23 Holiday Party Outfits That Look Expensive on a Budget

December has a way of filling up with parties before you’ve thought about what to wear. One invitation is fine. Three of them, plus a family dinner and New Year’s Eve, can do real damage to your budget if you buy a new outfit for each.

These 23 holiday party outfits look far more expensive than they are. Each one points out the detail that does the work, like a heavier fabric, a clean hem or a single good accessory. Most use pieces you can find secondhand or may already own, and they cover office parties, family dinners, cocktail nights and New Year’s Eve.

What Makes a Party Outfit Look Expensive

Nobody sees the price tag at a party, but people do notice fabric, fit and color. A few habits make the biggest difference, and this guide to making cheap clothes look expensive goes further if you want the full list.

• Choose dark or deep colors. Black, navy, wine and forest green hide cheap dye and thin fabric better than pale shades.
• Look for weight. Fabric that hangs instead of clinging looks richer. Hold it up to the light, and skip anything you can see through.
• Fix the hem. Pants or a skirt taken up to the right length look tailored, even when they came from a thrift rack.
• Wear one shiny thing. Sequins, satin or metallics work best one at a time.
• Steam everything. Creases give away a budget piece faster than anything else.

Spend on the pieces you'll wear to more than one event, like black trousers or a good dress. Save on sparkle, since you may only want it once a year. If you shop secondhand, here's how to spot quality in a thrift store.

1. Black Velvet Wrap Dress

Velvet does most of the work here, because the pile soaks up light and looks rich even at a low price. A wrap shape lets you set the waist where you like it, and long sleeves mean you don't need a jacket.

Wear it with black tights and simple pumps. Velvet marks easily, so steam it from the inside and hang it with space around it.

2. Satin Skirt With a Fine Turtleneck

A bias-cut satin midi skirt with a thin black turtleneck could pass for something from a far pricier store. The matte knit on top keeps the shine from looking cheap.

Pick a skirt in champagne, deep green or chocolate, and check that it doesn't show every line underneath. A plain slip fixes that if it does.

3. Emerald Blouse and Black Trousers

Jewel tones show up beautifully in photos and flatter most skin tones, so an emerald blouse with black trousers works for an office party or a dinner out. A soft bow or a covered placket adds a little detail.

Keep the trousers plain and well pressed. Tuck the blouse in at the front, then add small gold earrings and you're done.

4. Sequin Top With Dark Jeans

For a casual party at a friend's home, a sequin top with dark straight-leg jeans feels dressed up without trying too hard. Dark denim with no fading looks sharper than any other wash.

Choose a top with a lining so it doesn't scratch, and stick to one color of sequin. Black ankle boots keep the outfit grounded.

5. Little Black Dress With Bold Earrings

The black dress you already own becomes a party dress with one change. Big gold or crystal earrings draw the eye up and make the outfit feel planned.

Leave your necklace at home so the earrings stand out. Pull your hair back if you can, and add black tights if the night is cold.

Budget Swap: Thrift stores and estate sales are full of bold costume jewelry, and older pieces are often heavier and better made. Check that the clasps still work before you buy.

6. Burgundy Midi Dress With a Belt

Burgundy feels seasonal without looking like a costume, so you can wear it well past December. A slim belt gives a simple dress some shape and makes it look fitted to you.

Look for a thick crepe or ponte fabric. Add dark tights and suede-look ankle boots for a cold evening.

7. Black Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

One piece in one color makes you look taller, and it's quick to put on when you're running late. Wide legs in black feel like evening wear with very little help.

Have the legs hemmed to the shoes you'll wear most. If the top feels plain, add a metallic clutch and a bright lip.

8. Velvet Blazer Over a Black Tee

A velvet blazer turns a black tee and trousers into a party outfit in about a minute. Choose wine, navy or deep green, and you can wear the same jacket with jeans all winter.

Push the sleeves up slightly so it feels relaxed. A fitted tee works better than a loose one under a structured jacket.

Budget Swap: Cotton velveteen has the same soft look as silk velvet for much less. It also holds its shape well, so it makes a smart jacket.

9. Metallic Pleated Skirt With a Black Sweater

A pleated skirt in soft gold or silver catches the light as you move. Pair it with a plain black sweater so the skirt stays the focus.

Tuck the sweater in at the front to keep your waist visible. Pointed flats work as well as heels here, which helps if you'll be standing for hours.

10. Red Sheath Dress for the Office Party

A red sheath dress is smart enough for the office and bright enough for the party afterward. A sleeve and a knee-length hem keep it right for a work crowd.

Deeper reds look richer than bright ones. Bring a black cardigan for the desk, then take it off when the party starts.

11. Cream Sweater With a Long Satin Skirt

A cream sweater over a long satin skirt is the quiet option on this list. Light colors need a little more care, so choose a thick knit that doesn't show what's underneath.

This one suits a daytime party or a family gathering. Small pearl earrings are all it needs.

12. Plaid Trousers With a Black Knit

Plaid says holidays right away, and trousers are easier to wear than a full plaid dress. A fitted black knit on top keeps the pattern under control.

Choose a dark plaid in green, navy or wine. Bright red plaids can look like a costume, especially in thin fabric.

Budget Swap: Skip the trousers and wear your plain black ones with a plaid scarf instead. You'll get the same holiday feel from one small piece that you can use all winter.

13. Navy Lace Top With Slim Pants

Navy stands out more than black at a party, and lace adds detail without any shine. A lined lace top with slim navy pants makes a simple one-color outfit.

Look for lace that feels soft, since stiff or scratchy lace tends to look cheap. Silver jewelry suits navy especially well.

14. Sparkle Cardigan Over a Black Dress

A cardigan with a little sparkle in the knit is an easy way to dress up a plain dress, and you can take it off if the room gets warm. This works well for long family gatherings.

Pick a fine metallic thread over big sequins so it stays comfortable. Button just the top button for some shape.

15. Faux Leather Skirt With a Soft Blouse

A faux leather midi skirt looks sharp with a soft ivory blouse, and the mix of textures gives the outfit depth. Matte faux leather looks more expensive than shiny.

Choose a skirt with a simple cut and no extra zips or studs. Knee boots in the same black make your legs look long.

16. Black Blazer Dress

A blazer dress has a tailored shape and takes no thought to put together. Worn with sheer tights and heels, it suits a cocktail party or a work dinner.

Check that it closes at the bust without pulling, and add a camisole if the neckline sits low. Gold buttons beat plastic ones, and you can swap them yourself in a few minutes.

17. Forest Green Knit Dress With Gold Jewelry

Forest green and gold is a classic pairing for December that doesn't lean on anything too bright. A thick knit dress keeps you warm and skims the body without clinging.

Add a gold chain and small hoops, then finish with brown or black boots. Wear it to a party at someone's home, where you may be sitting on the floor with the kids.

18. Faux Fur Collar Over a Black Dress

A faux fur collar makes a simple black dress feel like a special occasion. Soft gray or chocolate looks more natural than bright white.

Keep the rest plain, with sheer tights and a small bag. It also dresses up an old wool coat when you arrive.

Budget Swap: A detachable collar costs far less than a new coat or dress. Look for one with a hook or ribbon so you can move it between outfits all season.

19. Wine Velvet Pants With a Cream Top

Velvet pants are a surprise at a party, and they're as comfortable as loungewear. A plain cream top keeps the outfit from getting too heavy.

Choose a straight leg with a flat front. Gold flats or low heels pair well with deep wine, and the pants will work again on New Year's Eve.

20. Sequin Midi Skirt With a Black Tee

Pairing a sequin skirt with a plain tee makes the sparkle look relaxed and modern. The casual top takes the formality out of the skirt.

Tuck the tee in fully, and choose a fitted one in a thick cotton. Simple black pumps or boots finish it.

21. White Shirt With a Full Black Skirt

A crisp white shirt with a full black midi skirt has an old-Hollywood feel, and it's right for almost any party.

Press the shirt well, turn the collar up slightly and roll the cuffs once. A wide belt marks the waist where the shirt meets the skirt.

Budget Swap: The men's section of a thrift store is often the best place for a crisp white shirt. Choose one a little large and tuck it in for a relaxed fit.

22. Long-Sleeve Lace Midi Dress

A lace midi dress with long sleeves covers the arms and still feels dressy, so you can wear it to a formal party or a holiday wedding. Darker lace in navy or wine looks the richest.

Check that it has a full lining. Keep jewelry small, since lace already has plenty of detail.

23. Black Pantsuit With a Sparkly Top

For New Year's Eve, a black pantsuit with a sparkly shell underneath looks sharp and lets you dance all night. The suit gives you structure, and the top brings the shine.

You can buy the jacket and trousers separately if they're close in color. Have the trousers hemmed, then wear the two pieces apart all year.

Finishing Touches for Party Season

Small details finish an outfit for almost nothing. Polish your shoes, remove any loose threads and swap plastic buttons for metal ones. A simple hairstyle and tidy nails help too, and these ideas for Christmas nails for short nails and holiday hairstyles for short hair are easy to do at home.

If you have several parties, plan them together. Two bottoms and three tops can give you six different looks, so you won't need a new outfit for each invitation. For fuller figures, these plus-size going-out outfits show the same ideas in more detail, and this guide to dressing for your body shape helps you pick the shapes that suit you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to a holiday party on a budget?

Start with something dark that you already own, like a black dress or trousers, and add one thing with shine, such as satin, sequins or bold earrings. One new piece can refresh the whole outfit.

How can I make a cheap dress look expensive?

Steam it, get the hem right and swap any plastic buttons or belts. Simple shoes and one good accessory do more than a lot of small ones.

What colors look the most expensive?

Black, navy, wine, forest green and camel usually look the richest, because deep shades hide thin fabric and uneven dye. Pale colors need thicker fabric to look good.

Can I wear jeans to a holiday party?

At a casual party, yes. Choose a dark, even wash with no rips, and dress up the top half with sequins, satin or velvet. Check the invitation first for an office or formal party.

Where can I find cheap party outfits?

Thrift stores, consignment shops and online resale sites are all worth trying before the holidays. Party clothes often get worn only once or twice, so secondhand pieces tend to be in good shape.

Choosing Your Party Outfit

Look through your closet first. A black dress, dark jeans or plain trousers can carry most of the outfits on this list, and a single new piece may be all you need.

If your season starts sooner, these Thanksgiving outfits use the same simple approach. Save the ideas you like, plan your parties together and spend only on what you'll wear again.