Modest Holiday Party Outfits: Festive, Covered and Comfortable

December fills up fast. There is the Chanukah party with the whole family, the office get-together, a friend's open house, a winter sheva brachos or two, and at least one evening where you look at your closet and think, "I have nothing to wear."

The good news is that holiday dressing and modest dressing get along beautifully. Long sleeves, midi and maxi skirts and high necklines are already the shapes that look most elegant in winter. The trick is choosing the right fabric, a little sparkle and shoes you can actually stand in all night.

Here is how I put together holiday outfits that feel festive, covered and comfortable.

Start with the fabric

The fastest way to make an outfit feel like a party is the fabric. A plain black midi skirt is everyday; the same shape in velvet is a celebration.

• Velvet. Soft, rich and warm. Velvet skirts, dresses and even a velvet headband instantly say "holiday."
• Satin and silky fabrics. A satin midi skirt catches the light and moves beautifully. Pair it with a chunky knit so it doesn't feel too formal.
• Metallic knits and lurex. A sweater with a subtle metallic thread is cozy and festive at the same time, and it is easy to wear with a skirt you already own.
• Brocade and jacquard. Woven patterns feel special without needing any extra jewelry.
• Sequins and beading, in small doses. A sequin skirt with a simple fine-knit top, or a plain dress with embellished cuffs, is usually more wearable than sequins head to toe.

If you want to know which knits will feel soft against your skin all evening, my guide to sweater fabrics explains the difference between wool, cashmere, merino and alpaca.

Colors that feel like the season

Holiday colors don't have to mean red and green. Some of my favorites:

• Deep jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, burgundy and plum look rich in velvet and satin.
• Navy and silver, which feel perfect for Chanukah.
• Black with one shine element, like a metallic top or a pearl collar.
• Winter white and cream, especially in knits, for a soft and elegant look.
• Champagne and gold tones for a New Year's or evening simcha.

If you are unsure, pick one statement color and keep everything else neutral. A burgundy velvet skirt with a black turtleneck and black tights always works.

Easy outfit formulas

These are the combinations I come back to every year.

1. Velvet midi skirt + fine turtleneck + tights + loafers or pointed flats. Warm, polished and comfortable for a long evening.
2. Satin midi skirt + chunky cream sweater + ankle boots. The mix of soft and shiny is what makes it feel modern.
3. Long-sleeve wrap or A-line dress in a jewel tone + statement earrings + block heels. One piece and you are done.
4. Metallic knit top + black pleated maxi skirt + ballet flats. Festive on top, simple below.
5. Sweater dress + belt + tall boots. Cozy enough for an outdoor menorah lighting, nice enough for dinner afterward.
6. Plain black dress + embellished collar or cardigan + pearls. The accessories do all the work.

For more ways to wear one skirt across many outfits, see how to style a midi skirt.

Dressing for different holiday events

Chanukah parties with family. These are usually at home, with kids running around and latkes frying in the kitchen. I go for comfort: a sweater dress or a velvet skirt with a soft knit, and flats. Skip anything delicate that can't handle a little oil or a toddler's hands.

Office holiday parties. Keep it a step above your regular work outfit. A satin skirt with your usual work knit, or a dark dress with sparkly earrings, feels festive but still professional. If the party is right after work, bring the earrings and a lipstick and change your shoes; that is often enough.

Open houses and evening get-togethers. This is the time for a little more shine: sequins, metallics or a brocade dress. Since you will be standing and mingling, choose shoes you have already worn for a few hours.

Winter weddings and sheva brachos. Choose longer lengths and richer fabrics, and plan for the cold between the car and the hall. My modest wedding guest guide has more ideas for simchas.

Layering for coverage and warmth

Many holiday dresses come with short sleeves, sheer sleeves or a lower neckline. A few simple layers fix that and keep you warm:

• A fitted long-sleeve layering top in black, nude or a matching color under a dress.
• A thin high-neck shell under a V-neck or square neck.
• A slip under sheer or lace skirts.
• Opaque or semi-opaque tights, which also make a festive outfit look finished in winter.
• A cropped cardigan or boxy jacket over a sleeveless or short-sleeve dress.

When the layer matches the dress color, it looks like part of the design rather than an afterthought.

Shoes you can stand in all night

Holiday parties often mean hours on your feet. Some things that help:

• Block heels are much more stable than thin heels.
• Pointed flats and embellished ballet flats look dressy without the pain.
• Velvet or satin loafers are comfortable and festive.
• Ankle boots are perfect with midi skirts and tights, and they handle snow and slush.
• If you love a higher heel, bring a pair of foldable flats in your bag for the drive home.

Always wear new shoes around the house for an hour or two before the party. It is the easiest way to find out where they rub.

Accessories that do the heavy lifting

If you don't want to buy anything new, accessories are where to start:

• Statement earrings with a simple outfit.
• Pearls, as a strand, a collar or pearl hair clips.
• A velvet or satin headband or a hair bow.
• A small metallic or beaded bag.
• A brooch on a coat lapel or a plain cardigan.

One standout accessory is usually enough. Let it be the thing people notice.

Planning ahead (and not panicking)

A little planning saves the last-minute scramble:

• Look at the calendar now. Count how many events you have and how dressy each one is.
• Shop your closet first. Lay out your dark skirts, knits and dresses and see what combinations you already have.
• Re-wear with different accessories. The same velvet skirt can go to three events with a different top and earrings each time.
• Steam everything the day before. Velvet and satin both look better with a little steam, and it is gentler than ironing.

When I find real holiday markdowns, I list them with the actual current price on my best deals this week page, and you can see what I'm loving right now on the Dresses and Skirts pages.

Quick answers

What is the easiest modest holiday outfit? A velvet midi skirt with a fine black turtleneck, tights and flats. It works for almost any event.

How do I make a regular outfit look festive? Change one thing: a shiny fabric, a statement earring, a velvet headband or a metallic bag.

What do I wear under a sheer-sleeve dress? A thin fitted long-sleeve top in a color that matches the dress or your skin tone, so it blends in.

Can I wear a sweater to a holiday party? Yes. A soft knit with a satin or velvet skirt looks dressed up and keeps you warm.

Some links on this site may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure.