How To Dress Up Jeans For A Holiday Party & Look Festive and Chic

How To Dress Up Jeans For A Holiday Party

The holiday season and festive get-togethers go hand in hand. And dressing for these gatherings with friends, family, and/or co-workers gives you an opportunity to sparkle and shine (literally)! This time of year, it’s easy to get behind sequins, metallics, and bold colors that feel extra special. And one of my favorite ways to offset all that glam is pairing those standout pieces with your favorite pair of jeans. Can jeans be appropriate for a holiday party? Yep…they sure can. Here are some simple ways to pull off a gorgeous holiday outfit where your trusty denim plays the starring role!

If you’re interested in checking out some tops I just recently styled with jeans for the holidays, make sure read this post for all the latest!

Can You Wear Jeans To A Holiday Party?

Jeans are appropriate for many party dress codes, but not all. For any formal, semi-formal, or cocktail party invites, better to leave your jeans at home. If you aren’t sure about wearing jeans, keep these things in mind:

• What does the invite say? Any party invites that include wording like casual, festive, dressed-down, or laid-back are a pretty safe bet!
• Consider the venue. This can help you get a feel for how dressy or casual the event will be.
• What is the hostess like? Will she be clad in head-to-toe sequins? If so, you can still pull off jeans, but you need to keep the rest of your outfit elevated and special!

Finding the right balance with your jeans is key! Keep scrolling for a few tips to help you bring together your holiday outfits with jeans and still look festive and chic.

 

Choose The Right Denim Wash

Since denim tends to read more casual, choosing the right pair is your first step. Darker and medium washes can look more dressy than super light washes so if you’re looking to go with a more elevated look, a dark blue or black wash would be ideal. Also, coated denim that has a leather-look would be an amazing option.

Minimal or No Distressing

I for one love distressed jeans with whiskering, frayed edges, and rips…but the distressed quality will give your jeans a more lived-in, and comfortable appearance. So, for a sophisticated holiday party look, I’d avoid jeans with these casual details.

Shoe Choice

When trying to dress up your favorite pair of jeans, shoe choice is important! I’d opt for heels or high-heel booties. Any embellishments like metallics or feathers will be extra fab. If you can’t wear heels, a dressy pair of embellished flats will also work.

Bring On The Bling

In addition to your fun shoes, you can really bring it with your accessories. Dangly earrings, a festive clutch, a statement necklace, a bracelet stack, or a glamorous belt will add a sense of celebration and holiday flair to your look. Go for it!

Top It Off

Now, let’s talk about choosing a top. This is where you crank up the glam to offset the basic look of your jeans. Fit, fabric, and color are your primary considerations. Sequins, metallic, feathers, satin, silk, velvet, bold colors, and interesting necklines in blouses, sweaters, tanks, and blazers will give your jeans outfit a little extra holiday style oomph! Flex your style muscles and wear something that makes you feel elegant, pretty, sexy, feminine, and/or powerful – you choose!

Holiday Party Outfits With Jeans

Here are 20 (yes 20!) holiday party outfit ideas with jeans featuring special tops, shoes, and accessories. Some of these looks are from a few years ago, but I wanted to give you a TON of options and ideas so you can see how easy it really is to dress up your jeans!

Outfit Idea #1) Jeans + A Silky Blouse

Silk and satin fabrics look super luxe and feel amazing on the skin. The details on this Jonathan Simkhai blouse are SO gorgeous. I just love the beautiful burgundy color, flattering tie-neck (I left it open), and unique pleating on the sleeves. It’s also pretty thin, so you can tuck it into your jeans without adding bulk. Or leave it untucked like I did. This blouse is lovely for hiding a tummy too.

To make it even more festive, I styled it with feathery mules by Sam Edleman, affordable Open Edit pearl earrings, and a Cult Gaia clutch. The blouse and earrings are limited, but I linked some similar options for both below. As for the jeans, I love the fit of this pair by L’Agence so much that I bought them in 2 washes. The dark wash and classic straight leg are perfect for letting your holiday tops shine. You’ll see these jeans again and again in many of the looks I’m sharing below!

Outfit Idea #2) Jeans + Turtleneck Sweater

If you like the color of look #1, but need a bit more warmth, this ba&sh turtleneck is another great option. It has subtle ribbed details, ruching at the shoulders, and balloon sleeves with fitted cuffs. It’s lightweight wool so you’ll stay warm, but the sleeves are thin enough that you can layer over them if you need to. To dress up the look, I’m wearing the same holiday-ready accessories from the last look. (BTW, this sweater is NOT itchy…yay!)

Outfit #3) Jeans + Sequin Top

This gorgeous sequin top by 1. State is perfect for a holiday party. It has a mock neck, long sleeves, and a beautiful, dramatic draped back. Oh, and the best part is that it’s under $100! It also comes in pink and runs true to size. I’m wearing it with the same pair of dark wash straight-leg jeans from looks 1 and 2 and my favorite statement hoops by Monica Vinader. Sequins just have that quintessential holiday party sparkle!

Outfit #4) Jeans + Asymmetrical Sweater

This sweater by Reiss is a unique and modern option for the holidays. The asymmetrical hemline is super flattering because it cheats the waistline in and makes you look slimmer. Plus the longer silhouette is perfect for masking hips, butt, and thighs if that’s a concern for you. It just skims right over your jeans. It’s wool and cashmere so it’s very warm, which is a consideration if you have hot flashes or run hot. The pearl clutch and earrings are the perfect accessories to wear with black because they really pop!

HOLIDAY STYLE TIP: One easy way to glam up your holiday look is with a beautiful red lip! My favorites shades are Insurgent Red and Always Red.

 

Outfit #5) Jeans + Sheer Top

This deep emerald silk chiffon blouse by Frame has the most gorgeous details…the sheer sleeves, universally flattering color, and ruched mock neck to name a few! Sheer details are an excellent way to add a little sex appeal to your outfit but still stay covered up. Plus it makes your jeans look dressier! I styled the blouse with a pair of Joe’s coated black jeans to add a little edge. The jeans have a super high rise (11.5”) and very wide legs…both of which are on-trend right now. They’re super flattering and elongating. If you pair them with black heels or booties, they make your legs look a mile long!

Outfit #6) Jeans + Corset

If you’re looking to amp up the sexy for the holidays, this lace corset top is the perfect option! It has beautiful lace, structured boning, lightly padded cups with a supportive underwire, and a zipper back. It’s incredibly flattering, uber sexy and pairs perfectly with jeans and a blazer.

Outfit #7) Jeans + Sequin Camisole

If you like the look of the corset top, but prefer a bit more coverage, this sequined cami by 1.State is perfect for the holidays! It’s festive and sexy on its own but would also look amazing under a blazer, leather moto jacket, or faux fur jacket or coat! Similar to the outfit with the sequin top, the dark wash jeans are a classic backdrop for the sparkly sequins, diamond hoop earrings, and pearl clutch. On my feet I’m wearing gold slingbacks by Dolce Vita. The exact pair is sold out, but I’ll link a few similar options below. As I mentioned in the tips above, shoe choice is KEY when wearing jeans for your holiday celebrations!

Outfit #8) Jeans + Cobalt Blue

I’m loving this cobalt blue Alice + Olivia sweater for the holidays because it’s a little unexpected…a departure from traditional red and green tops. This sweater has that 2-in-1 layered look with a contrasting satin collar and cuffs. The satin touches are what give this outfit that extra something special! The fit is perfect and I love the length because you can front-tuck it or leave it untucked. In case you weren’t sure you can absolutely wear deep blues (navy, cobalt, marine, etc.) with your dark wash and black denim. I styled the sweater with coated, wide-leg Joe’s Jeans that are high-waisted and leg-lengthening and Veronic Beard platform booties. I also added a beautiful cocktail ring and drop earrings by Dean Davidson in the same cobalt color to add a lit more sparkle and shine…it is the holidays after all!

Outfit #9) Jeans + Pink

Similar to the cobalt blue in the previous look, pink is another unexpected color for the holidays but is still so pretty and festive…especially this bright pink L’Agence lace blouse. I’ve had this top for a few months now and love how I feel when I wear it. It has a slight puff sleeve, soft lace, and a scalloped hemline that’s perfect for leaving untucked. And, it’s super versatile! I’ll wear it with jeans and boots for a holiday get-together but it’s really a great year-round blouse! For sizing, it runs a little large. I’m wearing a 4, but think 2 would be better… so I suggest sizing down. On my feet, I’m wearing Stuart Weitzman pointed-toe sock booties which are a little more elevated and party-appropriate than your standard black booties.

Outfit #10) Jeans + Feathers

Sticking with pink for just a minute…how fun is the pink feather bustier? I mean, if you really want to add some wow factor to your jeans, why not step a little outside of your comfort zone and really go for it? Feathers are having an on-trend moment right now. If the top is too much for you, the feathered heels in looks 1 and 2 would be another festive way to amp up your jeans! I paired it with this chunky chain Paco Rabanne statement necklace. You will definitely stand out in a combo like this!

Outfit Idea #11) Jeans & Black Lace

If the brighter bolder colors aren’t really your thing, you can’t go wrong with an elevated black lace top and jeans for your holiday gathering. I’ve had this Jonathan Simkhai top for 2 years now and it’s still one of my special occasion favorites! I love the flattering peplum and appreciate the added coverage with the lace sleeves. It’s sexy and elegant at the same time. I kept my earrings simple and I’m wearing one of my all-time favorite Monica Vinader rings with diamond details.

Outfit Idea #12) Jeans + Elevated Blazer

Can you tell I love pink? 😍 An elevated blazer will always dress up your jeans. But you could wear a velvet blazer, satin blazer, or sequin blazer for more of a holiday-esque and special occasion feel. This crushed velvet blazer is from last year but there are a lot of similar options out there to try. I wore a black laced-trimmed cami underneath and some sparkly dangling earrings for a little extra oomph! I’m actually wearing it with black pants in the photo but dark denim would also look really chic.

Outfit Idea #13) Jeans + Sequin Duster

If you really want to bring on the glam a sequin duster or topper and jeans would be so beautiful for the holidays. If you love sparkle, there is no better time of year to bust it out! I’m wearing the same black lace cami in the previous look (and velvet joggers), but you see how it would look amazing with dark denim? Bring on the shine!

Outfit Idea #14) Jeans + Velvet Top

I know some of you have a difficult time finding blazers (like the one in look #12) that fit your frame, or maybe they just aren’t your favorite…enter the velvet top! In a gorgeous green or deep blue, long sleeves, short sleeves, or sleeveless, there are lots of options for wearing velvet and ALL of them will look amazing with your jeans!

HOLIDAY STYLE TIP: The holidays are a great time to experiment with your hair and makeup so go for it! Updos, a smokey eye, false eye lashes…these will help dress up your jeans outfit! You’ll find some festive holiday makeup looks that are perfect for women 40+ in this post.

 

Outfit Idea #15) Jeans + A Bodysuit

A sleek black bodysuit is a subtly sexy way to dress up your jeans. It keeps everything tucked in…almost like shapewear. This look is from a few years back, but I absolutely love how simple it is while still making a statement! These Schutz embossed leather boots are still heavy hitters for me. Aren’t they sexy? And…pretty darn comfortable (for heels!) You could certainly add some sparkly earrings to this look to pack even more holiday punch.

Outfit Idea #16) Jeans + A Cutout Top

Here is another look from the archives…proving that if you buy strategic pieces, you’ll wear them for years and years! A cutout top or sweater that shows a sliver of skin paired with your jeans adds a touch of sexy and looks super feminine. In this look, I’m wearing the same leather Schutz tall boots and dark denim jeans from the previous look. When wearing a cutout top, I like to pull back my hair to show off that little bit of skin!

Outfit Idea #17) Jeans + One Shoulder Top

While this top is from a few years ago, one-shoulder tops are still very on trend and look extra special for the holidays. You can find really gorgeous options in velvet and faux leather or stick to silky fabrics, depending on your preference. Fabric choice is key here…remember, you want to elevate the look of your jeans! I love a statement bracelet stack with a one-shoulder top!

Outfit Idea #18) Jeans + Embellished Sweater

I  love to pair a pretty embellished sweater with jeans for the holidays! Pearls or crystals all over the sweater, on the collar or cuffs, or even down the sleeves, add that extra special touch! This exact sweater is a few years old, but I linked some super pretty options below.

#19) Jeans +Metallic Tops

While this look is a few years old, I wanted to show you how festive a cool metallic top can be for the holidays! I would just swap out the pleated skirt for dark or coated denim. This top is a wrap top, which is VERY flattering on most body shapes (including larger busts). Linking some beautiful metallic tops below!

Outfit Idea #20) Jeans + Greens

If you are looking for a more casual holiday outfit with jeans or you’re just not all about the glitz, sparkles, and glam, this look is for you! Wearing a pretty green blouse in a luxurious fabric with your jeans is a great option. You’ll still look festive with this intentional color choice. I’m wearing some of my favorite high-rise, dark wash, flare jeans by Paige and pointed-toe booties to elongate my legs. If you’re going to a more casual office or house party, this outfit would be perfect AND comfortable too!

Well, there you have it. 20 looks proving you absolutely CAN wear jeans to a holiday party and still look chic! Which one of these 20 outfits is your favorite? Leave me a note in the comments! If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of our weekly content. AND, if you are looking for more style guidance that will help you up-level your wardrobe and address your fashion questions, my Style Made Simple course is now LIVE. You can check out all the details here.

Thanks for reading!