Luna
Choosing the perfect party outfit can be both exciting and daunting. With endless fashion possibilities at your fingertips, creating a standout look that suits the occasion is key to feeling confident and stylish. From glamorous evening soirees to laid-back garden parties, the right outfit not only enhances your appearance but also sets the tone for a memorable event. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide what to wear.
To make your party prep a breeze, it’s essential to consider a few style fundamentals. The time of day and the venue play crucial roles in defining your outfit’s vibe—what works for a lively night out may not be appropriate for a daytime brunch or family gathering. Additionally, the nature of the event and the guest list should guide your fashion choices, ensuring you strike the perfect balance between trendy and tasteful.
No matter what your social calendar holds, having a curated selection of versatile pieces in your wardrobe will help you effortlessly pull together stunning outfits for any occasion. In this guide, we’ll explore 25 party outfit ideas that will inspire you to dress to impress, no matter where the party takes you.
1. Sequin Set
Showpo founder and CEO Jane Lu swears by sequin two-piece sets. “If you’re a regular on the dance floor like myself, a matching sequin set is a must-have for a trendy nightclub or an evening fashion event,” Lu says. This party outfit idea is also a clever and versatile investment because, as Lu points out, “you can mix and match the top or bottom with other pieces in your wardrobe.”
2. Little Black Dress
“The versatility of a little black dress or LBD is unmatched,” Awet Woldegebriel, founder and Creative Director of Áwet New York, tells us. “Its understated yet elegant aesthetic exudes sophistication while still maintaining a sense of comfort and ease,” adds Woldegebriel.
3. Corset Top
“Lately I’ve been pairing masculine and feminine pieces together. for a party look that stands out,” shares Rema Sweis, formerly of clothing brand Akira, whose current contrasting pieces include a feminine corset top worn with low-rise boyfriend jeans. “As they say,” she adds, “opposites attract.”
4. Shift Dress
While getting ready for a party can be a fun and pampering experience, sometimes you need a look that’s easy to throw together. For when you’re in a rush, Diana LoMonaco, founder of Classic Six, has the perfect party outfit for you. “My easy-to-wear go-to for a party is a mini-shift dress,” she tells us. “Depending on the season, add knee-high snake boots or platform sandals, bold earrings, a clutch, and you’re golden.”
5. Leather Shirt
If you’re a lover of monochromatic looks, Woldegebriel suggests playing with tone and texture when planning your party outfit. “Choose one color and create an outfit with different shades and textures of that color,” he advises, citing black pants and a contrasting leather top as the blueprint for a stylish and party-ready monochromatic look.
6. Sparkly Statement Top
“A sparkly top is always a good idea,” shares Sweis, who recommends adding simple pumps and straight-leg jeans for a daytime event or casual night out. “With some matching eyeshadow, you’ll be good to go for girl’s night or a first date,” she adds.
7. Glitzy Mini Bag
According to Lu, a mini-bag is the perfect accessory “for more intimate and sophisticated events.” Look for a mini-bag with a metallic finish that’s large enough to hold your essentials, like a lip gloss and even your phone, but small enough to stay out of the way at a cocktail soirée or dinner party.
8. Metallic Bottoms
Our experts agree that metallics are the way to go when looking for a pair of party outfit bottoms. Both pants and skirts can be dressed up or down depending on venue, so focus on footwear when putting a metallic ensemble together. Heels are great for a dinner party or night out, while flats work best for daytime events.
9. Dramatic Maxidress
A floor-length maxidress might not strike you as a top choice daytime party outfit idea, but a fun print gives this party outfit a bit of lightness. Add a blazer on top for a casual air and look for abstract prints and draped details that, according to Lu, let you “channel your inner red carpet star,” without leaving you feeling overdressed.
10. Statement Necklace
When accessorizing a party outfit, Woldegebriel recommends you “always incorporate a statement necklace,” even if you’re wearing a more casual ‘fit. “These bold and eye-catching accessories have the power to transform an ordinary look into a show-stopping masterpiece,” he says, while also suggesting you not shy away from experimenting with dramatic, vintage, or unconventional pieces.
11. Showstopping Jumpsuit
A well-fitted jumpsuit in a sequin fabric is a party-outfit game-changer, according to Lu. “It’s a one-piece wonder that exudes sophistication without the hassle of coordinating separates,” she says.
12. Wide-Leg Pants
When it comes to party outfits that are daytime-appropriate, but elegant—think morning events or fancy lunch occasions—silhouette is everything. Woldegebriel recommends a wide-leg pant: “Pairing them with a cozy sweater or crisp button-up shirt creates a casual vibe,” he says.
13. Blazer Dress
For a touch of sophistication, a blazer dress is an excellent choice, says Lu, who prefers to style this party outfit with “ankle boots or strappy heels for an edgy yet polished vibe.” Lu also suggests this party outfit for post-work events. “I wear this straight from the office to dinner with my friends,” says the expert.
14. Statement Boots
If you’re hoping to dress up casual separates or add a bit of edge to a streetwear look, Sweis recommends working a pair of statement boots into your party outfit. “You’ll look trendy and fashion-forward, whether you’re headed to a work event or dinner party,” she adds.
15. Fringe-Forward Set
If you’re headed to a glamorous nighttime event that calls for dancing, you’ll definitely want to consider picking a fringe skirt set for your party outfit, especially one with a bit of sparkle. Since this look features two pieces rather than one, you’ll be able to dance the night away in comfort and style.
16. Fringe Jacket
Similarly, you can’t go wrong with a single layer of fringe. “Incorporating fringe through a dress, skirt, or jacket can create a playful and dynamic effect,” says Lu.
17. Statement Earrings
“I absolutely love a pair of earrings that are the final touch to any party night look,” says Lu, who personally prefers statement earrings with a bit of movement, especially if you’re headed to the dance floor. “My top tip is to always opt for earrings that swing or sparkle to steal the spotlight,” she adds.
18. Rhinestone-Studded Jeans
What’s one thing that Sweis firmly believes every party outfit could benefit from? “Rhinestones. Always, every time.” An elegant embellished top or dress works best for formal affairs, but if you’re headed for a night out on the town, she suggests rhinestone-studded jeans as a more casual and unexpected alternative.
19. Statement Clutch
For an elegant night out, Lu recommends adding a mid-sized statement shoulder bag or clutch with eye-catching embellishments or a unique shape to your party outfit. When adorned to the nines, a bag of this size “strikes the ideal balance between style and practicality,” Lu adds.
20. Full-Length Sequin Gown
If you’re headed to a formal or late-night event, LoMonaco says floor-length sequins are fail-safe. “You can dress this party outfit idea down with a tailored blazer or a button-down shirt tied at the waist, or amp up the sparkle with glittering accessories.”
21. Tailored Varsity Jacket
You don’t have to glitter or sparkle to slay a party look, especially if dresses or skirts aren’t in your repertoire. In fact, “when considering your outfit, remember that simplicity and quality often make a louder statement than going over the top,” says Woldegebriel. A tailored varsity jacket is a great way to give that understated-yet-fashionable vibe.
22. Crisp Button-Down
“A crisp white or black dress shirt is a timeless and versatile option that can be dressed up with a scarf around the neck and blazer or dressed down with rolled-up sleeves,” says Woldegebriel of this understated party outfit essential. A button-down works exceptionally well with sequined statement pieces as well as full-length dresses that need a casual finishing touch.
23. Tulle Skirt
When it comes to creating a unique party outfit, Sweis is a fan of creating contrast as much as possible. “Take pieces that are complete opposites and pair them together,” she suggests. A flouncy tulle skirt certainly contrasts with many other items that run the gamut from casual to formal. Pair it with a graphic tee and combat boots for a night out on the town or a blazer for an intimate dinner party.
