party outfit should do?
For maximum impact, let your embroidered dress or top take center stage. Pair it with simple heels, delicate earrings, or a classic clutch. If your embroidery is bursting with color, pick one shade from the pattern for your accessories to tie everything together without stealing the spotlight.
The ModCloth styling formula: One wonderfully embroidered piece + understated accessories + a confident twirl.
Wear it to a holiday dinner, a festive cocktail party, or anywhere you feel like bringing a little extra magic. Bonus points if someone asks, “Where did you get that?”
2. The Little Black Dress: A Classic With a Mischievous Side
For the person who likes their timeless style with a wink.
Ah, the little black dress. Reliable, endlessly versatile, and always ready for a last-minute invitation. But who says a classic has to be predictable?
This holiday season, give your LBD a personality upgrade. Look for vintage-inspired silhouettes, playful sleeves, flattering waistlines, interesting textures, or unexpected details that make a timeless shape feel distinctly yours.
Then accessorize like you mean it. Try ruby-red heels, a glittering statement necklace, a velvet bow, or earrings that could probably be spotted from across the room. A swipe of red lipstick? Practically a holiday tradition.
For an office party, keep things polished with classic pumps and a structured bag. Heading somewhere more glamorous? Add sparkling jewelry and your favorite party shoes. The beauty of a little black dress is that it happily plays along with whatever festive character you choose to become.
The ModCloth styling formula: A perfectly charming LBD + one playful accessory + a dash of holiday sparkle.
Because sometimes the most memorable outfit is the one that proves classic style never needs to be boring.
3. ’70s Velvet: A Little Disco, A Lot of Drama
For the person who suspects they were born to dance beneath a disco ball.
If the holiday season had a fabric of the year, velvet would be a very strong contender.
Rich, touchable, and wonderfully nostalgic, velvet brings instant occasion-worthy charm to any outfit. Give it a ’70s twist, and suddenly you're channeling vintage glamour, cocktail-hour confidence, and the irresistible feeling that someone might put on a Fleetwood Mac record at any moment.
Think jewel tones, retro silhouettes, flared shapes, and velvet that catches the light with every move. Emerald green, rich amethyst purple, smoky slate gray, and sumptuous black are all excellent choices for a festive look with a little old-school soul.
Style a velvet dress with platform-inspired heels and gold jewelry for full retro-glam energy. Prefer a more modern approach? Keep your accessories streamlined and let the luxurious texture do the work.
And remember: velvet is not just for the big party. A velvet top paired with tailored trousers or a velvet skirt styled with a cozy knit can bring a little holiday magic to more casual celebrations, too.
The ModCloth styling formula: ’70s-inspired velvet + gold accents + dancing-like-nobody's-watching energy.
Warning: May cause spontaneous twirling, excessive compliments, and an inexplicable desire to say, “Groovy.”
4. Critter Brocade: For the Delightfully Unexpected
For the person who prefers their holiday fashion with a side of whimsy.
Snowflakes? Lovely. Plaid? Classic. Tiny woodland creatures woven into a luxurious brocade? Now we're talking.
Critter brocade is for anyone who believes getting dressed should be fun. With its rich texture, intricate patterns, and unexpected animal motifs, this playful fabric turns an ordinary holiday outfit into a conversation starter. It's a little vintage, a little eccentric, and entirely too charming to keep hidden in the back of your closet.
The secret to styling a statement brocade piece is to let the pattern shine. Pair a critter-covered skirt with a simple fitted top, or wear a standout dress with minimal accessories. A pair of Mary Janes, a petite handbag, or a classic headband can give the whole look a charming, retro finish.
For a holiday party, lean into the whimsy. For a family gathering, keep things comfortable and polished. And for that one event where everyone usually wears the same predictable outfit? Consider this your opportunity to be the delightful exception.
The ModCloth styling formula: Unexpected critter brocade + classic accessories + absolutely no fear of being interesting.
After all, who decided festive fashion had to take itself so seriously?
Your Holiday Style, Your Rules
The best holiday party outfits don't just look good in photographs. They make you feel like yourself, only with a little more sparkle, a little more confidence, and perhaps a few more opportunities to show off your excellent taste.
Choose colorful embroidery when you're ready to make an entrance. Reach for the little black dress when timeless charm calls. Slip into velvet when your inner disco queen needs a moment. And embrace critter brocade when your festive spirit has a wonderfully mischievous side.
Mix eras. Play with textures. Wear the statement earrings. Repeat your favorite dress with entirely different accessories. There are no fashion rules that say you can't be the best-dressed person at the party and the most comfortable one on the dance floor.
This season, let your wardrobe tell a story worth remembering.
Ready to make merry in something marvelous? Explore ModCloth for vintage-inspired holiday dresses, statement-making textures, and whimsical styles that make every celebration a little more magical.
Because the holidays are too short for boring outfits. And darling, you were never meant to blend into the tinsel.
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