5 Dazzling Holiday Style Trends to Try This Party Season, Without a Sequin in Sight

holiday party outfits
Photographed by Theo Wenner, Vogue, January 2017

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For those who love to stand out at a party, or just simply love dressing up, holiday soirées, Christmas drinks, and New Year’s Eve parties are your time to shine. And when it comes to planning a few fabulous holiday party outfits this season, consider this: sequins aren’t the only option if you’re looking to stand out. Instead, discover five refreshing evening wear trends, perfect for any occasion on the calendar: with pieces including moiré jacquard blazers, lamé dresses, and feather-trimmed tops. Shop 20 of the best looks below.

Moiré Elegance

Don’t be fooled: these understated yet festive pieces don’t fall short when it comes getting dressed up for a holiday affair. The moiré jacquard material works with any style or personality, too, coming in the form of puff sleeve party dresses, metallic gold trousers, pink suiting, and even a romantic statement shoulder top complete with a crystal button closure.

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Photographed by David Sims, Vogue, December 2012
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For Love Lemons bijoux moiré puff-shoulder top

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Racil Michael moiré metallic cigarette trousers

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Rachel Comey Rendez jacquard blazer

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Ganni metallic jacquard minidress

Party Plumes

One should never miss an opportunity for which you can appropriately wear a feather-trimmed masterpiece. Boudoir-inspired feathers have returned season after season, and there’s no better time to opt in to this statement evening wear trend that doubles as the ultimate festive holiday get up. Wear them now and all the way through to New Year’s Eve—and perhaps come February 14th too.

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Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, March 2008
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Prada feathered-sleeve blouse

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Ganni layered feathers midi skirt

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Sleeper feather-trim slip dress

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Attico ostrich-feather-embroidered strapless top

Don’t be Lamé

Don’t want to sparkle but still want to shine? Stand out in metallic bright lamés in the form of ‘80s party dresses or slick trousers. Balance out a glossy green top with simple black skinnies, or go all out in a midi length gold liquid frock for the most eye-catching of holiday party outfits.

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Photographed by Craig McDean, Vogue, January 2014
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Rejina Pyo Kayla lamé top

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Topshop gold ruched dress

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Rotate puff-shoulder wrap minidress

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Area stretch lamé straight-leg pants

Peek-a-Boo Knits

When getting ready for nights out during the cold months, leave the crop tops and slinky camis at home—instead, you can give the going-out top a winter-appropriate twist. Opt for cut-out knitwear for a much cozier (and warmer!) take that still feels sexy and fun, but also serves as a solid solution for winter party style. These turtlenecks reveal just the right amount of skin, exposing a little shoulder or neck; meanwhile, you can pair the tops with practically anything, dressing them up or down. For a night out dancing, try tucking one into a pair of your favorite dark wash jeans; add a great going out heel and a pair of trusty party-ready earrings, and you’ll be set for the evening. Or, top off a midi skirt and knee-high boots with one of these pieces for a more sophisticated spin.

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Photographed by David Sims, Vogue, July 2013
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Alice Olivia Kiki cutout turtleneck

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A.L.C. Brianne top

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Bottega Veneta cutout turtleneck stretch-wool crepe bodysuit

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L’Agence Pasha ribbed cutout sweater

Standout Prints

And for those who wish to make a statement without metallics or feathers, there are plenty of wonderfully loud printed dresses to do just that. Think animal print minis to pair with fall’s knee-high boots, or perhaps a pair of shiny tights—there s a clashing print style for just about any holiday partygoer.

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Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, April 1996
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Rixo Madonna mixed-print dress

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Staud Keshi dress

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Solace London Marne zebra-printed plissé dress

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Tanya Taylor Andrea print long-sleeve midi-dress