5 Styling Tips for Your Holiday Party Outfit

fun holiday outfit dress from Mata Traders

We all know that as conscious consumers we wear our hearts on our sleeves. But when it comes to the holidays and other get-gussied-up party occasions, we might want to add a little more. Just because your holiday ladies night is coming up doesn’t mean you need to run out and buy something fancy you’ll wear once - you can shop ethically and still make it fun and festive. 

Holiday parties don’t have to be about uncomfortable perfection or formal style - you can have fun, stay comfortable, and still feel like yourself for the night. Whether you’re shelling out for something new, or looking to reel it in and work with what you have, we have some tips for easily and effortlessly putting together holiday party looks that’ll demand some double takes.

Dress Up in Ethical Apparel for the Holidays

Style inspo:  Channel retro gift-giving glamour

For a playful nod to vintage holiday charm, start with a bold statement  dress like the Adelaide Tiered Mini Dress in cranberry with its graphic modern objects print. The key to nailing this retro-inspired look is layering with intention: add a statement bow for that wrapped-with-love effect, slip on black tights to stay warm while keeping the silhouette sleek, and top it all off with a contrasting animal print jacket for an unexpected twist.

This mix of bold print-on-print creates visual interest while the warm layers keep you cozy through chilly holiday gatherings. It's festive, it's fun, and it feels like unwrapping the best present under the tree.


Adelaide Mini Dress Modern Objects Cranberry styled to be a festive holiday outfit 

Embrace vintage volume with handcrafted texture

There's something magical about pairing the artisanal beauty of hand tie-dyed ikat with the whimsical drama of vintage tulle. Start with the Tulum Tassel Top in olive ikat as your foundation—its handcrafted texture and adjustable neckline bring an effortless elegance that grounds the look. Then add the playful contrast of a tiered tulle skirt for that vintage-inspired volume that makes holiday dressing so fun. The key is balancing the structured, earthy ikat with the soft, ethereal quality of tulle, creating a mix of textures that feels both grounded and celebratory. Top it all off with a bold jacket to tie the look together and add an extra layer of personality. This combination proves that you can honor traditional craft techniques while still embracing maximalist, joy-filled holiday style.


Mata Traders Tulum Tassel Top in Olive Ikat styled to be a festive holiday outfit

Wrap up in warmth without sacrificing style

Who says winter party dressing has to mean freezing for fashion?

The key to looking polished while staying warm is strategic layering with luxe textures. Start with a seasonal inspired wrap dress as your foundation—the rich jewel tone and handcrafted pattern bring instant holiday elegance. Add black tights for a sleek base layer that keeps you warm, then slip into fuzzy-lined boots that offer both comfort and cold-weather practicality. The real magic happens when you layer on those cozy accessories: a warm hat adds a playful touch while protecting against the chill, and a cashmere wrap scarf draped around your shoulders brings that elevated softness that makes you feel pampered. This look is perfect for outdoor holiday markets, rooftop gatherings, or any celebration where you'll be moving between heated indoors and crisp winter air. You'll stay toasty, look effortlessly chic, and prove that conscious comfort and party-ready style aren't mutually exclusive.


mata traders ethical apparel dressed up for the holidays

Be fearless

Don’t fret about texture mashing and print mixing. Maximalism and creativity have their place in holiday looks because at their core, these outfits should be FUN and playful. A tip to avoid crazy-making clashes: find prints that have similar warm or cool tones.
Shown here the Dana Ikat top adds that touch of holiday color with a mix of sparkle and vintage pieces. 

Add volume

With a simple or fitted piece as a base, you can let your look breathe a bit with an item that occupies more visual space. Try a fun layered skirt, or a jacket that brings a little extra. We also love the idea of mixing a straight-fitting hand-woven ikat top with a poofy tulle skirt.
 
Mata Traders Dana Top in Garnet Ikat styled to be a festive holiday outfit

Let the dress do the talking

Sometimes the best party outfit is the one that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum impact. Enter the statement print dress—your secret weapon for effortless holiday style. The Artsy Traveler Midi Dress in teal floral brings all the visual interest you need with its vibrant, colorful print on smooth satin cotton, so you don't have to overthink the rest. Keep accessories simple but impactful: add a fun headband to frame your face and bring a touch of vintage charm, then drape a luxe faux fur wrap over your shoulders for instant glamour and warmth.


 Artsy Traveler Midi Dress Teal Floral styled to be a festive holiday outfit

 The beauty of this approach is that the dress carries the outfit—the bold print and flattering elastic ruching do all the heavy lifting while you simply show up and enjoy the party. It's proof that dressing up doesn't have to mean complicated layering or hours of planning. Just slip on a statement piece, add two thoughtful accessories, and you're ready to celebrate in style.
 

Adelaide Mini Tiered Dress Modern Objects Cranberry styled to be a festive holiday outfit

Stay classic

Vintage + holiday is a match for the ages. With classic fit and flare silhouettes like our Devonshire Dress (in Black and Tan Small Gingham or Sterling Plaid), pair timeless accessories like a simple belt, or go festive and retro with a bold red or green accent with a hat, coat, or tights. It might not be your year-round style, but this color combo is more than just tolerated around the holidays: it’s celebrated.

 
Mata Traders Devonshire Dress styled to be a festive holiday outfit Mata Traders Devonshire Dress styled to be festive holiday outfit 

Add a pop of festive red

Want to instantly elevate your holiday look? A touch of red is all you need to signal celebration without going full-on Christmas costume. Bold beaded earrings like the Checker Beaded Earrings in cherry bring that playful red and white pattern that feels festive but not overly themed—perfect for anyone who wants holiday vibes without wearing a literal wreath. Red accents work beautifully as the finishing touch on any outfit, whether it's statement earrings, a bold lip, a vibrant scarf, or even just a pair of cherry-red shoes. The key is letting that pop of color do the work while keeping the rest of your look balanced. It's an easy way to make any ensemble feel more party-ready and celebratory, these red accents make a return for your Galentine's Day and Valentine's day parties and events. 


Checker Beaded earrings
 

Party in pants? Absolutely.

Not everyone wants to wear a dress to holiday gatherings, and honestly, pants or even a jumpsuit  can be just as festive when you style them right. The key is choosing pants with visual interest—think gingham print like the Emmy Drawstring Pant in black and tan small gingham, or a handcrafted ikat pattern that brings texture and artisan flair. These aren't your everyday work pants; the small-batch yarn-dyed patterns add that special something while still keeping you comfortable (hello, elastic back waist and drawstring). Balance the casual comfort of pants with elevated pieces on top: a sheer blouse adds romantic femininity, or go for a sparkly top that catches the light and screams celebration. Finish with strappy holiday shoes—whether it's heeled sandals or dressy flats with interesting details—to bring the look from daytime casual to party-ready. You get the ease of movement, practical pockets for your phone and lip gloss, and the confidence that comes from wearing something that actually feels like you.

 
Emmy Pant Black and Tan Gingham styled for a holiday party 


Nahla Midi Skirt styled with a fitted velvet top for a holiday party Josephine Earrings

Spice up your separates

Have a pair of pants or skirt that doesn’t read “holiday” in an obvious way? Add a sheer top, some patent leather shoes, and a pair of statement earrings.
 
caitlin top styled with a black maxi skirt for a holiday party Gillian Wrap Top in Burgundy Bouquet styled for a party with a dramatic black maxi skirt
 
Basic tops in your closet can still give holiday vibes. Dial up the drama by pairing a casual top with a chic full length skirt. Add a cute clutch and some square toed flats.
 
Mila Midi Skirt Olive Ikat morrocan dream silver dangle earrings
 
Take a handcrafted skirt like the Mila Midi Skirt Olive and dress it up with black strappy heels, a fitted top, and dangly earrings.

Artsy Traveler Midi Dress Teal Floral styled with a faux fur jacket for a holiday party outfit
Stacked Sun Ra Earrings Silver statement earrings from Mata Traders
Nahla Midi Skirt Fall Blossom

Go glam

The easiest way to up your holiday vibes this season is to add some shine or sparkle. Get the glitzy earrings, go for the sparkly tights, a bold red cashmere sweater cardigan  and definitely don’t be afraid of adding some shine where you maybe wouldn’t before. The holidays are about festivities, and joy, and celebrating the light in your life, and your look can reflect that (literally). 

ikat dress vintage inspired  holiday party dress looks by Mata Traders
Last but not least: have fun, girl! The holidays are yours to devour!