Choosing holiday outfits is one of the most exciting—and challenging—activities at this time of year. Picture this setting: Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” is playing in the background as women everywhere stand in front of closets packed with pieces that just won’t work for the events on their packed seasonal schedule.

Sound familiar? It’s time to take the stress out of picking the perfect Christmas party dress or New Year’s Eve dress. Because, with these shoppable holiday outfit ideas, the perfect party look is just a click away!

Christmas gatherings are often filled with family members and coworkers. So choosing outfits that are both festive and appropriate adds another layer of challenge when picking out proper attire. Want to wear something memorable that won’t make grandpa uncomfortable? Here are some ways to punch up a Christmas party dress while sticking to a family-friendly dress code.

Facing a formal gathering like an office holiday gathering and need a great Christmas party dress? Grab this vibrant IQREENY cocktail dress in a gorgeous wine red that’s made for this time of year. Fashion forward and festive thanks to side ruching, an asymmetric hemline and luxe velvet construction, the long balloon sleeves on this body con piece nicely offset the subtle vee neckline, making it perfect for corporate or full-family events.   

Prefer a less Christmas-like color palette for your party dress? Grab this bold blue velvet cocktail dress from MSBASIC. The soft, inviting finish, long sleeves and knee-length hemline contrast nicely with a bodycon silhouette and subtle vee to make an always-appropriate Christmas party dress.

This is the season of frigid temperatures, so a good list of holiday outfit ideas should include some pants-and-sweater mixes. To up the luxury factor, pick a pair of killer leather straight leg pants, like this cool cropped pair from Revolve. Crafting pants-based holiday outfits adds physical warmth to the season’s gatherings. But it also creates an opportunity to showcase sleek and elegant layering pieces like this body contouring body suit from Express, designed with a peekaboo cutout in the back to add playfulness to an otherwise basic wardrobe staple. Finally, a cute cropped pant leg creates the perfect opportunity to bust out awesome ankle booties—like this slouchy leather boot—or an elegant pump like this classic Lou heel from Revolve.

Even if athleisure is the dress code for a holiday gathering, this time of year is special, so it calls for shiny and pretty outfit add-ons. One trendy option to try? Comfy clothes with built-in accessories such as this pearl-embellished crew neck sweater from Express. But a sparkly add on like these Cubic Zirconia paperclip earrings are always welcome additions to holiday outfits. And, when all else fails, just grab a great party bag like this faux leather clutch from Express—big enough to stash all the basic necessities, but small enough to tote from the holiday party buffet to the bar and everywhere between.

If Christmas is about family, New Year’s is a time for friends, fun and fresh starts. Not to mention, the perfect New Year’s Eve dress. Like some of the options highlighted below.

From all night dancing to confetti-filled midnight drops, New Year’s gatherings are extra, so holiday outfit ideas for this special night need to make a major impact. For that reason, sequined dresses are a festive favorite for the last night of the year. 

Within this framework, there are so many options. Mix and match sequins with a side-slit sparkly midi skirt and a metallic mock-neck bodysuit. Go sleek and modern with an all-black base and classic silhouette in this Rebecca Vallance Mona Sequin mini dress. Pay homage to the 1980s with a gorgeous puffed-sleeve, one-shoulder, sequined New Year’s eve dress from Alexandre Vauthier. Or bring the party in dress form with a rainbow-sequin flare mini dress from Amazon fashion.

Sore feet be darned: holiday outfits for New Year’s need extra-special party shoes. And sky-high heels add drama and elegance to any festive wear. Rocking a short skirt or cropped pants? Try these pretty ankle-tied strappy sandals, made to visually elongate legs. And perfect for showing off a pretty winter pedicure.

Choosing a midi skirt or full-length pants? Choose a pair of heels with embellishments that hit lower on the leg, like these low-backed, high-heeled sandals. Bonus: they have a sexy faux-snakeskin finish that adds texture and classic design vibes to even the simplest of holiday outfits.

Whether party hopping, ball dropping or simply stepping outdoors to take in the first fireworks of 2022, it’s important to think about outwear when considering New Year’s Eve outfit ideas. A practical must for warmth, don’t relegate these pieces to pure practicality. Instead, consider them the cherry on top of a perfect holiday outfit.  

Now, it’s ok to think outside of the box and steer clear of traditional coats, jackets and wraps. Although these 8 Winter jackets are made for rocking over a New Year’s Eve dress, if that route is preferable. Still, to reinvent outerwear for holiday outfits, consider skipping a jacket and pulling on a pretty wrap-sweater, like this pretty piece from House of Harlow 1960 X Revolve, ideal for showing a flash of New Year’s eve dresses, thanks to the elegant deep-v neckline. And oh-so-cozy given the luxe blend of nylon, wool and acrylic construction.

What holiday outfit ideas are inspiring your wardrobe choices this year? Do you already have a Christmas party dress? Are you still on the hunt for a perfect New Year’s eve outfit? Comment below and let everyone know which styles are coming to your closet before the start of 2022!