Bowmaxxing and balletcore: The girls' guide to holiday party style

Holiday party season is well under way, and most of us have at least a few more appearances to make before we can transition to 24/7 pajama mode. And then there’s New Year’s to consider. Putting together a festive yet stylish outfit can be overwhelming, especially when seasonal decision fatigue sets in. We’re here to ease your burden with a few on-trend suggestions for putting together a look to maximize your merriment. From frosty blues to balletcore, this year’s Yuletide is all about luxe fabrics and feminine touches!

Frosty blues

Icy blue has never been hotter. It popped up on the runways this fall, so expect to see it everywhere in stores. Try this glacial shade in a luxe faux fur, a shimmery satin, or a cozy knit. From tailored blazers to elegant dresses, sparkly handbags, and even comfy sweaters, we’ve seen this Elsa-esque shade in just about every material and shape imaginable. If wearing classic Christmas red yet again makes you want to yawn, throw on this frosty hue and wow at your next holiday event!

Pearls galore

Pearls have entered the chat. They’re about as feminine and classic as it gets, and we’re pleased to say that they’re gracing the runway again. If you’ve got a strand of Granny’s pearls tucked away in your jewelry box, it’s time to let them see the light of day again. However, if you don’t already own pearls, there’s no need to go out and drop a small fortune on a set of authentic ones (unless you’re treating yourself, and in that case – more power to you, sister!). But there’s practically no limit to the ways you can incorporate these iridescent gems into your wardrobe this season. Add micro-pearls to your holiday manicure, try them out on a headband, grab a blouse with a pearl collar, or go classic and wear them as jewelry.

Bows on bows on bows

Barbiecore peaked this summer, but we’re still feeling its influence in this winter’s bow mania. What’s not to love? They’re girly, nostalgic, and undeniably cute and can adorn everything from blouses, blazers, and ballet flats to headbands, handbags, and jewelry. If bowmaxxing makes you feel like something left under the Christmas tree, you can always channel your inner child and tie a simple satin or velvet ribbon in your hair. Sometimes minimalism is statement enough.

Metallic moments

Metal-inspired fabrics are nothing new in the world of fashion, but thanks to Chanel, Miu Miu, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and other haute-couture designers, metallic is all the rage again this season. And since Christmastime is all about sparkles and shimmer, what better way to stay festive and trendy than to incorporate metallic into your next holiday party outfit? This is the perfect trend for you edgier girls (who probably aren’t so keen on glitter and pearls). Breathe life into a simple ensemble by adding a metallic blazer, jazz up your go-to LBD with a silver clutch, or, if you’re feeling brave, throw on a pair of metallic-coated jeans for your next Christmas soirée.

Vivacious velvets

One of the best parts about colder weather is the chance to wear this lustrous, buttery textile. Of all the 2023 winter trends on the runway, velvet was a clear winner among top brands. Even better – it comes in just about every shade imaginable. If you’re a bold, spotlight kind of girl, try it out in fuschia pink or vampy red, or if you’re one who prefers the wallflower life, it also comes in no shortage of muted and neutral shades. However you decide to don it this season, velvet is certain to impress on any festive occasion.

Runway red

Red has always been a resounding YES during the holiday season, and this year is no different. In fact, the fiery shade can be found all throughout designer fall and winter collections. It comes in a variety of shades to suit all preferences, it can beautifully dominate an outfit or be worn as an accent color, and it practically screams Christmas. We’ve seen nearly every shade of red adorning dresses, overcoats, handbags, shoes, scarves, and even stockings. But if you’re more of a neutrals gal, you can still feel festive and wear red in a matte lipstick or change your go-to pale pink nail polish to a shade of sultry crimson. Whether it’s a flaming vermilion dress or a ruby-red lip you’re rocking, strut your stuff because red is once again the color of the holiday season!

Balletcore

Calling all the girliest of girls! This trend is for you. Think "The Nutcracker" – blush pink satins, delicate ribbons, fluffy tulle, and feminine silhouettes. Balletcore is all about minimalism coupled with unapologetic femininity. But before you start worrying that your outfit will look more suitable for a barre class than a holiday party, consider this. You can easily draw inspiration from ballerinas by swapping out your heels for a silky ballet flat (hello comfort!) or opting for a billowy tulle skirt over a traditional holiday dress. Plus those pearls and ribbons we mentioned above are perfect to pair with this trend!

Shimmer and shine and everything fine

Would this really be a holiday fashion guide if we didn’t pay homage to the mother of Christmas adornments – sequins?! Controversial, but we think sequins should be a year-round trend. And we're not alone – see this year's Academy Awards red carpet and of course Taylor's Eras Tour. At any rate, nobody can argue that these delicate, light-reflecting discs aren't a wardrobe staple around the holidays. Blouses, dresses, and skirts dripping in sequins can be found at nearly every retailer this time of year. Rhinestones, too, are having a moment, so if sequins aren’t your jam, add a delicate crystal headband to a simple outfit or a bedazzled shoe to a plain dress to feel festive and on trend. And if all of this seems a little too Vegas for you to pull off, check out our guide to adding a little tasteful seasonal sparkle to any ensemble.