Christmas and New Year Party Outfits for Women: 8 Easy Looks

Christmas and New Year's Eve fall a week apart, and between them there's usually a work party, a family dinner, a house party and a big night out. You don't need a new outfit for each. A few pieces you can dress up or down, plus one statement layer, will cover them all. Here are eight easy looks, from a cosy house party to a beach party in Goa.

1. A black dress with a velvet shrug

A black dress is the safest New Year's Eve choice, and a textured layer makes it feel special. The Black Velvet Brasso Party Shrug has a raised velvet pattern on a semi-sheer base and an asymmetric hem. Wear it over the Black Printed Rayon Crepe Wrap Dress, with heels or block sandals and one pair of statement earrings.

2. A co-ord set for a dinner party

A matching set looks put together and is easier to move in than a dress. The Co-ord Set with Flared Pants pairs a ruffled crop top with tiered flared pants on a navy floral print. Wear it with block heels for a dinner party, and add the velvet shrug or the Black Embroidered Drawstring Shrug if the evening gets cool.

3. A halter top and wide pants for a night out

For a club or rooftop party, a halter neck top shows off your shoulders and looks sharp with wide-leg trousers. The Black & White Chain Print Halter Neck Top has a tie-back and goes with black or white wide pants, or dark jeans.

4. Red for Christmas

Red is the Christmas colour, and it doesn't have to be a full red dress. The Red V-Neck Top has a soft stretch and 3/4 sleeves. Wear it with black trousers for a work Christmas party, or with jeans for a casual get-together. For a printed option, wear the Red & Black Print Kaftan Shrug over a plain black top and trousers.

5. A printed dress for a family dinner

For Christmas lunch or dinner with family, a knee-length printed dress feels festive without being too much. The Purple Printed Rayon Crepe Dress has 3/4 sleeves and an A-line skirt, so it's comfortable through a long meal. Add flats or low heels.

6. Stripes for a house party

At a house party you want to look good while you sit on the floor and dance in the kitchen. The Black & White Striped Satin Short Shrug has a soft sheen and a drawstring waist. Wear it over a sleeveless black dress or a bright top and jeans. It dresses up a simple outfit without being uncomfortable.

7. A Goa beach party on New Year's Eve

If you're ringing in the New Year in Goa, think beach party, not ballroom. The Green Halter Neck Maxi Beach Dress is full length and fully opaque, so it works from the sand to the party. Pair it with flat sandals, because you'll be walking on sand. For a pool party, the Pink Floral Co-ord Set with a bell-sleeve crop top and shorts is light and easy. For more ideas, read what to wear in Goa.

8. A floral dress with a dark layer for an outdoor party

December evenings in North India can be cold, while the South and Goa stay warm. For an outdoor party in mild weather, wear a light floral dress and add a darker layer for later. The Beige Floral Spaghetti Strap Dress works with the black velvet or embroidered shrug over it.

Party outfit tips

• One statement piece. Let the velvet shrug, the halter top or a bold print stand out, and keep everything else simple.
• Plan for the cold. For a Delhi or North India party, wear warm tights or a jacket over your outfit on the way. In Goa and the South, a light shrug is enough.
• Dance-ready shoes. Block heels and flat sandals last longer than stilettos, especially on grass or sand.
• Re-wear smartly. Wear the same co-ord set to two parties: once as a set, then split it up with a different top or bottoms.

Party outfit questions

What should a woman wear to a New Year's Eve party?

A black dress with a statement shrug, a co-ord set with heels, or a halter top with wide pants. For a beach party, choose a maxi dress and flat sandals.

What colours are good for New Year's Eve?

Black, metallics and jewel tones are the classics. Red works for Christmas. In some traditions, red or yellow is said to bring luck for the new year.

What should I wear to a New Year house party?

Something comfortable but a little dressed up. A striped or velvet shrug over a simple dress, or a co-ord set, looks good without being formal.

What should I wear to a Christmas party at work?

Smart and simple: a red or printed top with black trousers, or a knee-length dress with a solid shrug.

What should I wear for New Year's Eve in Goa?

A light maxi dress or a co-ord set with flat sandals. Nights stay around 20°C, so a light shrug is all you need. See our Goa outfit guide.

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