Holiday party season is the one time of year when your outerwear gets as much attention as your outfit. From office get-togethers to family dinners and late-night celebrations, the right jacket or coat sets the tone the moment you walk in. This guide covers what to wear to holiday parties, with jacket and coat ideas for men and women across every kind of invitation.
Start With the Dress Code
Before you pick a jacket, think about the event. A casual gathering at a friend's place calls for something relaxed, while a formal dinner or company event needs a sharper silhouette. Your outerwear should match the level of your outfit underneath, not fight against it. A simple rule: the dressier the party, the cleaner and longer the line of your coat.
Casual Holiday Get-Togethers
House parties, game nights and small gatherings are where you can have the most fun with your outerwear.
The Leather Jacket
A black or dark brown leather jacket is the easiest way to look put-together without trying too hard. Men can wear it over a fine-knit turtleneck or a crisp shirt with dark jeans. Women can pair it with a slip dress, a sequin top or a chunky sweater and boots. Browse our leather jackets collection for biker, racer and bomber cuts. If you are new to leather, our guide on how to choose the perfect leather jacket explains fit, hide and style in detail.
The Varsity Jacket
For a relaxed, nostalgic vibe, a varsity jacket works well at casual parties, especially in festive reds, greens or classic navy. Keep the rest of the outfit simple: a plain tee or hoodie, straight-leg denim and clean sneakers. Explore our varsity and letterman jackets for colour combinations that feel seasonal.
Office and Work Holiday Parties
Work events sit between casual and formal. You want to look polished but still approachable.
The Bomber Jacket
A satin or suede bomber is a smart middle ground. Men can wear one over a button-down and chinos; women can style it with tailored trousers or a midi skirt. Darker shades like black, olive and burgundy look more refined after dark. See the full range of bomber jackets for options in different finishes.
The Tailored Blazer
If your workplace leans formal, a well-cut blazer is a safe choice. Velvet and wool blazers feel especially festive in winter. Wear a blazer with a dress or trousers and add a longer coat over it for travel to and from the venue.
Formal Dinners and Evening Events
For formal occasions, a long coat instantly elevates any outfit and keeps you warm between the car and the door.
The Wool Overcoat
A camel, charcoal or black wool coat pairs with everything from a suit to an evening dress. Choose a length that covers your blazer or dress hem for a clean, unbroken line. Our coats and blazers collection includes trench, peacoat and overcoat styles that suit evening wear.
Statement Details
Formal does not have to mean plain. A faux fur collar, a belted waist or a rich fabric like velvet adds personality while staying elegant. Keep accessories minimal so the coat remains the focal point.
Outdoor and Cold-Weather Celebrations
Holiday markets, rooftop parties and winter festivals demand real warmth. This is where a puffer jacket earns its place.
Cropped and glossy puffers look modern over a knit dress or jeans, while longer puffers offer more coverage on very cold nights. Choose black, cream or metallic tones for a festive finish. Find warm options in our puffer jackets collection.
Styling Tips for Any Holiday Party
- Layer smartly: Indoor venues are often warm, so pick a jacket you can remove easily and an outfit that still looks complete without it.
- Balance proportions: Pair a cropped jacket with high-waisted bottoms, and a long coat with slimmer layers underneath.
- Play with texture: Leather, suede, velvet and wool all catch the light differently and look great in holiday photos.
- Coordinate colours: Neutral outerwear like black, camel and brown lets you go bolder with festive colours underneath.
- Get the fit right: Shoulders should sit at your natural shoulder line and sleeves should end near the wrist. Check our size guide before you order.
Caring for Your Party Outerwear
After a busy night, hang your jacket on a wide, shaped hanger to keep its structure. Let leather and suede air out away from direct heat, and brush wool coats gently to remove dust and lint. Store pieces in a breathable garment bag rather than plastic so they stay fresh for the next celebration.
Find Your Holiday Party Jacket
Whether you are heading to a casual get-together, an office party or a formal dinner, the right outerwear makes the whole outfit feel finished. Explore our leather, varsity, bomber, puffer and coat collections to find a piece that fits your plans this season, with free worldwide shipping on every order.