Holiday Party Looks That Aren’t Dresses: 9 Noteworthy Options from Our Style Panel

As we comb through our wardrobe for holiday party options we find ourselves looking for something other than the go-to LBD. While dresses won’t disappear ever, our Style Panel has thought up ways to mix it up this festive season with ensembles that feature anything but a dress. Whether it’s a sharp tuxedo-inspired look, culottes or a stand-out skirt, we’ve got 9 outfits to get you in the spirit.

Challenge #173: What’s your party look that doesn’t include a dress?

Sarmistha Goswami, 35 Ahmedabad, India | Style Over Coffee

When putting together a party look that isn’t a dress, I wear a skirt and top combo with a mix of lace and sequins. In this look I’ve paired a dark teal lace mini skirt with a black blouse with sequinned cuffs. I accessorized the outfit with a golden clutch and antique gold earrings for some shimmer and shine. My classic black pumps complete the outfit.

Sarmistha is wearing: Shirt, Femella (India); Skirt, Forever 21; Clutch and Shoes,  Metro (India);Finger Rings, Accessorize.

Carleton Eckhardt, 30 Toronto | Carleton Eckhardt

When it comes to party outfits, I’m generally much more comfortable in a pant than a dress. For this particular look I’ve paired culottes with an off-the-shoulder emerald green satin top for a comfortable, yet dressed-up look that would be perfect for a holiday cocktail party.

Carleton is wearing: Pants & Blouse, Zara; Clutch, Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes, Joe Fresh.

Iva Grbesic, 40 Toronto | One Chic Mom

Party wear doesn’t have to mean a dress. Menswear inspired pieces offer an edgy way to mix things up. A borrowed from the boys look with this tuxedo blazer, bow blouse and velvet pants offer a sophisticated mixture sure to turn heads.

Iva is wear: Blazer, Nine West; Blouse, Ann Taylor; Pants, Lafayette 148; Shoes, Manolo Blahnik; Clutch, Chanel.

Kayla Short, 29 Halifax | Short Presents

While the holidays and the weeks leading up to the holidays can make us feel bananas at the best of times there’s something to be said for having a simple no-fuss look to fall back on time and time again. I love the idea of a monochrome look (especially cream for winter), but also piecing things together because they serve multiple functions. You can wear this sweater with jeans, and likewise this skirt with a crop top, and completely transform the items.

Kayla is wearing: Skirt, Banana Republic; Sweater, Gap; Shoes, Old Navy.

Laura Mitbrodt, 31 Victoria | Laura Jane Atelier

I paired a velvet cardigan with a floral blouse for my alternative party look. I paired down the whole look with distressed boyfriend jeans but I find the lace details in my blouse and the choker dress up the look. Wearing a skirt with this look would be perfect for a fancier function.

Laura is wearing: Cardigan, Halston; Blouse, Vera Moda; Jeans, Calvin Klein; Choker, Naccessories; Beret, Mod Cloth.

Neguine Boustantchi, 23 Toronto | Neguine Boustantchi

My go-to party look is an all black look with killer accessories. It’s a simple formula but it always seems to have great impact. I like to pair this tailored double breasted blazer with suede leggings. The blue satin pumps add a pop of colour to an otherwise plain outfit.

Neguine is wearing: Zara, Pants; Zadig&Voltaire, Top; H&M, Blazer; Zara, Shoes; Chloé, Bag.

Jameela Ghann, 25 Calgary | Jam and Tea

I love being able to mix up my holiday looks with a top and skirt combination. I wore this printed skirt with a black peplum as the base for my outfit and accessorized it with a statement body chain and stacking bracelets. Key separates and killer accessories work year round.

Jameela is wearing: Top, Velour Clothing; Body Chain, Alora Boutique; Skirt, Dress for Success; Gemstone Bracelets, Alora Boutique.

Conni Jespersen, 35 Toronto | Art in the Find

The planning has started and the festivities are underway. A dress is my standard go-to for a holiday outfit. But not this season! Sequin pants and glittery leggings are such a great holiday trend (Bonus: They keep you warm). Pair with a flowy top and heels for a fun (and comfortable) holiday outfit alternative.

Conni is wearing; Top and Pants, Nordstrom; Shoes, Nine West.

Liat Neuman, 39 Toronto | YomanChic

I decided to skip the LBD this season for something more fashion forward and sophisticated. Sequin pants are the perfect way to jazz up a winter look. This statement sparkle piece adds a touch of glam and gives a modern twist to the holiday dress code. It is a fun alternative to the cocktail dress and it will make you stand out among the crowd.

Pants: Zara, Jacket; Topshop; Blouse, French Connection; Heels, Aldo; Bag, Zara; Choker, SIAMMPATRA.