It’s been rather weird, getting into the holiday spirit as an adult. There are no seasonal vacations or end-of-semester exams that clearly indicate the end of the year the way there was in school. I remember blasting Mariah Carey and scrolling through Anthropologie’s gift shop in tandem with studying for my finals — I truly romanticized winter like a Hallmark movie. Now we’re halfway through December and I’ve barely registered that I have several holiday party outfits to plan! So chop chop, let’s plan some killer party outfits.

It’s always a challenge to dress chic and warm at the same time. Your vision says tights but the weather is saying sweatpants. With the right coordination, however, you can get a stunning holiday outfit that looks festive, chic, and eye-catching without freezing off your toes. Just take inspiration from the below winter party outfits, which blend long coats with a nice high heel. I’m leaning a little away from a simple party dress and opting for something more pieced together. Whether you’re celebrating with family, at your friend’s apartment, or going out in town, these are the best winter party outfits to show up in.

The New Year’s Party Outfit

Tired of sparkly dresses? Try studded shorts instead. These ones from Frankie Shop stun with a pair of Ferragamo heels, giving you legs for days. Matched with a fun and frilly long sleeve top, you’re ready to toast to the new year in style.

So You’re Going to See The Nutcracker

If you are going to wear a dress, make sure it’s a show-stopping one. Especially if you’re going to a ball or to watch the Nutcracker, take this Reformation silk gown out to town and keep your warmth tightly sealed in a trendy faux fur coat. For shoes, I recommend these YSL satin wrap-around heels.

The Work Holiday Party Outfit

A blazer is a no-brainer for work holiday outfits. Currently, cinched in and structured blazers are surpassing oversized blazers in popularity. The Tibi Artemis Slip Skirt is a work of art and covers the right amount of skin for an office setting. And just to add a smidgen of color, the Tom Ford Cherry slingback should grace your feet.

The Family Dinner Look

Maybe you have a tradition to go on a fancy annual dinner with your extended family, in which case I recommend something comfortable yet chic — the Zimmerman Straight Leg Jeans with Orseund Iris’ Cowl Neck halter top achieve just that. Don’t forget Prada Pumps to finish the look.

The Crème de la Crème Outfit

I’ve been loving an all-cream outfit, where you look like one soft pudding top to bottom—I mean that in the utmost chic way, of course. This party outfit consists of Róhe’s delicate Tulip Organza skirt and Staud’s Silvia Top working hand in hand to deliver a feminine, hostess-with-the-mostess appearance. The Manolo Blahniks, although they give off a bit of a victorian vibe, offer an edgy finish.

Cocktails At The Plaza

PC: Bergdorf Goodman, Co, Saks Fifth Ave

Every weekend there’s an excuse to go out for cocktails in December. Old friends are back in town and even your coworkers are feeling cheery enough for a cheeky martini at the Plaza Hotel. What do you wear? This work-friendly pleated trouser and a drapey cowl neck top from Simkhai. And because the shoes are black too, we’re adding ruby and gold accents to the ear, courtesy of Oscar de la Renta.

Chestnuts are Roasting and Glasses are Toasting

PC: Calzedonia, Source Unknown, Reformation

Dialing up the cozyness factor, this off-the-shoulder knit has the right color, size, and style for a holiday party, particularly if you wear nothing but these glittery tights underneath. Although it sounds cold, if you march your way to the crackling fireplace in these Reformation kitten heels, you’ll be just fine.

Your Ex is Back in Town

Your ex is back in town, or maybe you’re the ex, coming back home to your small town after having moved to the city. Whether you’re looking forward to running into them or not, you’re certain you want to look breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll do so with this Bucci set — the divinity top and mermaid skirt. The iconic Gucci crystal slingback adds that vital holiday sparkle to finish.

A Fancy Feast Awaits

PC: Revolve, Cornelia James, Net-a-Porter

Holiday parties always involve some kind of dining experience. Well what better way to dine than in this LPA maxi dress — a sexy yet modest ensemble only made better with long gloves. The Toteme slingbacks continue the elegant theme and won’t have you towering over all the other guests.

Chic Holiday Party Outfits That Are More Than Just a Sparkly Dress