Bold & Exciting Holiday Party Looks… That Are Not Dresses

What To Wear To Holiday Parties

With so many events and parties coming up in the next couple of weeks, I wanted to share a few looks I think are perfect for the holidays…and NOT dresses! I know it’s easy to pull out that LBD or festive red dress. But I wanted to give you options… The great thing about all of these looks…? They are fresh, unexpected and just as much as a standout as ANY LBD.

#1 | Shorts Suit

Unexpected holiday party outfits featuring a velvet Shorts suit from Express paired with Western black booties, and polka dot black tights on fashion blogger with blonde hair

Unexpected holiday party outfits featuring a velvet Shorts suit from Express paired with Western black booties, and polka dot black tights on fashion blogger with blonde hairUnexpected holiday party outfits featuring a velvet Shorts suit from Express paired with Western black booties, and polka dot black tights on fashion blogger with blonde hair

SHORTS | SIMILAR BLAZER | CAMI | TIGHTS | BOOTIES | SUNGLASSES | EARRINGS

I shared this look in this post featuring unexpected holiday party outfits. I think the shorts suit is incredibly chic and festive. The modern pairing suit has been very on trend this year and this fun velvet shorts and blazer look is the perfect way finish out the year on trend. I love the festive pop of silver sequins on top but you can also do a black lacey cami. This is perfect for someone who lives in Texas. Since it is shorts and a blazer it wont be super warm but it’s still very stylish.

#2 | Metallic Jumpsuit

New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas featuring a metallic jumpsuit by Norma Kamali with black heels on Fashion Blogger Erin Busbee of Busbee Style, fashion over 40

New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas featuring a metallic jumpsuit by Norma Kamali with black heels on Fashion Blogger Erin Busbee of Busbee Style, fashion over 40

New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas featuring a metallic jumpsuit by Norma Kamali with black heels on Fashion Blogger Erin Busbee of Busbee Style, fashion over 40

New Year's Eve Outfit Ideas featuring a metallic jumpsuit by Norma Kamali with black heels on Fashion Blogger Erin Busbee of Busbee Style, fashion over 40

[flex_row]Fashion blogger Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com wearing black statement earrings by Baublebar with a silver metallic jumpsuit by Norma Kamali in Telluride, Colorado Fashion Blogger over 40 Erin Busbee from Busbee Style wearing a metallic jumpsuit by Norma Kamali with tie waist detail[/flex_row]Metallic lamé jumpsuit by Norma Kamali paired with black heels worn by fashion blogger over 40 Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com in Telluride Colorado

JUMPSUIT | IN BLACK | IN VELVET | SIMILAR SHOES | SUNGLASSES

I am in love with this metallic lamé jumpsuit by Norma Kamali. This color is called ‘gunmetal’ but it also comes in black and black velvet. The sleeves give the look some drama while the deep V makes it a little sexy. It’s one of those show-stopping pieces that would be perfect for New Year’s Eve! Throw on some black heels and you’re party ready!

#3 | Edgy Pants

Fashion blogger over 40 Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com wearing a dark floral blouse by Sanctuary with black vinyl pants by RtA worn with black Michael Kors booties, black cat eye sunglasses, and black hoop earrings by Baublebar

Black Vinyl Pants by RtA worn with a dark floral Sanctuary blouse, and black Michael Kors ankle boots worn by Fashion Blogger over 40 Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com

Fashion blogger Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing black vinyl jogger pants by RtA paired with a dark floral black blouse by Sanctuary with black booties by Michael Kors, walking in Telluride, Colorado[flex_row]Fashion Blogger Erin Busbee of Busbee Style wearing a black floral blouse by Sanctuary tucked in to vinyl pants by RtA Dark floral blouse by Sanctuary tucked into black vinyl pants by RtA worn by fashion blogger Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com[/flex_row]Fashion blogger over 40 Erin Busbee of BusbeeStyle.com wearing a dark floral blouse by Sanctuary with black vinyl pants by RtA worn with black Michael Kors booties, black cat eye sunglasses, and black hoop earrings by Baublebar

PANTS | SIMILAR W/ MORE SIZES | FLORAL BLOUSE | BOOTIES | EARRINGS | SUNGLASSES

Vinyl pants…? Why not! Remember fashion SHOULD be fun! These pants are not only fun, but they are also modern, edgy and bold. You will be warm and comfortable wearing these shiny joggers too. The pretty floral print blouse adds some femininity to the look. I finished off the look with black booties and some of my new favorite earrings from Baublebar.

#4 | Red Suit

Red suit by Smythe, dutchess blazer and cropped pants with red Steve Madden sock booties on blonde woman

Red suit by Smythe, dutchess blazer and cropped pants with red Steve Madden sock booties on blonde woman

BLAZER | FOR LESS | PANTS | TURTLENECK | BOOTIES | FOR LESS | BAG

I shared this look in a post last year and wanted to share it again just because it’s SO festive for the holidays! I love a monochromatic look but this one is one of my favorites. A bold red suit is sure to make a statement at whatever event you have coming up. I’m wearing a turtleneck sweater with a red blazer, red pants, and red booties. It’s like the perfect power suit!

You might also like my post featuring everyday wardrobe basics to help you get dressed in the morning here. Or this post showing you how to rock layers, but still look slim. And, don’t miss my winter capsule wardrobe video here.

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  1. Angie says:

    Hi Erin!
    1st… i think you are amazing ✔️
    2nd… im 47 and you have changed the way i dreSs ✔️
    3rd… THANK YOU FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING INSPIRATION ✔️
    4th… i now have a nordstrom credit card…but pay it off soon As i charge something you have suggested✔️
    5th … keep doing what you are doin you have lots of fOllowers in plain city, Ohio!!! We arent so plain now ????

    • Erin Busbee says:

      Oh my gosh!! I love this note. Thank you SO much!! You just made my day… Yay for Ohio getting your glam on! Erin xoxoxo

  2. Francine says:

    I love all of these looks! such a nice change from lbds and dressed up denim.

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