There’s no shame in diving headfirst into party mode with a full sequin gown or embellished suit, but there’s more than one way to dazzle this holiday season. Leave the shimmer and shine to your accessories this December, and keep your partywear on the more understated side for a more minimalist look. Of course, there’s no need to rule sparkle out completely; you can just pare it back in a more sophisticated, wear-anywhere kind of way.
Vogue’s Favorite Minimalist Party Finds
One rule of thumb to keep in mind is following the expected color palette of the minimalist wardrobe: neutrals, ivories, and, of course, black. Don’t be afraid to explore trending, lush textures like sumptuous, draped, or gathered silk, delicate lace, and rich velvets. The combination of any two elements in a sleek silhouette, such as a balloon pant or a scarf-wrap blouse, makes for an unforgettable eveningwear look that spans well beyond the holiday season. A pair of silky trousers, a feathered top, or a calf-hair bag may lack glimmer, but they are just as intriguing in silhouette and texture.
If you’d rather go full minimalist and keep your ready-to-wear look simple and clean, adding accessories is the easiest way to conjure the holiday spirit, in a less obvious way. Zara’s beaded bucket bag and Reformation’s satin wedges are perfect examples of this. Or look to red satin pumps and velvet pillbox hats that feel festive in their own right.
Find everything you’ll need, plus seven sleek outfits to master minimalist holiday dressing before the first party invite hits your inbox, ahead.
The Structured Suit With Playful Accessories
Khaite’s Sabel jacket can be worn with a variety of bottoms, from easy denim to the unexpected track pant, but we love it best with the coordinating bell-leg Wallace trouser. Add whimsy back in with embellished accessories.
The Slip Skirt and Wool Turtleneck
A sweeping green maxi slip skirt is a simple way to make a holiday statement. Slingback pumps and sculptural earrings are the icing on this minimalist cake.
The Draped Matching Set with a Wedge Heel
A matching set, whether cozy for a night in or artfully draped for an evening out, strikes the perfect balance between elegance and effortlessness. Looking for more holiday two-piece sets? We’ve got you covered.
A White Button-Up With a Fringe Party Skirt
When in doubt, go the Olsen twin route and ask yourself, “What would they wear to a holiday party?” They surely wouldn’t sacrifice their pared-back aesthetic for the sake of celebrating. Take a note from their book and wear a party-ready skirt with a classic oversized button-up shirt and swap your leather ballerinas for a velvet pair.
The Knee-Length Coat as the Outfit
Sometimes, less is more. And sometimes, all you really need is a great, well-made coat. Toteme’s satin car coat is the perfect topper to any look, but it also looks fab standing alone as the hero item. Style with the season’s most coveted accessories: animal print flats and a velvet pillbox hat.
A Glossy Evening Dress with a Shearling Coat
Nour Hammour’s belted shearling coat and Fforme’s satin gown offer a luxe and textural take on holiday minimalism.
A Scarf Top With a Silky Trouser
When it comes to one-and-done built-in fashion, the scarf top is at the top of our lists. Keep things streamlined with a pair of silky trousers from J.Crew and sleek black extras.
