6 Last-Minute Holiday Looks That Are Guaranteed to Win You Compliments

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(Image credit: @sobalera)

With 2023 coming to a close, holiday parties are imminent. Hey, you may have attended one or two already! If you're feeling stressed about what to wear as the invites roll in, don't worry. For any last-minute holiday parties, look no further than these six outfit ideas to get your fashion wheels turning. You can use items in your closet that you already have, but if you truly feel like you need to supplement your look with any newness, you can shop similar pieces below. 

From black tights and hair ribbons to red dresses and sparkly jewelry, there's definitely an outfit formula in the mix below that will help spark ideas, especially if you've procrastinated on outfit planning. Trust me—we've all been there. From a casual hang to an office holiday party, keep scrolling for last-minute holiday looks that'll impress for any occasion, all of which you can absolutely steal. Imitation is the best form of flattery, after all. 

White Mini + Black Tights + Metallic Accessories

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(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

If you're more of the daring type, opt for a barely-there minidress to pull off the tights-as-pants look. A white lace mini or tunic will add a nice contrast, and metallic accessories, like a silver bag and strappy heels, will pull the whole thing together. 

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Hair Bows + Black-and-White Dress

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(Image credit: @piabaroncini)

LPA Creative Director Pia Baroncini knows how to throw a holiday party. At her annual soirée, A Very Baroncini Christmas Party thrown with Revolve, she wore a romantic top with a ruffle neckline, delicate sparkly jewelry, and a bow in her hair. Ribbons are trending, and you can never go wrong by opting for a classic black-and-white ensemble with some statement jewelry or hair accessories—or both. 

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Festive Sweater + Skirt

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(Image credit: @lenafarl)

Hey, not every holiday party outfit needs to be sparkly. Whether the dress code calls for a fun sweater or you just want to wear something a bit more comfortable, a Fair Isle or graphic design is eye-catching. Want to dress it up a bit? Just add a skirt, loafers, and a structured bag. Plus, you'll stand out from all the sequins and solid colors.

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Maxi Skirt + Suit Vest

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

For a casual get-together that doesn't have a strict dress code, take an eclectic approach with a voluminous skirt and a fitted vest. Ballet flats ensure you'll stay comfortable for long hours mixing and mingling on your feet, and a silver scarf is there to prove you're in the holiday spirit. 

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Off-the-Shoulder Gown + Mules

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

An off-the-shoulder gown or maxi dress will be a compliment magnet. Your neckline is the focal point, so you can add an eye-catching necklace or go without any jewelry for a minimal vibe. Slide your feet into stylish black mules for some height and you're ready to go. 

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Statement Red Dress + Neutral Shoes

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(Image credit: @naomielizee)

Red is the color of 2023, and it just so happens to look festive, so it's the best of both worlds. For a look that's guaranteed to turn heads, a red dress is the easiest solution. Let the color speak for itself and stick to neutral footwear, or you can go all in for a monochromatic vibe. 

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Lauren Adhav
Freelance Fashion Editor

Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she always wanted to work at a fashion magazine. After finally getting an internship at Town & Country in 2015, she moved to New York City and continued to get her footing in the industry with stints at Cosmopolitan, W magazine, Harper's Bazaar, and Moda Operandi. In 2017, she returned to Cosmo full time, starting off as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant and working her way to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.

After five years in NYC, she moved to the West Coast for the sunshine and the change of pace. As a freelance fashion editor, she still contributes to Cosmo and now Who What Wear. She's always trying to get ahead of the next big trend before it goes mainstream and loves discovering fashion brands with a unique point of view (Chopova Lowena, Sandy Liang, and Bode being some of her current favorites). She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls. On the weekends, you can find her walking around the Silver Lake Reservoir, trying to catch up on her tan at Venice Beach, and probably ordering a Chinese chicken salad at Joan's on Third.