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December has a funny way of turning into a full time job. Office party on Thursday, tree farm on Saturday, family dinner on Sunday, and somehow a wedding squeezed in between.
And every single one of those plans comes with the same question: what on earth do I wear?
So I did the thinking for you. Below are 10 December outfits, one for each of the plans that tend to fill up the month, all built from pieces most of us already own or can find easily.
Each one comes with who it’s best for, why it works and a quick styling tip, so you can copy it in minutes.
Keep an eye on number 3. It’s the Christmas market look, and it might be the most Pinterest friendly outfit of the whole season.
And if you’re stuck on New Year’s Eve, number 10 is the simplest party outfit I know. Two pieces, done.
There’s also a free printable December outfit planner near the end, so you can map your whole month on one page.
How to dress for December without overthinking it
December plans fall into three moods: cozy, festive and dressy. Most outfits only need one statement piece to hit the right mood.
- Cozy plans (tree farm, Christmas morning, shopping): knits, flannel, leggings and boots.
- Festive plans (markets, family dinner, ugly sweater party): one seasonal color or pattern, like red, green or plaid.
- Dressy plans (office party, wedding, New Year’s Eve): one rich fabric, like satin, velvet or sequins.
Once you know the mood, the outfit almost picks itself.
1. Office holiday party: green satin blouse and black trousers
An emerald green satin blouse tucked into black high waisted trousers, finished with gold hoop earrings.
This is the perfect office party outfit because it’s festive without being too much. Green satin feels like a celebration, but trousers keep it work appropriate.
It’s also smart if your party starts straight after work. Wear a blazer over it during the day, take it off at 5pm and you’re instantly party ready.
Honestly, emerald satin is one of the most flattering colors you can wear in December.
If your office is more casual, swap the trousers for dark jeans and keep the satin blouse. It still reads as dressed up without feeling out of place next to coworkers in sweaters.
Best for: office parties and work holiday lunches.
Why it works: festive color and fabric, professional shape.
Styling tip: leave the top button open and add a thin gold necklace. It softens the look without making it less polished.
2. Tree farm: flannel, puffer vest and jeans
Picking out a real tree? Wear a red plaid flannel shirt, a black puffer vest, light wash jeans and tan lace up boots.
This is the classic tree farm look for a reason. Flannel feels festive, the vest keeps your core warm while you carry things, and boots handle mud and pine needles.
It also looks fantastic in photos with rows of trees behind you.
Tree farms are usually muddy, so leave the suede shoes at home.
Best for: tree farms, pumpkin to pine season walks and casual weekends.
Why it works: warm layers, practical shoes, festive pattern.
Styling tip: leave the flannel untucked and roll the sleeves once. It looks relaxed and makes it easier to move.
3. Christmas market: sweater dress, camel coat and tall boots
Here’s the one I told you about. A cream cable knit sweater dress, a long camel coat and brown knee high boots, with a hot drink in hand.
It’s the coziest outfit on this list, and it looks incredible against wooden stalls and string lights.
The sweater dress keeps you warm, the long coat blocks the wind and knee high boots cover the gap between the two.
Add a pair of thick tights if it’s really cold and you can stay out for hours.
Best for: Christmas markets, light displays and festive walks.
Why it works: warm, tonal colors and full leg coverage.
Styling tip: keep the colors in the same family (cream, camel, brown). It looks effortless and expensive.
4. Family dinner: red cable knit sweater
A chunky red cable knit sweater with pearl drop earrings. Simple, festive and comfortable enough for a long dinner.
Family dinners usually mean hours at the table, lots of food and a warm house. A soft sweater is far more comfortable than a fitted dress.
Red feels instantly Christmassy, and a pearl earring makes it feel like you dressed up a little.
Pair it with black trousers, a skirt or even dark jeans, depending on how formal your family gets.
Best for: family dinners, Christmas Eve and holiday lunches.
Why it works: festive color, cozy fabric, no tight waistbands.
Styling tip: if the sweater is chunky, keep the bottom half slim. Straight trousers or a midi skirt balance it out.
For more dinner ideas, see our Christmas Eve dinner outfits.
5. Christmas morning: matching plaid pajamas
A matching plaid pajama set, cozy socks and a mug of something warm. That’s the dream Christmas morning.
Matching pajamas make morning photos look so much better, and they’re the kind of thing you’ll wear all winter.
Choose a soft cotton or flannel set. Satin looks nice but it can feel cold first thing in the morning.
If your family does matching pajamas, plaid is the safest pattern because it works for everyone.
Best for: Christmas morning, movie nights and lazy weekends.
Why it works: cozy, festive and photo ready.
Styling tip: put your hair up in a messy bun. It looks relaxed and keeps hair out of your hot chocolate.
6. Winter wedding guest: velvet midi dress and faux fur
A long sleeve emerald velvet midi dress, a faux fur collar and black heels. Elegant, warm and very winter wedding.
Velvet is one of the best fabrics for December weddings. It looks luxurious, it photographs beautifully and it’s genuinely warm.
The long sleeves and midi length mean you won’t freeze during outdoor photos.
Deep jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and burgundy are perfect for winter weddings and won’t clash with the bridal party.
Best for: winter weddings, formal dinners and holiday galas.
Why it works: rich fabric, jewel tone and full coverage.
Styling tip: bring a long coat for outdoor parts of the day, and keep jewelry simple so the velvet stands out.
7. Holiday shopping: hoodie, leggings and sneakers
Holiday shopping is basically a marathon. A grey hoodie, black leggings and white sneakers, with a black puffer jacket you can carry once you’re inside.
Malls are hot, stores are crowded and you’ll walk a lot. Comfort wins, every single time, especially in the last two weeks before Christmas.
The puffer keeps you warm in the parking lot, then comes off as soon as you walk in.
It’s not glamorous, but your feet will be very grateful by store number six.
Best for: shopping trips, errands and travel days.
Why it works: comfortable, easy layers you can remove.
Styling tip: use a small crossbody bag so your hands stay free for shopping bags.
Halfway done. Number 10, the two piece New Year’s Eve outfit, is coming up soon.
8. Ugly sweater party: festive knit and red beanie
A green and red reindeer knit sweater, dark jeans and a red beanie. Ugly sweater parties are all about fun, so lean in.
The trick is to keep everything else simple so the sweater is the star.
A red beanie adds an extra festive touch and makes the photos even better.
If you want to look cute instead of silly, pick a sweater with a classic Fair Isle pattern rather than one with lights and pom poms.
Best for: ugly sweater parties and casual holiday get togethers.
Why it works: festive, playful and comfortable.
Styling tip: match your beanie to one color in the sweater. It makes the look feel planned.
9. Winter brunch: long cardigan and cream trousers
A long oatmeal cardigan, white tee, cream wide leg trousers and tan loafers. Soft, neutral and effortlessly chic.
Brunch outfits should be comfortable enough for a long meal and nice enough for photos.
All neutrals look fresh in December when everything else is red and green.
It’s also a great outfit for meeting friends for coffee or holiday catch ups.
Best for: brunch, coffee dates and casual catch ups.
Why it works: soft colors and relaxed shapes.
Styling tip: keep your hands in the cardigan pockets for photos. It looks relaxed and natural.
10. New Year’s Eve: turtleneck and sequin skirt
Here’s the two piece trick. A black fitted turtleneck and a black sequin pencil skirt, with black heels.
That’s it. It’s sparkly enough for midnight, warm enough for December and incredibly easy to put together.
The turtleneck keeps the outfit chic and grown up, while the sequins bring the party.
Add a bold lip and you’re ready.
If you’re heading somewhere with dancing, swap the heels for black ankle boots. You’ll still look polished, and you’ll actually last until midnight.
Best for: New Year’s Eve and holiday parties.
Why it works: sparkle where it counts, warmth everywhere else.
Styling tip: keep accessories minimal. Sequins already catch the light.
For more night out ideas, check out our winter going out outfits.
December outfits at a glance
| Plan | Outfit | Shoes |
|---|---|---|
| Office party | Green satin blouse + black trousers | Pointed flats or heels |
| Tree farm | Flannel + puffer vest + jeans | Lace up boots |
| Christmas market | Sweater dress + long coat | Knee high boots |
| Family dinner | Red cable knit sweater | Loafers |
| Christmas morning | Matching plaid pajamas | Cozy socks |
| Winter wedding | Velvet midi dress + faux fur | Heels |
| Holiday shopping | Hoodie + leggings | Sneakers |
| Ugly sweater party | Festive knit + jeans | Ankle boots |
| Brunch | Long cardigan + cream trousers | Loafers |
| New Year’s Eve | Turtleneck + sequin skirt | Heels |
The December capsule: 12 pieces for the whole month
Want to plan the month without buying a whole new wardrobe? These 12 pieces cover every outfit above.
- A long wool or camel coat
- A black puffer jacket or vest
- A red or cream chunky sweater
- A cable knit sweater dress
- A satin blouse in a jewel tone
- A black fitted turtleneck
- Black trousers
- A sequin or velvet skirt
- Straight leg jeans
- Black leggings
- Knee high boots
- White sneakers
Mix and match them, and you’ll have outfits for every plan without overpacking your closet.
If you’re traveling for the holidays, our NYC winter outfits guide has a full packing list.
Colors that work for December
- Red: festive, bold and perfect for dinners and parties.
- Emerald and forest green: elegant and very on trend.
- Burgundy: rich, warm and easy to wear.
- Cream and camel: cozy, soft and great for daytime.
- Black with sparkle: the classic party combination.
Want your nails to match? Our simple Christmas nails guide has easy designs that go with every color here.
How to stay warm without looking bulky
- Wear thin thermal layers under sweaters and dresses.
- Choose long coats that cover your hips and thighs.
- Pick knee high boots with skirts and dresses.
- Add opaque tights on cold nights.
- Use a big scarf as a shawl indoors.
For more ideas on layering tights, see our tights outfits for winter.
A week by week December outfit plan
If your calendar is packed, this simple plan keeps you organized.
- Week 1: early parties and tree shopping. Pull out the flannel, puffer vest and your green satin blouse.
- Week 2: markets, light displays and catch ups with friends. Sweater dress, long coat, knee high boots and your neutral brunch look.
- Week 3: office parties and holiday shopping. Satin, trousers, comfortable sneakers and a hoodie for the mall marathon.
- Week 4: family dinners, Christmas morning and any winter weddings. Red knit, matching pajamas and your velvet dress.
- New Year’s Eve: the turtleneck and sequin skirt, plus a warm coat for the walk home.
Plan your outfits on Sunday for the whole week, and you’ll save a surprising amount of time and stress.
What to pack if you’re traveling for the holidays
Going home for Christmas or visiting family? Pack around 3 or 4 key pieces that can be mixed and matched into different outfits.
A red sweater, a pair of black trousers, a sweater dress, jeans and one sparkly piece will cover almost everything. Add your coat, one pair of boots and one pair of sneakers.
Roll knits instead of folding them to save space, and wear your heaviest coat and boots on the plane or in the car.
Accessories that make December outfits feel festive
- Gold jewelry: hoops, chains and rings instantly make simple outfits feel dressy.
- Pearl earrings: perfect for family dinners and church services.
- A red lip: the fastest way to look festive.
- Hair bows and velvet scrunchies: sweet details for holiday parties.
- Knit beanies and scarves: warm, cozy and great for outdoor plans.
Budget vs splurge
Splurge on the pieces you’ll wear every day: your coat, your boots and one great sweater.
Save on the party pieces. Sequin skirts, satin blouses and velvet dresses from high street stores look great for a handful of events.
Matching pajamas and ugly sweaters can be found at very low prices, so there’s no need to overspend.
Common December outfit mistakes
- Wearing party pieces with no warm layer for the walk there.
- Choosing heels for outdoor events like markets or tree farms.
- Wearing bulky knits under fitted coats.
- Forgetting gloves, hats and scarves for long outdoor plans.
- Buying new outfits for every event instead of rewearing key pieces.
Save this: December outfit planner
Here’s a free planner with an outfit formula for every December plan, plus blank rows to fill in your own dates and events. Print it or save it to your phone.
Download the full-size planner (free, no email needed)
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear in December?
Layers, cozy knits, long coats and boots for daytime, plus one festive piece like satin, velvet or sequins for parties.
What is a good outfit for a Christmas party?
A jewel tone satin blouse with black trousers, a velvet dress or a turtleneck with a sequin skirt all work well.
What should I wear to a Christmas market?
A sweater dress or warm knit, a long coat, tights and knee high boots, plus gloves and a scarf.
What do you wear to a winter wedding as a guest?
A long sleeve velvet or satin midi dress in a jewel tone, with heels and a warm wrap or coat for outdoor photos.
How do I look festive without looking costume like?
Choose one festive element at a time, like a red sweater, a plaid shirt or a sequin skirt, and keep everything else simple.
The bottom line
The best December outfits match the mood of the plan. Cozy for daytime, festive for family time and a little sparkle for parties.
Build your month around a few key pieces, and you’ll never be stuck staring at your closet again.
If you liked this, you might also enjoy our Christmas Eve dinner outfits.
Which December plan are you dressing for first?
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