What to Wear for Holiday Parties: From Casual to Chic

Holiday party season is officially here—twinkling lights, cozy dinners, champagne toasts, and festive nights downtown. Whether your plans include a casual family get-together or a dressed-up cocktail soirée, your outfit should make you feel confident, comfortable, and effortlessly polished.

At Threads Petoskey, we’ve curated the perfect pieces to take you from relaxed gatherings to chic celebrations. Here’s what to wear, no matter the holiday party invite.

Laid-Back & Festive: Family Parties & Cozy Gatherings

For home-cooked dinners, tree decorating, and relaxed gatherings with family and friends, you want cozy—but pulled together.

Try this look:

• Soft cashmere or ribbed sweater in cream, camel, or soft red

• Straight-leg or wide-leg denim for ease and comfort

• Gola sneakers or shearling-lined slides

• Minimal gold jewelry + a knit scarf

Add a mug of mulled cider and you’re set.

Friendsmas or Casual Holiday Drinks

A little festive, a little effortless—perfect for meeting friends downtown, holiday movie nights, or a gift exchange.

Style ideas:

• Chunky Fisherman sweater + satin slip skirt

• Or oversized cardigan + fitted tank + coated denim

• Gola sneakers or ankle boots

• Add layered necklaces or pearl hoops for a subtle sparkle

It’s the perfect mix of cozy and cool.

Office Holiday Party (Polished but Comfortable)

Office parties call for refined silhouettes with a festive twist—nothing too extra, but definitely not your everyday workwear.

Try:

• Slim-fit cashmere turtleneck + wide-leg trousers

• Or satin midi skirt + fine-knit sweater

• Add loafers, ballet flats, or a sleek sneaker for a modern edge

• Finish with a structured coat and a soft scarf for the walk in

Chic Cocktail & Dinner Parties

For more elegant celebrations—think dinner downtown, fundraising galas, or a dressed-up holiday party—it’s time to elevate.

Go for:

• Sweater dress in black, graphite, or wine, styled with knee-high boots

• Cashmere wrap over a silk slip skirt and fitted turtleneck

• Or tailored blazer + silky cami + leather pants or dark denim

• Add bold earrings, a statement clutch, and a red lip if you dare

Warm. Sophisticated. Effortless.

Color & Texture Trends We’re Loving This Season

The best holiday outfits are all in the texture. Here’s what’s trending this year:

• Cashmere everything – classic, luxe, and incredibly wearable

• Satin + knit combos – the perfect balance of soft and sleek

• Chunky cable knits & ribbed sweaters

• Deep seasonal hues – forest green, burgundy, blush, charcoal, ivory

• Touches of shine – metallic thread, pearl accents, subtle sequins

Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

Accessories elevate even the simplest sweater-and-jeans outfit. Try adding:

• A cashmere wrap or scarf draped over your shoulders

• Delicate layered necklaces or gold hoops

• Textured socks peeking out of sneakers or boots

• A small crossbody or wristlet for evenings out

Find Your Holiday Look at Threads

Whether your celebrations are cozy and casual or festive and chic, Threads has the sweaters, dresses, skirts, cashmere layers, and sneakers to help you feel your best this holiday season.

Stop in and let us style you—whether you’re hosting, toasting, or simply showing up looking fabulous.