The right Christmas dress does two jobs at once: it looks festive in photos, and it still feels comfortable four hours into dinner, gift-opening and dessert. In short, choose a dress by the event first (cozy family gathering, office party, or formal holiday gala), then pick a color and fabric that match that dress code. Red, emerald and black are the classic Christmas colors, while velvet, sequins and soft pleats give you instant holiday texture. Below, you'll find how to pick a Christmas dress for every kind of December plan, how to style it, and sizing tips from S to 3XL.
How to Choose a Christmas Dress for Your Event
Before you think about color, think about where you're going. A Christmas dress for Grandma's living room is very different from one for a black-tie holiday ball, and getting the formality right is what makes a look feel effortless.
Family Christmas and Christmas Eve dinner
Comfort matters most here. You'll be sitting, eating, maybe kneeling by the tree to hand out gifts. Look for a midi length, some stretch or an easy A-line skirt, and sleeves you can push up. A pleated midi in red or green reads festive without feeling like a costume, and pockets are a quiet win when you're juggling a phone and a mug of cocoa.
Office or work Christmas party
Aim for polished, not clubby. A velvet midi, a blazer dress or a long-sleeve knit dress strikes the right balance. If the party moves to a bar afterward, swap flats for heels and add a statement earring rather than changing the whole outfit.
Formal Christmas party or holiday gala
This is the moment for sequins and floor-length silhouettes. A sequin maxi or a glittering evening gown is the most direct way to dress up for a formal Christmas party dress code. Keep accessories simple, since the dress is doing the talking.
The Best Christmas Dress Colors (Beyond Basic Red)
Red is the default for a reason: it's warm, joyful and photographs beautifully under string lights. But you have more options than one shade.
- Classic red: Bright cherry red feels playful; deep wine and burgundy feel richer and more grown-up. Both work for nearly every holiday event.
- Green Christmas dress: Hunter and emerald green are elegant alternatives that still say "holiday." A green Christmas dress looks especially good in velvet or sequins, which give the color depth.
- Black with sparkle: If bright color isn't your thing, a black dress with sequins, velvet or metallic detail keeps you festive while staying sleek.
- Metallics: Gold and silver lean toward New Year's Eve, but a touch of shimmer at Christmas is always welcome.
Tip: if you're planning a family photo, coordinate rather than match. One person in red, one in green and one in black looks intentional without being too uniform.
Fabrics That Feel Like the Holidays
Velvet
Velvet is the unofficial fabric of Christmas. It's soft, warm and catches light in a way that looks expensive. A velvet Christmas dress in red, green or black is one of the safest bets for almost any December event. For more styling ideas, see our velvet dress guide.
Sequins and glitter
Sequins instantly upgrade an outfit to party-ready. Long-sleeve sequin styles give you coverage and warmth, which helps when you're walking from the car in cold weather. Pair them with simple shoes and minimal jewelry.
Knits and pleats
For relaxed gatherings, a soft pleated or knit dress is easy to move in and still looks put together. These are perfect for long days of cooking, visiting and celebrating.
How to Style Your Christmas Dress
Shoes
Block heels or heeled boots are practical for winter and stable on icy sidewalks. Ankle boots look great with midi dresses, while strappy heels suit sequin maxi styles at indoor events. For daytime family gatherings, ballet flats or loafers keep you comfortable.
Layers for cold weather
Throw a faux fur coat, a long wool-style coat or a cropped jacket over your dress for the trip there. Sheer black tights add warmth and make short or midi dresses feel more seasonal.
Accessories
Let one element stand out. With a sequin dress, choose small earrings and a clutch. With a plain red or green dress, try a statement earring, a metallic bag or a velvet hair bow for a festive touch.
Christmas Dress Sizing Tips: S to 3XL
Holiday dressing should feel good on every body. Here's how to get the fit right:
- Check the stretch. Sequin and velvet dresses with stretch are more forgiving through the hips and bust. If a style has little stretch, consider sizing up for comfort at a long dinner.
- Choose your silhouette. A-line and fit-and-flare shapes skim the body and are easy to wear. Wrap and V-neck styles define the waist. Long sleeves add coverage and warmth.
- Mind the length. Maxi styles look best with the shoes you'll actually wear, so try them on with your heels or boots before hemming.
- Read each product's size options. Many of our holiday dresses are offered from S up to 2XL or 3XL; check the size chart on each product page. For curve-friendly styles, browse our plus size dresses and our plus size Christmas dress guide.
Shop the Look: Christmas Dresses We Love
Sequin Long Sleeve Round Neck Maxi Evening Gown – Red
$79.99 · Sizes S–3XL
Pleated A-Line Round Neck Midi Dress with Pockets
$58.99 · Red, Green, Black · Sizes S–2XL
Bonded To You Velvet Midi Dress
$49.26 · Black, Green, Red · Sizes S–L
Art Deco Sequin Square Neck Maxi Dress – Hunter Green
$75.99 · Sizes S–L
Want more options? Browse the full Holiday Party Shop or explore all dresses. For complete head-to-toe ideas, read our guide to Christmas outfits for women.
Christmas Dress FAQ
What color dress should I wear for Christmas?
Red is the most traditional Christmas dress color, followed by green and black with sparkle. Burgundy, emerald and gold are elegant alternatives if you want something festive but less expected.
What is a good Christmas party dress for work?
Choose a midi-length velvet, knit or blazer dress with sleeves or a modest neckline. It looks festive and polished, and you can add heels and statement jewelry if the night continues after the office party.
Can I wear a sequin dress to a Christmas dinner?
Yes. For a dinner at home, a long-sleeve sequin dress can feel dressy but cozy, especially with flats or ankle boots. For formal dinners, a sequin maxi is a natural fit.
How do I stay warm in a Christmas dress?
Pick long sleeves, velvet or knit fabrics, then layer sheer tights and a coat over your dress. Heeled boots also keep your feet warmer than open-toe shoes.
What sizes do your Christmas dresses come in?
Our holiday dresses are offered in sizes S to 3XL depending on the style. Check the size options on each product page before you order.
Find Your Christmas Dress This Season
Whether you want a cozy pleated midi for Christmas morning, a velvet dress for the office party or a show-stopping sequin gown for a holiday gala, the perfect Christmas dress is the one that matches your plans and makes you feel great. Shop our holiday party dresses now so your look is ready long before the first invitation arrives.
