I’m 47 and These Are My Go-To Style Tips to Pick Your Perfect Holiday Party Outfits

Holiday Party Outfits

It’s that time of year again…holiday party season! And picking the perfect outfit may feel daunting. But I have five simple style tips to think about while you’re getting dressed for these special occasions during the holidays. All five of these tips and outfits range in dressiness so you’re sure to find something you’ll love or can draw inspiration from!

Find more holiday outfits, gifts, decor, and more here.

holiday outfit ideas over 40, IRO metallic shorts matching set with Isabel Marant black and silver western boots on fashion over 40 blogger Erin Busbee

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, metallic iro blouse, metallic iro shorts, isabel marant black boots, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco

[flex_row]holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, metallic iro blouse, metallic iro shorts, isabel marant black boots, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, metallic iro blouse, metallic iro shorts, isabel marant black boots, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco[/flex_row]

[flex_row]holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, metallic iro blouse, metallic iro shorts, isabel marant black boots, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, metallic iro blouse, metallic iro shorts, isabel marant black boots, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco[/flex_row]

[flex_row]holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, metallic iro blouse, metallic iro shorts, isabel marant black boots, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, metallic iro blouse, metallic iro shorts, isabel marant black boots, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco[/flex_row]

holiday outfit ideas over 40, IRO metallic shorts matching set with Isabel Marant black and silver western boots on fashion over 40 blogger Erin Busbee

BLOUSE | SHORTS | BOOTS | EARRINGS

#1) Sleeves

This tip may seem like a no-brainer…especially when it’s cold. But I don’t just mean that you should wear sleeves…I mean you should wear something with interesting sleeves. This IRO blouse has balloon sleeves that give it even more interest. This top is also really pretty because of the sheerness and draping. Plus, the metallic fabric makes it festive!
I’m wearing the blouse with the matching metallic shorts and my new favorite black boots (included on my Gift Guide For Her). But you could easily wear this with jeans for a casual holiday party outfit! I shared more holiday party outfits with jeans here. If you’re wearing something simple on the bottom (like jeans, black pants, or a skirt), go dramatic with the sleeves. This can mean the sleeves are sheer, have a puffed shoulder, balloon style, billowy, etc.

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, melissa odabash one shoulder gold metallic dress, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, metallic holiday outfit, melissa odabash one shoulder gold metallic dress, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco

DRESS | EARRINGS | WEDGES

#2) Sexy Neckline

A woman’s collarbones and shoulders are super sexy…and you really don’t have to show a lot! This one-shoulder dress by Melissa Odabash has a sexy one-shoulder neckline that shows off just enough skin, while the longer hemline makes it feel more modest. I also love the metallic print of this dress…it is stunning!

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, green mango gown, empire waist dress, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco

DRESS | ANOTHER SIMILAR | WEDGES| EARRINGS

#3) Empire Waist

Finding an empire waist dress or top can be difficult. But an empire waist is SO flattering because it hits you just below the bust, which is the slimmest part of most women’s bodies. By the way, if you’re not sure what your body shape is, make sure you read this post. This green Mango gown is a real show-stopper. It has that flattering empire waist and sexy neckline, but it’s long. You could wear something like this to a wedding this fall/winter with a wrap or coat. I shared more of my fall wedding guest dress favorites here.

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, green & other stories dress, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, green & other stories dress, erin busbee, marrakesh, morocco

DRESS | WEDGES

#4) Longer Hemline

Opting for a longer hemline for your holiday outfits is another great tip to keep in mind. Just make sure that with a longer hemline, you’re still finding a way to create shape! For example, you could wear a long, loose-fitting maxi sweater dress…but make sure you belt it or create a waist in some way. Another option is to choose a silhouette that already creates that shape for you. This amazing & Other Stories dress has a smocked, fitted profile that’s flattering and sexy. The sexiness of that fitted silhouette is balanced by that longer hemline, sleeves, and high neckline.

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, printed ba&sh cutout dress, sbee, marrakesh, morocco

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, printed ba&sh cutout dress, sbee, marrakesh, morocco

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, printed ba&sh cutout dress, sbee, marrakesh, morocco

holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, printed ba&sh cutout dress, sbee, marrakesh, morocco

[flex_row]holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, printed ba&sh cutout dress, sbee, marrakesh, morocco holiday party outfits, holiday party outfits 2021, holiday outfits, christmas party outfits, what to wear holiday, holiday outfits over 40, what to wear to holiday party, printed ba&sh cutout dress, sbee, marrakesh, morocco[/flex_row]

DRESS | MORE SIZES | NECKLACE | WEDGES

#5) One Skin Rule

If you’ve been a longtime email or YouTube subscriber, you’ve heard me talk about the One Skin Rule before! The One Skin Rule just means…if you’re going to show one area of skin, keep the rest covered. For example, if you love your legs, wear a chic mini dress that has long sleeves and a modest neckline. That way, your “one skin” is your legs, while you’re covering up your arms and chest.

Another on-trend way to tryout this rule for the holidays is with cutouts. This Ba&sh dress has sexy cutouts on the sides that show a little skin around the waist and reveals a small sliver of my back. But the longer hemline, modest neckline, and long sleeves offset that. I’m a rectangle body shape, so cutouts like these create the illusion of a more defined waistline, which makes this dress super flattering!

Which of these tips are you going to try for your holiday outfits this year? Let me know in the comments below!

To get my blog posts delivered directly to your inbox, along with some incredible resources, be sure to sign up for my newsletter here.
Thank you for stopping by!

Team Busbee

Maybe you have a friend who would enjoy this post too!?

 Just use any of the buttons below to share it! And if you aren’t already a newsletter subscriber, make sure you sign up here for our invaluable style and beauty resources!

 Thanks for reading!

  1. Helen says:

    The dress with the cutouts is absolutely stunning, I love it & definitely think it’s the one most flattering on you. I think the setting is beautiful too, it must be somewhere like Marrakesh!

  2. […] have the invitation. You have the festive outfit (thank you, Erin!), the sparkly shoes and the gorgeous lip to go with it. Now, you just need the […]

  3. […] with your festive makeup look, Erin shares her go-to tips for choosing the perfect holiday outfit here and party dresses for every body type […]

  4. […] In case you missed it, I shared my go-to style tips for holiday party outfits here. […]

  5. […] If you missed it, I shared my go-to style tips for picking your perfect holiday party outfit here. […]

  6. Janet says:

    Lovely! Where is this amazing location?

  7. Megan says:

    You look AMAZING. Thank you for these beautiful inspirational ideas!

  8. Cheryl Gardner says:

    The red, long dress looks pretty on you!

  9. […] you’re looking for more holiday style tips, make sure you check out this post with all of my holiday […]

  10. Linda says:

    Beautiful looks….every one of them! Erin, you are spot on with how to tastefully style the latest trends.

    I’m on the north side of 65 and want to stay current without someone thinking, “she should have worn that outfit 10 pounds and 20 years ago.” Women like me are challenged with aging skin and body parts that have somehow shifted over the years. Too many of my peers wear something totally inappropriate or take the easy path and give up.

    I’m not willing to go down without a fight!

    Would you consider writing a “how to” for the trendy and tastefully sexy senior women out there? If we are not your audience could you suggest another source? Kind of like Busbee Style For Boomers…..which is a terrible name but hopefully you get the idea.

    Thank you!

  11. Katherine Waring Pavie says:

    Thanks so much for all of your fantastic ideas! I am in love with the Victoria slouch boots!!!! Do you have any suggestions for a boot such as that with a lower heel?

  12. Brenda Travis says:

    Thanks so much, so many wonderful ideals!! I have my first holiday party this Saturday evening! Definitely will be using your ideals for this holiday season! I appreciate your hard work!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Receive Our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Capsule Wardrobes & More!

Sign up and instantly receive our FREE Wardrobe Basics Checklists, Closet Editing & Organizing Checklists, Zoom Call Tips, Capsule Wardrobe Shopping Suggestions and a Lookbook of outfit ideas!