A good holiday outfit is one that can be styled differently for each occasion without emptying your wardrobe. A family dinner, an office party, and New Year's Eve don't call for the same level of formality. Here's how to choose the right outfit for each, for men and women, with pieces from the Digel, Eterna, Brax, and VLT'S by Valentina's collections.
In short
- Family dinner: chic and comfortable, with a wool sweater or cardigan.
- Office party: polished but understated, with a blazer or elegant blouse.
- New Year's Eve: dressier, with a touch of sparkle or rich texture.
- Five well-chosen pieces are enough to create three different outfits.
- Accessories (scarf, socks, jewelry) make all the difference on a small budget.
Decoding the dress code on the invitation
Invitations sometimes say “business attire” or “smart casual.” These terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean in practice.
| Code | What it means | Outfit example |
|---|---|---|
| Smart casual | Polished, without a tie or cocktail dress | Fine-knit sweater and well-cut trousers |
| Business attire | A step above everyday wear | Blazer, shirt, dress pants |
| Cocktail | Dressy, with a festive detail | Dark blazer, shirt, scarf or elegant dress |
| Evening wear | Very formal | Suit or long dress |
When no dress code is specified, aim for business attire. It’s better to be a little overdressed than too casual.
Family dinner
At Christmas, you want to look good without feeling restricted. The table is long, the meal is generous, and the house is warm.
For him
A fine-knit wool sweater or cardigan, with a plain shirt underneath and wool trousers. The Meyer Bonn 8400 wool trousers drape well and remain comfortable when seated. The Bugatchi Soft Touch zip-neck sweater gives you a polished look with little effort.
For Her
A wool and cashmere crew-neck sweater, like the Brax Liz, with Brax Shakira Winter Dream pants. Add slightly sparkly earrings for a festive touch.
For more ideas for comfortable outfits at the table, read our guide on how to layer.
The office party
An office party calls for restraint. You want to stand out without shocking anyone, and stay comfortable around your colleagues and bosses.
For him
A wool blazer, a shirt without a tie, and matching or contrasting pants. The Digel Enzo wool jersey blazer with a stand-up collar is a good choice: it's dressy yet modern. Wear it with an Eterna dobby-texture shirt. For more blazer ideas, read our guide to Digel blazers and suits for the office.
For Her
A stylish blouse with well-tailored pants and understated jewelry. The VLT'S by Valentina's printed viscose blouse adds color without going overboard. It works just as well with black pants as with a skirt.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is the dressiest evening. You can go for rich textures, dark colors, and a festive detail.
For him
A dark blazer, a white or pale blue shirt, and a cashmere scarf as an outer layer. The Hemley plain cashmere scarf fits in a coat pocket and can be draped over your shoulders on the way home. Bugatchi cotton and cashmere socks with a paisley pattern add a little touch of whimsy that only the sharp-eyed will notice.
For Her
Choose a piece with rich texture or color, such as velvet or patterned viscose. You can pair it with the Brax Liz wool and cashmere sweater or the VLT'S blouse to create a second look with the same pieces.
Five Pieces, Three Outfits
If you’re on a tight budget, choose five pieces that go together:
- Well-tailored dark pants.
- A solid-colored shirt or blouse.
- A fine-knit wool sweater or cardigan.
- A blazer or dressy jacket.
- A festive accessory (scarf, colorful socks, jewelry).
With these five pieces, you can create:
- Family dinner: pants, sweater, accessory.
- Office party: pants, shirt, blazer.
- Christmas Eve dinner: pants, shirt, blazer, festive accessory.
In-store, sweaters, blazers, shirts, and pants are also the items our customers most often choose for holiday parties. This approach saves you from buying three complete outfits. It also works for planning travel outfits for the holidays. To see how to build a wardrobe that lasts, read our guide to fall back-to-work wardrobes for men and women.
Colors to Choose
Holiday classics always work: deep red, forest green, navy blue, black, and cream. One colorful piece is enough. The rest of the outfit can stay neutral.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Too much sparkle all at once. One festive touch is enough.
- Misunderstanding the dress code. If you’re unsure, ask the host.
- Forgetting an outer layer. December evenings are cold in Quebec. Plan for a coat that goes with your outfit.
- Choosing a tight-fitting garment for a long meal. Try sitting down in it before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Wear to a Christmas Party?
Choose rich fabrics, such as fine wool, velvet, or viscose, and one or two festive accents. For a family dinner, prioritize comfort. For New Year's Eve, add a blazer or a dressier garment.
What should you wear to an office party?
Aim for a polished but understated outfit. For men, a blazer and a shirt. For women, an elegant blouse with pants or a skirt. Avoid pieces that are too short or too low-cut.
What colors should you wear for the holidays?
Deep red, forest green, navy, black, and cream are good choices. One colorful accent is enough to make it festive.
Do you need to wear a tie to a New Year's Eve party?
Not necessarily. A blazer with an open-collar shirt or a scarf creates an elegant, modern look. A tie is still a good option if the invitation specifies “formal attire.”
Does the boutique offer alterations before the holidays?
Yes. Alterations (hems, sleeves) are usually done within two business days. Visit the boutique early in December so your outfit is ready in time.
What are the boutique's opening hours during the holidays?
The boutique is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On December 24 and 31, it closes at 5 p.m. It is closed only on Christmas Day.
In summary
A good holiday outfit is planned around the occasion and put together with a few versatile pieces. To discover the pieces featured here, browse the Digel, Eterna, Brax, VLT'S by Valentina's and Hemley collections. Looking for a gift rather than an outfit? Read our tips on giving a premium fashion gift for Christmas, or visit us at our Petit-Champlain boutique in Quebec City. We're open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the holiday season, except Christmas Day.