14 Must-Try Holiday Outfit Ideas That Are Stylist-Approved

Annual holiday gatherings with family and friends may sound merry and bright, but with so many events to plan for, piecing together multiple holiday outfits can get exhausting. After all, what you wear to your bestie's shindig might not necessarily be appropriate for your end-of-year office party or your familial dinner with grandma and grandpa. So, where do you turn to for help?

For starters, celebrities are never short of style inspiration. Holiday movies can serve up some serious festive outfit ideas, too. In case you're still not finding what you're looking for, it's best to go straight to the experts for advice. In fact, we tapped a slew of stylists and fashion influencers to get their recommendations and pro tips for what to wear this holiday season—including accessories. No matter when, where, or what you're celebrating, these combinations are sure to make a statement.

From statement-making suits to cozy closet staples, keep scrolling for 14 stylist-approved holiday outfits.

Choose Something Red

Red is a classic choice for the holiday season. "Choosing classic options — like a red monochromatic knit top and pencil skirt, or a mid-length red dress with interesting textures or ornate embellishments—can really make all the difference in the world," celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman told InStyle. "Other outfit ideas that are all the rage this holiday season include a fierce red sequin suit, a retro, wine-red, velvet bodycon dress, and a casual red plaid shirt dress, which can be worn with or without a belt," he added.

Break Out a Bracket 

Even if it's cold where you are, celebrity fashion stylist and Bare Necessities partner Kate Young encouraged you to consider wearing a bra top for your holiday festivities. The underwear-as-outerwear trend is booming, especially in winter—even in brisk conditions. "I love a bra worn with a blazer and jeans for a casual, sexy outfit, or a bra under a suit to add an unexpected element to a look," Young told InStyle. 

Feel Fancy in Faux Fur

When it comes to holiday outfits, Tobi head stylist Joanna Angeles said she associates the time of year with faux fur. "Take a knee-length coat with faux fur trim and layer it with a fitted long-sleeved turtleneck, leather mini skirt or shorts, sheer tights, and knee-high heeled boots," she explained. "Metallic accessories, such as a clutch or headband, will add that much-needed pop of sparkle." The result will look and feel luxurious.

Shine Bright in Sequins

"Nothing says festive like sequins," said celebrity stylist Tiffany Briseno. Rather than reach for the classic party dress, think modern. "Try a matte sequin suit paired with a 1970s platform sandal for a fun and elegant look. To take your look to an unexpected level, try this in a neutral hue like brown or camel," she added.

Don't Forget About Jewelry

Celebrity stylist and Pandora Jewelry partner Erin Walsh is a big believer in being "incidentally fabulous." Translation, according to Walsh, "looking amazing and sparkly and interesting and powerful, all the while seeming like it's totally effortless." To achieve this, Walsh piles on fine, sparkling accents, like layered pendant necklaces and a variety of dainty earrings stacked up the ear (much like these Diamonds by Pandora stud earrings).

"I think the key is to find a collection you love that mixes in with both everyday holiday and evening holiday, and then you really can step into your power," she said. "Whether that's at a party, a meeting, dinner, or even at home."

Wear Wide-Leg Trousers

Looking for comfort and style in your holiday outfit? Throw on a pair of wide-leg trousers. "You want to look just as polished from the moment you arrived to post pumpkin pie, and the high-waisted wide-leg trouser is not only flattering for all body types, but it is also both comfortable and perfect for a dinner party," noted Briseno. "Try this with a romantic sleeve top and some statement earrings in your favorite holiday jewel tones."

Swap Dress Pants for Cargo Styles

Cargo pants are everywhere at the moment, and the trend is set to stick around. "Most people associate cargo pants as strictly casual pants," said stylist Naina Singla. "But, did you know you can elevate them by simply choosing them in a different fabric?" The refined cargo pant is one of her favorite—albeit unexpected—items to wear for the holidays. "Some of the easiest ways to dress up a cargo pant is to find them in satin or leather," Singla told us. "You can pair them with a simple cashmere sweater for a chic yet comfortable look, or you could add a sequin cami or blazer for a more dressed-up and festive holiday look."

Add Leather for Texture

While you could reach for sequins and pearls this holiday season, celebrity stylist Sonia Young made a case for faux leather instead. "There are so many amazing leather pants — faux leather, patent leather — that can easily be worn from day to night, making it a perfect holiday wardrobe staple," said Young. One of her favorites? Commando Patent Leather Leggings. "They can go to the office with an oversized sweater and loafer and to a dinner date in a blazer and heels."

Elevate Loungewear

If you want to go the comfy route this holiday season, there are ways to elevate your loungewear, including adding a heel to your favorite PJs. "What's better than having a glass of wine in the comfort of your pajamas?" Young asked. She's a huge fan of Olivia Von Halle, Sleeper, and Morgan Lane. Red, white, and green are obvious choices for your holiday color palette, but JLUXLABEL co-founder Teresa Jaide suggested switching it up. "Year after year, we love reaching for our rich emerald green or ruby red velvets. This year, in addition, we are going for our new favorite hue for intensity and elegance: midnight blue."

Say "Yes" to Slip Dresses

According to Rebecca Clarke, head of design at Nasty Gal, the slip dress is a wardrobe staple. For the holidays, she's especially loving slip dresses with a ruched side as a nod to the late '90s/Y2K moment. "Streetwear detail meets glamour for the holidays," she noted.

Suit Up

Three-piece suits have been on the rise, so it's no surprise why Singla would suggest a set—especially in white or ivory—as a holiday outfit. "A lightweight wool suit set with a blazer, vest, and trousers comes together as intentionally polished and elegant," she explained.

Make It Metallic

Style expert and Amazon Live style host Katie Sands revealed she loves a metallic moment for the holidays—and this year is no exception. "I've been seeing a lot of metallic suit sets, and I love that they give that power suit feel while also being very holiday-oriented," she said. "Style with any nude or black boot in your closet or maybe a little kitten heel, a bralette."

Consider a Blazer Dress

As far as celebrity stylist and fashion consultant Amanda Sanders is concerned, blazer dresses are a great go-to if you'll be transitioning from the office to a holiday party. "I'd pair it with suede over-the-knee boots, silver drop earrings, and a statement ring, and finish off the look with a moto jacket and suede bucket bag with silver hardware," she said. "All pieces are great winter staples for seasons to come."

Opt for Emerald

If red items aren't plentiful in your wardrobe—or you're just not a fan of the color—personal stylist Allie McKenna recommended another holiday season staple shade: emerald green. "Red is always appropriate but kind of obvious," she told us. Green, on the other hand, is festive and fresh.