These outfits will rock your holidays

youDRESSED editorial team In December 2020 we styled you through the first pandemic Christmas-leather leggings, sequin tops, and the defiant motto “Stay home, but stay chic.” Five years on, you’re celebrating freely again, and that’s exactly why a look back is worth it: Which looks from back then do we still wear, and what has really changed in festive wardrobes for 2025/26?

Back then the rule was clear: stash the joggers and slouchy tees, the holidays are the one moment each year to dress up. That mindset still holds true today. What has shifted is the question of how loud the glamour can-or should-be. Instead of glitter from head to toe, festive fashion for 2025/26 opts for a deliberate statement and a quiet rest.

The Silver Dress: A Must-Have Back Then, One of Many Options Today

Our 2020 New Year’s Eve classic was the silver dress, with the playful nod that “Silvester” (New Year’s Eve) and “silber” (silver) might be related. Linguistically, that’s not the case-the name traces back to Pope Sylvester I, who died on 31 December 335. Fashion-wise, however, the silver dress has survived; it just now shares the spotlight with far more colour.

The quiet stars of the current season are jewel tones: burgundy, ruby red, emerald, pine green, and deep blue. They feel festive without glittering, and flatter almost every skin tone. If you prefer classic, the indestructible basics still deliver: black exudes instant elegance, off-white and champagne look crisp and high-end, while gold and silver provide the holiday glow.

Glamour in 2025/26 works best when used deliberately. A single statement piece in sequins or satin is enough; everything else can stay understated.

Velvet and Silk: The Fabrics That Outlive Every Winter

Back in 2020 we hailed velvet and silk as go-to holiday fabrics, and these two remain the constants. Velvet alone radiates festive vibes without a single rhinestone-an elegant, playful, feminine dress in velvet, paired with a finely patterned tights and black ankle boots, and the look is complete.

A fresh twist is hitting blazers: velvet and corduroy in warm browns and deep forest greens are replacing the classic black holiday dress for many. And for those who skip glitter entirely, warm neutrals are this season’s answer: caramel, mocha-like browns and chocolate hues look festive without flashing.

From Glitter Tops to Power Styling

In 2020 we recommended a glitter top with leather leggings as a bold statement. The principle-pairing a shiny piece with a clean counterpart-has since gone mainstream. The slip dress remains a top pick, though it’s rarely worn solo. For maximum impact, style it in power dressing: slip dress plus structured blazer, finished with subtle heels or chic flats.

The biggest leap since 2020 is the jumpsuit. Once office-only, it’s now party-ready: a velvet suit or one with a subtle sheen feels festive without feeling costumey. Jumpsuits also stay on trend because they’re modern, comfortable, and dance-floor-ready-an argument that carries more weight after years spent mostly at home.

Adapt your look to the occasion. Christmas Eve with family calls for quieter tones: a pine-green velvet blazer over black trousers, finished with plain ankle boots-festive yet not overdone. New Year’s Eve parties can dial up the volume. Here you can spotlight one glittering item: a sequin skirt with a plain knit sweater or a satin dress in burgundy. The rule of thumb: one statement per outfit; everything else stays low-key.

Mixing Metals and the Courage to Edit

We celebrated the mixed-metals look in 2020 as a Christmas and New Year’s eye-catcher, and its charm endures: combining metallic tones lets you skip most jewellery and keep makeup minimal. Hairstyles can stay simple too-sleek blow-outs or low side-parted braids pair perfectly.

This very reduction is the real lesson of the past five years. Holiday fashion has learned that true elegance rarely comes from volume. One statement piece, a clean rest, well-fitting basics-this formula travels further than any all-over-glitter ensemble. And perhaps the best trend of 2025/26: smart mixing instead of new buys. Most holiday looks are already tucked away in your wardrobe.

For deeper dives into individual trends, check out our Christmas outfits 2023 as a mid-point between then and now. And for those already eyeing next year, take a peek at the linen trend for 2026, which shows where fabrics are headed.