What to Wear This Holiday Season: A Festive Fashion Guide for 2024
The holiday season is upon us, bringing with it the perennial question that plagues even the most seasoned trendsetter: What should I wear? Whether you're attending a glittering gala, a cozy family dinner, or a New Year’s Eve bash, your outfit sets the tone for how you’ll feel and how you’ll be remembered. Let’s dive into this year’s holiday fashion trends, explore the psychology behind festive dressing, and discuss whether renting or buying is the way to go. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the inspiration you need to nail every holiday look this season.
Photo via ADAM KATZ SINDING/WWD
The Holiday Style Dilemma: Why Knowing What to Wear Matters
Ah, the holiday style dilemma. It’s as inevitable as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” blasting in every store. On one hand, you want to look chic and on-trend; on the other, you don’t want to overdo it—or worse, underdo it. Showing up in a cocktail dress when everyone else is in cozy knits can feel like a significant fashion faux pas.
But here’s the thing: what you wear during the holidays isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about confidence and connection. Your outfit is an unspoken language that says, “I’m here to celebrate, I care about this moment, and yes, I absolutely deserve that second glass of champagne.”
So how do you navigate this fashion dilemma? By knowing your audience (and your calendar). A work holiday party calls for polished elegance—think tailored suits or midi dresses—while a New Year’s Eve soirée is your chance to go bold with sequins and metallics. And if all else fails, a killer pair of shoes can save any outfit.
Fashion on Demand: How Brands Like Rent the Runway Are Shaping Holiday Wardrobes
Let’s talk about Rent the Runway—a brand that has single-handedly changed how we approach event dressing. Why buy a $500 dress you'll wear once when you can rent it for a fraction of the price? This year, brands like Rent the Runway are catering specifically to holiday wardrobes with curated collections featuring everything from designer gowns to statement accessories.
For 2024, expect to see plenty of velvet dresses, metallic jumpsuits, and feather-trimmed blazers available for rent. The best part? Renting allows you to experiment with bold trends without committing long-term. Want to try that emerald green sequin gown but unsure if it’s too much? Rent it for your office party and see how many compliments roll in.
Pro tip: Book early! The most popular pieces tend to get snatched up quickly during the peak holiday season. And don’t forget to accessorize—many rental platforms now offer jewelry and handbags to complete your look.
The Psychology of Holiday Style: What Drives Consumer Behavior?
The holidays are a time of transformation—not just for our homes covered with twinkling lights and festive decor, but for ourselves as well. Dressing up during this season isn’t purely about aesthetics; it’s deeply tied to psychology, tradition, and our connections with others. The need to elevate our style in December arises from a combination of factors that create deeper significance behind holiday dressing.
Dressing up can profoundly shift how we feel about ourselves. This phenomenon, known as "enclothed cognition," suggests that our attire influences our mindset and behavior. Slipping into a tailored velvet blazer or a sequined gown instills confidence, empowering us to embrace the festivities. During the holidays, this effect is amplified; it’s not just about looking good in photos but embodying the spirit of celebration. A well-chosen outfit elevates your mood and signals to others that you’re ready to partake in the joy of the season.
Holiday dressing is inherently social. With gatherings, parties, and family reunions on the calendar, first impressions become crucial. Research shows that first impressions are formed within seconds, making your outfit vital to how you’re perceived. Dressing well communicates respect for the occasion and those around you—it’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I care.” Our clothing allows us to align with group norms while still expressing individuality; whether matching the dress code for an office party or donning something sparkly for New Year’s Eve, our outfits help us fit in while standing out.
Tradition also plays an important role in our holiday style choices. Many grew up watching loved ones don their best outfits for Christmas dinners or holiday services—rituals that instilled the idea that dressing up is part of celebrating. After a year filled with routines and responsibilities, holiday fashion allows us to step into a more glamorous version of ourselves. That glittering dress or sharp tuxedo isn’t just clothing; it symbolizes transformation—a way to mark the end of one year and welcome another.
Consumer behavior during the holidays reflects these psychological drivers. Shoppers often justify splurging on festive attire because they associate it with creating meaningful memories—whether capturing the perfect family photo or making an entrance at a party. This desire for memorable experiences is heightened by social media, where platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned holiday dressing into performance art. Many consumers report that social media impacts their shopping decisions, particularly among younger generations seeking outfit inspiration online.
Interestingly, while there’s a push toward glamour during the holidays, many also crave comfort—especially after years spent prioritizing loungewear during the pandemic. This duality has given rise to trends like “cozy chic,” where luxe knits are paired with sequins or faux fur coats layered over party dresses. The goal is clear: to look fabulous without sacrificing comfort or authenticity.
Ultimately, holiday dressing transcends mere clothing; it embodies identity, connection, and celebration. Whether wearing head-to-toe sequins or keeping it understated in a tailored suit, your outfit tells a story—one of joy, confidence, and belonging during this festive season.
Renting vs. Buying High-End Holiday Fashion
When it comes to high-end holiday fashion, the question remains: to rent or to buy? With services like Rent the Runway changing the landscape, this dilemma has become more nuanced. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option, particularly how Rent the Runway is transforming our approach to festive style.
Renting: Your Ticket to Designer Dreams
Pros:
Affordability Meets Luxury: Imagine wearing a $1,200 Monique Lhuillier gown for a fraction of the cost. Rent the Runway makes designer fashion accessible, allowing you to indulge in high-end pieces without breaking the bank.
Endless Variety: With over 1,000 designers and 15,000 styles available, you can transform your look for every holiday event without repeating an outfit. From sequined gowns to chic jumpsuits, the options are limitless.
Sustainability Chic: Each rental helps reduce textile waste, making eco-conscious fashionistas feel good about their choices. Renting is a way to enjoy fashion while being mindful of the planet.
Try Before You Commit: Renting allows you to experiment with bold styles and trends you might hesitate to purchase outright—think feathered mini dresses or metallic blazers that make a statement.
Cons:
Timing is Everything: Rental windows can be tight, requiring careful planning to ensure your outfit arrives on time for your event.
Size and Fit Challenges: While Rent the Runway offers multiple sizes, achieving a perfect fit can sometimes be tricky, especially with more tailored pieces.
Potential Availability Issues: Popular styles can sell out quickly during peak holiday season, leaving you scrambling for alternatives.
Buying: Building a Timeless Wardrobe
Pros:
Investment Pieces: Purchasing timeless items like a classic black velvet blazer or an elegant silk cocktail dress means you’ll have versatile staples that serve you well for years.
Customization Options: Buying allows for tailoring, ensuring a personalized fit that rentals often can't match.
Freedom to Wear Anytime: With owned pieces, you can style them whenever inspiration strikes—no return deadlines or pressure.
Quality Control: You know exactly what you're getting when you buy; ownership means full control over care and maintenance.
Cons:
Higher Upfront Cost: Designer pieces can require significant investment upfront, which may not be feasible for everyone.
Storage and Maintenance: Luxury fabrics demand careful cleaning and storage, which can add to your workload.
Trend Risk: What feels cutting-edge this season might feel dated next year, leading to potential buyer's remorse.
When it comes to building your holiday wardrobe, consider a hybrid approach that mixes rentals for statement pieces with purchased classics to create a balanced look. For those who love variety and want to refresh their outfits regularly, Rent the Runway's unlimited plan, which offers up to eight items per month, is a perfect option. This allows you to experiment with trendy pieces while keeping your budget in check. Focus on investing more in versatile items that can be styled in multiple ways, while opting for more budget-friendly options for trend-driven pieces.
For trendy, one-time statement items—like that eye-catching feathered mini skirt for your holiday party—renting is often the smarter choice. It lets you indulge in the season's hottest looks without the burden of long-term commitment. However, for classic staples that transition seamlessly from office parties to New Year’s Eve celebrations—think little black dresses or elegant pumps—buying is typically the better investment.
In conclusion, adopting a balanced strategy of renting statement pieces and buying timeless classics ensures you always have something fabulous to wear, whether it’s a rented runway sensation or a cherished piece from your own curated collection.
What to Wear This Holiday Season: Tips from the Trends
Now for the fun part—what should you actually wear this holiday season? Here are some standout trends for 2024 that will have you walking with confidence:
Fur and Plaid Fusion: Alexander McQueen's latest runway collection showcased a masterful blend of luxurious fur and bold plaid patterns. Picture a rich faux fur coat in deep burgundy, its collar accented with striking black and white tartan—perfect for making a statement at holiday gatherings. Rihanna has been seen rocking similar ensembles, effortlessly combining elegance with warmth. For a more subtle nod to the trend, try a plaid wool blazer with fur-trimmed pockets, as worn by Hailey Bieber.
Metallic Glow: Shimmering metallics dominated the runways, with designers like Balmain and Versace presenting head-to-toe liquid gold and silver looks. Imagine yourself in a floor-length silver sequined gown that catches and reflects every twinkling holiday light, reminiscent of Jennifer Lopez’s dazzling red-carpet appearances. Alternatively, consider a gold lamé blazer paired with tailored black trousers for a more understated yet equally festive approach, as seen on Zendaya.
Sustainable Friendly: Eco-conscious designs shone brightly on runways, with Stella McCartney leading the charge. Picture a cocktail dress crafted from recycled sequins that shimmer like stars against a midnight sky—perfect for those wanting to dazzle responsibly. Celebrities like Emma Watson advocate for sustainable fashion choices, making this trend both stylish and ethical.
Oversized Knits: Cozy yet stylish, oversized knit sweaters from The Row and Khaite are ideal for the holiday season. The Row offers minimalist yet refined knitwear made from high-quality cashmere and wool blends, perfect for layering over tailored trousers or A-line skirts for a chic holiday look. Khaite’s designs bring a contemporary twist to oversized silhouettes, combining comfort with structured elegance. Gigi Hadid often showcases oversized knits, layering them over sleek bottoms to achieve that perfect balance of comfort and style.These oversized pieces not only keep you warm but also allow for versatile styling—pair them with statement jewelry or bold boots to elevate your holiday outfit.
Structured Bows: Adding structured bow details to dresses or blouses creates focal points that enhance your silhouette. This trend has been seen on runways from brands like Chanel and has been embraced by fashion-forward individuals looking to add whimsy to their holiday attire.
This holiday season is all about celebrating your unique style! Whether you’re renting show-stopping pieces or investing in timeless staples, let your outfit reflect your individuality and festive spirit. Remember, dressing well not only boosts your confidence but also enhances your connection with others. Embrace the joy of dressing up and enjoy every moment under the twinkling lights. Cheers to looking fabulous this season!
