There’s something about the holidays that makes even the chicest people lose all sense of style. Maybe it’s the eggnog, maybe it’s the nostalgia, but suddenly everyone’s pulling sequins from 2013 and dresses that could double as wrapping paper. The season’s supposed to sparkle — not scream “I’ve been wearing this since Mariah first defrosted.”
Stylists agree: it’s not the parties that age you, it’s the outfits trying too hard. From tragic glitter tops to velour vengeance, these looks can make you look less like a festive icon and more like a flashback nobody asked for. Here are 25 holiday party outfits that will date your look faster than you can say “Ugly Sweater Night.”
FYI, thanks to AI imagery software, we’re able to create very specific fashion and hairstyle examples to illustrate the points being made. In some cases, imagery is exaggerated to hammer home the point.
25. The Sequin Bodycon That Could Blind a Reindeer
Sequins can be chic — until they’re everywhere. This dress reflects more light than your future. One spin on the dance floor, and you’re the disco ball.
24. The Satin Slip That Won’t Stay Put
It’s sultry until you sit down, stand up, or breathe. The cling is real, and so are the regrets. You’re one static shock away from an overshare.
23. The Feather Trim Fiasco
You thought it said “Old Hollywood glamour,” but it’s giving “craft project with delusions of grandeur.” Those feathers shed faster than your patience. It’s festive… for your floor.
22. The Velvet Jumpsuit of Doom
Velvet + full-length jumpsuit = holiday heat trap. You’ll look luxurious for five minutes before overheating like a baked potato. Cute, but claustrophobic.
21. The Metallic Mini That Squeaks
We love shine, but not when it sounds like a balloon animal convention. That stiff metallic fabric does your hips zero favors. The only thing structured is your regret.
20. The Overly Themed “Santa Baby” Ensemble
A little red? Chic. A full-on fur-trimmed velvet corset? Seasonal trauma. Unless you’re performing at the North Pole, leave the costume in 2005.
19. The Sheer Tights Situation
It’s December, darling, not spring break. Those whisper-thin tights don’t say “elegant,” they say “frostbite imminent.” Sometimes fashion really is pain — but it shouldn’t look it.
18. The Glitter Top That Sheds Confidence
You start the night glowing, end the night leaving a sparkle trail to the bar. Every hug spreads your regret. Congratulations, you’re now biodegradable confetti.
17. The Lace Bodysuit Under Blazer Combo
Sexy? Sure. Overdone? Absolutely. It was cool when your favorite influencer wore it in 2017 — now it’s just “holiday HR violation waiting to happen.”
16. The Red Velvet Anything
It’s festive, yes, but it ages faster than milk in the sun. You’re not the holiday décor; you’re blending into it. There’s “seasonal,” and then there’s “Santa’s understudy.”
15. The Oversized Sequin Blazer
This isn’t “fashion-forward,” it’s “disco dad energy.” Sequins reflect light and poor decisions. You’ll spend the night apologizing every time you blind someone mid-toast.
14. The “Gift Wrap” Dress
Metallic bow? Check. Giant waist ribbon? Check. You’re basically a present that unwrapped itself. Festive, yes — flattering, no.
13. The Tinsel Skirt Tragedy
Sparkly? Sure. Chic? Never. It swishes like wrapping paper and makes you look like you lost a bet at a holiday craft fair.
12. The Overly Matching Couple Outfit
You’re not a Christmas card — you’re two humans, not one decorative set. Matching plaids, matching shoes, matching regret. It’s giving “twin energy” in the worst way.
11. The Cheap Satin Wrap Dress
It photographs beautifully — until you move. One tug and suddenly your “holiday wrap dress” is wrapping nothing. Satin’s motto: betray swiftly, shine forever.
10. The Statement Necklace from 2010
It had its moment, but that moment is gone. The chunky jewels scream “Pinterest-era DIY glam.” Nothing says dated like costume jewelry that could double as armor.
9. The Lace-and-Leather Combo
It’s edgy, it’s bold, and it’s also trapped in 2014. You’re not in a club promo shoot; you’re at a holiday potluck. Put the dominatrix energy on pause.
8. The Skater Dress That Refuses to Grow Up
Cute in college, questionable now. The flare hides nothing and flatters less. You’re not auditioning for a holiday rom-com called Forever 22.
7. The Glitter Leggings of Regret
They stretch, they shine, they emphasize everything you wish they wouldn’t. The reflective sparkle maps your inseam like a GPS. Even Rudolph couldn’t miss you.
6. The Corset Top Under a Blazer (Again)
Yes, we see you trying to mix business and pleasure. It’s giving “PowerPoint meets pop star.” Leave this trend buried with low-rise jeans where it belongs.
5. The Faux-Fur Vest Revival
It’s not 2012, and you’re not a lifestyle blogger in Aspen. The vest adds bulk and confuses everyone about whether you’re cold or just nostalgic. Retire it gracefully.
4. The Overly Glittery Clutch
Your outfit’s polished — your bag, however, looks like it’s auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. Sequins everywhere, structure nowhere. It’s less accessory, more disco sidekick.
3. The Cold-Shoulder Sweater
Once the “it” piece of every influencer, now the universal symbol of dated fashion. Why are your shoulders cold? Who asked for this? Burn it with the mistletoe.
2. The Peplum Top Comeback
Peplum, sweetie, no. It’s flattering for exactly 0.02% of the population. You’re not accentuating your waist; you’re accessorizing confusion.
1. The Head-to-Toe Sequin Jumpsuit
Nothing says “time warp” like a full sequin catsuit. It’s heavy, unbreathable, and impossible to sit in. You’re not a guest at the party — you are the party, and not in a good way.