Three looks for the season’s three kinds of party, each built from pieces you’ll wear long after the last toast.
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The invitations are starting to arrive: a dinner at a friend’s house, the office gathering, and, before you know it, New Year’s Eve. Each one asks for something a little different, and none of them should send you into a panic in front of the closet.
This year’s party dressing is refreshingly grown-up. Velvet, rich burgundy and merlot, a touch of sequins, and pearls are all back, and they look best worn with ease rather than all at once. Below are three complete looks, with pieces that mix and match across all three.
- Velvet, especially in tailored blazers and wide-leg pants.
- Burgundy and merlot, the deep berry tones showing up everywhere this fall.
- Evening shine, from sequins to silk, worn in one statement piece at a time.
- Pearls, part of a 1920s-inspired mood, in modern organic shapes.
The Dinner Party
Candlelight, a friend’s table, and a second glass of wine. This look feels like your coziest sweater, only dressed for the evening.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck
Soft cashmere in a deep burgundy, the color of the season. Rich enough for a party, comfortable enough to linger at the table.
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Z Supply So Merry Sweater
Prefer something more playful? A fuzzy, cloud-soft crewneck with “Merry” knit across the front in tonal script. Just as pretty with the silk skirt, and made for a cozy evening.
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Quince 100% Washable Silk Maxi Skirt
A champagne silk skirt with a gentle sheen that catches the candlelight. The contrast of knit and silk is what makes the look.
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Sam Edelman Margeaux Heeled Mule
A pointed-toe mule in croc-embossed burgundy leather on a slim heel. It picks up the turtleneck’s deep berry tone and slips on and off easily for an evening at the table.
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gorjana Parker Huggies
Small gold hoops that add warmth near the face without competing with the turtleneck.
Shop nowTuck the sweater loosely at the front, keep jewelry to one gold note, and let the texture do the talking. Prefer pants? A dressy black or dark-wash jean, like MOTHER The Kick It Jeans, makes an easy swap.
MOTHER The Kick It Jeans
Shop nowThe Office Party
Festive but still you. Velvet does the heavy lifting here, so the rest stays simple and sharp.
J.Crew Single-Button Blazer in Stretch Velvet
A sharply tailored black velvet blazer with satin lapels, one of this season’s evening-elegance staples. Wear it now for parties and all winter over jeans.
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Evereve Juliette Lace Pintuck Cami
Black satin with a scalloped lace neckline and delicate pintucks. Lovely peeking out from the blazer, and pretty enough to wear on its own once the jacket comes off.
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J.Crew Natalia Pant in Velvet
Matching black velvet trousers with a satin waistband and a long, straight leg. Wear them with the blazer as a suit, or on their own with a sweater.
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Sam Edelman Classic Stiletto Pump
A pointed-toe stiletto in glossy burgundy patent. The deep berry shade brings color to an all-black look without trying too hard.
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Dolce Vita Dahlia Sequin Handbag
A slouchy top-handle bag covered in burgundy sequins. It brings the sparkle, so everything else can stay simple.
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Quince Freshwater Pearl Sculptural Drop Earrings
Organic-shaped pearls on gold vermeil, a nod to this season’s pearl revival. Against black velvet they add a soft glow that feels modern, not prim.
Shop nowKeep everything else black and let the burgundy pumps and sequin bag carry the color. If the party runs straight from your desk, tuck the bag and pumps in your tote and change before you head out.
New Year’s Eve
The one night a year to really sparkle. Choose your shine: liquid gold with a jewel-toned top, or sequins from head to toe. Either way, the rest stays simple.
Option 1: Emerald & Gold
Option 2: All-Out Sparkle
Lulus Effortlessly Radiant Emerald Satin One-Shoulder Top
A fluid emerald satin top with one dramatic shoulder and a full, cuffed sleeve. The jewel tone glows against gold.
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Sanctuary Cadence Relaxed Straight Pants
Soft metallic gold pants in a relaxed straight leg. Statement-making, but as easy to wear as your favorite trousers.
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Steve Madden Noir Pump in Gold Leather
A classic pointed-toe stiletto in metallic gold leather. It echoes the gold pants and lets the emerald top do the talking.
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Lulus Dazzling Vision Sequin Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
A black sequin jumpsuit with a sweetheart neckline and fluid wide legs. One piece, and you’re dressed.
Shop nowJ.Crew Single-Button Blazer in Stretch Velvet
Throw the velvet blazer over the jumpsuit for a polished, cozy layer when the night gets cool.
Shop nowSam Edelman Classic Stiletto Pump
The glossy burgundy pumps add a rich pop of color against black sequins.
Shop nowDolce Vita Dahlia Sequin Handbag
Burgundy sequins to match the pumps. Sparkle on sparkle works when the colors stay in the same family.
Shop nowWith this much shine, keep everything else simple: small gold hoops, a red or berry lip, and nothing more. The velvet blazer, burgundy pumps, and sequin bag all come from Look 02, so a few pieces carry you through more than one party.
Three Rules for Party Dressing
- One statement at a time. Velvet, sequins, or a bold color: choose one and let it lead.
- Comfort is chic. If you can’t sit, stand, or eat comfortably in it, you won’t enjoy the evening. Flat loafers count as party shoes.
- Buy what you’ll rewear. Every piece here works beyond December, from the velvet blazer over jeans to the silk skirt with a winter sweater.
Dress for the evening you want to have: warm, polished, and comfortable enough to stay until the end.