How To Style Holiday Dresses For Festive Events
There's no better time to dress up and feel fabulous than during the holiday season. With festive events on the horizon, it’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with premium fabrics and bright colours.
Whether you’re toasting at corporate parties or enjoying an intimate Christmas family dinner, the right women’s holiday outfits can help you look and feel your best all season. In this blog, we’ll share outfit ideas for your Christmas holiday parties and other events as well as styling tips to inspire your festive wardrobe.
Holiday dressing 101: key tips for effortless glam
The holidays are your time to shine, and your wardrobe should reflect the magic in the air. Here are some tricks that will have you make a statement while spreading cheer in every room you enter.
- Embrace bold prints — Don’t shy away from playful holiday-themed prints or unique textures this season. Whether it's a striking floral print or a subtle metallic sheen, these details will breathe life into your outfit.
- Invest in luxurious fabrics — Silk, satin, velvet and linen are not only beautiful but also feel comfortable, allowing you to stay at ease as you enjoy holiday gatherings, from festive feasts to midnight toasts.
- Redefine holiday colours — While red and green are iconic holiday hues, experiment with deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire or ruby. Using gold and silver accessories can add extra shimmer to your dress.
Must-have holiday dresses and how to elevate them
Picking a tasteful holiday dress each year can feel like a tradition all on its own, but it’s the thoughtful details that truly make your look unforgettable. These holiday party outfit ideas will have you embracing the festive spirit like never before.
1. Timeless Classic: The Shirtdress
A shirtmaker dress is a classic Christmas holiday outfit idea. Combining the structure of a simple shirt dress with a modern, fluid silhouette, this updated design is ideal for garden parties, festive brunches and cocktail receptions.
Our Clara Silk Shirtmaker dress in a vibrant pink hue is designed to captivate and add a pop of colour to your holiday wardrobe. Crafted from luxurious Silk Crepe De Chine, it offers a breathable feel that’s excellent for both indoor and outdoor parties.
This Australia-made dress features a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette. The contemporary extended sleeves and midi length add movement and drama, while the shirt collar ensures a polished touch. Plus, its semi-elasticated back waist ensures a comfortable fit from morning till night.
Styling tips:
- Pop of colour for bright festivities — Opt for a bright pink leather clutch and matching fuchsia slingback heels to complement the vibrant pink hue. Keep it simple with a thin silver necklace for just the right amount of shine.
- After- dark event — Go for silver heeled mules and carry a black satin purse with gold accents. Finish the look with statement hoop earrings and a slim bangle for an evening-ready ensemble.
2. Silk silhouettes
When it comes to women's holiday outfits, few fabrics can match the timeless grace and luxurious feel of silk. Known for its lustrous sheen and breathability, silk dresses are suitable for everything, from intimate cocktail parties to grand holiday galas.
Our Aurelia Silk Dress showcases an exclusive print, enhanced by pin-tuck waist detailing and a self-tie waist. Crafted from Silk Crepe De Chine, this piece features a graceful V-neckline, an elegant low back and flows gracefully into a maxi length. It maximises movement while keeping you cool and refreshed all day.
Styling tips:
- Garden party — Pair the dress with nude strappy sandals and a monochrome clutch for a relaxed vibe. Since silk has such a striking appearance, keep the accessories to a minimum. Opt for diamond earrings and a simple bracelet to let the dress take centre stage.
- Holiday brunch — Keep it casual yet elegant for a festive brunch with nude flats and a matching nude tote. A delicate chain bracelet and matching earrings will add just enough shine.
3. The classic black midi dress
Black dresses are a canvas for festive accessorising, giving you the freedom to play with textures and colours. Crafted from luxurious linen, our Eliza Dress in black reimagines holiday elegance with a modern twist. Designed with a square neckline and an A-line skirt, it features a self-fabric buckle belt that cinches the waist without sacrificing comfort.
Styling tips:
4. The artful shirt dress
Bring a nautical-inspired flair to your holiday wardrobe with our Portofino dress. The bold print combined with its easy-to-wear design makes it an instant head-turner.
Crafted from a gorgeous silk and cotton blend, this must-have piece features modern extended sleeves and a self-tie waist. The open front V-neck with a single button closure beautifully frames the face, while the side seam pockets ensure you don’t sacrifice practicality for style.
Styling tips:
- Holiday getaway glam — For those heading to coastal holiday spots or beachside dinners, accessorise the dress with a wide-brimmed straw hat and white espadrilles.
- Corporate gathering — For accessories, opt for stud earrings and a subtle bracelet that won't clash or compete with the unique print.
Shop elegant and versatile holiday outfits at Perri Cutten
The right holiday outfit not only boosts your confidence but also ensures you're ready for those picture-perfect moments. For over 40 years, Perri Cutten has been designing dresses that empower Australian women to embrace their most confident and beautiful selves — a reflection of modern femininity.
Beyond our global online store, you can find our collections in seven boutiques and select David Jones stores across Australia. We proudly ship internationally to New Zealand, the USA, the UK, Canada, France, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Explore our range now and curate the perfect holiday wardrobe.
