Holiday Party Style Guide: From Cozy Gatherings to Evening Soirées

Holiday party season is officially here—which means your calendar (and your closet!) are about to get busy. Whether you’re heading to a casual cookie exchange, a business-casual work event, or a sparkling formal soirée, having a few go-to outfit ideas makes getting dressed so much more fun.

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This style guide walks you through five types of holiday gatherings and how to dress for each of them, featuring some of our favorite Mae Threads pieces that make it easy to look festive and feel comfortable.

1. Christmas Sweater Party: Go All-Out Festive

There’s only one rule for a Christmas sweater party: the more festive, the better. Lean into cozy textures, playful graphics, and holiday cheer—then balance it with bottoms that fit your comfort level. Keep it simple with joggers or leggings, or dress things up with a silky midi skirt.

Featured Pieces:

• Farm Fresh Christmas Sweatshirt- A sweet and nostalgic design that instantly puts you in a merry mood. Perfect for pairing with soft sweats for a casual vibe or elevating with a satin skirt and boots.
  
• The Merry Pullover in White - A clean, classic holiday pullover that brings just the right amount of cheer. Pair it with denim, trousers, or something sparkly to personalize your look.
• The Merry Christmas Sweater in Ivory - A cozy holiday knit that wears its cheer loud and bright. The bold rainbow “MERRY CHRISTMAS” lettering across the back and sleeves makes it perfect for everything from tree-trimming at home with jeans to a festive night out with a skirt, tights, and boots

Styling Tip: Tuck your sweater into a high-waisted skirt to add shape, or go oversized on top with slim leggings for that effortless wintery balance.

2. Cozy, Casual Gathering: Let One Statement Piece Shine

For low-key get-togethers—think game nights, cookie decorating, or comfort-food dinners—choose one standout piece and keep the rest of your outfit relaxed and comfortable. You’ll look intentional without feeling overdressed.

Featured Pieces:

• The Bristal Pants in Black Gingham - With a cropped straight-leg silhouette, functional patch pockets, a hidden back zipper, and a playful ruffle-trim hem, these pants do all the talking. Pair them with a simple tee or sweater and let the print shine.
  
• The Faye Short Sleeved Button-Up Cardigan in Red - The playful rolled hems and stretchy-soft fabric make this cardigan an easy statement. Wear it buttoned as a top with jeans, or layer it over a basic tee for extra coziness.
  

Styling Tip: Choose either a bold bottom or a bold top—never both—so your outfit stays visually balanced.

3. Business-Casual Party: Polished with a Little Holiday Spark

Work parties can feel tricky: you want to stay professional but still show some personality. Elevate your everyday pieces with a festive twist—swap your usual trousers for leather pants, or pair a blazer with a dress you love.

Featured Piece:

• The Attie Dolman Sleeve Sweater Dress in Oatmeal - With a surplice neckline, dolman sleeves, and a soft sweater-knit fabric, this maxi dress walks the line between polished and cozy. Layer a tailored wool coat or structured blazer on top for an office-appropriate touch.
  

Styling Tip: Add one special element—like a bold earring, pointed-toe flats, or a sleek belt—to elevate the look without going overboard.

4. Dressy Dinner: Elegant, Comfortable, and Effortless

For a nice dinner out, a skirt set or flowy dress gives you the perfect mix of sophistication and ease. Think soft fabrics, gentle structure, and silhouettes that stay comfortable for hours.

Featured Piece:

• The Briar Set in Cream - This dreamy two-piece set includes a cropped top and high-waisted midi skirt—both with pockets (a gift!). The elastic waistband, back zippers, pleats, full lining, and double-layered top make it as functional as it is stunning. Wear it with heels or ankle boots for a simple winter-chic look.
  

Styling Tip: Highlight the matching set by keeping accessories minimal—pearls, gold hoops, or a soft cashmere wrap pair beautifully.

5. Evening Elegance: From Velvet to Sequins

When the invitation calls for formal, it’s time to bring out the richness: velvet, sparkle, embroidery, and dramatic silhouettes. This is your moment to shine—literally.

Featured Pieces:

• The Harlow Embossed Velvet Button Down Dress - A true showstopper. The heavyweight embossed velvet feels lush and refined, while scalloped trim adds a touch of whimsy. With functional cover buttons, a hidden side zipper, an elastic back waistband, and side pockets, it’s a flattering and incredibly wearable formal piece.
  
• The Madonna Sequin Fringe Dress - A knee-length celebration of all things fun and festive. The diamond-pattern sequins, short sleeves, and fringe-lined hem give this dress major movement—perfect if you’ll be dancing all night.
  

Styling Tip: Keep your shoes and jewelry understated when your dress has texture or sparkle. Let the fabric catch the light and do the work for you.

Whether your holiday season is filled with cocoa by the fire or elegant nights out, the right outfit helps you feel present, comfortable, and confident. Choose pieces that match the vibe—but also match you. With these Mae Threads favorites, you’ll be ready for every occasion on your calendar.