You’re invited to a house party! Awesome! But first, the age-old question: what to wear? Should you choose a dress or comfy trousers? High heels or practical flats? So many options to consider!
Heading to a house party with friends or meeting new people? You’ll want an outfit that stands out, but isn’t over the top. Our comprehensive guide offers the best house party outfit ideas for every season and dress code. We cover special occasions like birthdays, engagements, and New Year’s Eve. Stop stressing about what to wear and get ready to enjoy the party!

What To Wear To A Casual Party
A relaxed house party dress code is perfect for catching up with your girlfriends. Unwind, share secrets, and enjoy wine together. Forget impressing anyone or feeling pressured to socialize.
You’ll want to put in a little effort to keep the party atmosphere lively. Otherwise, the night might just become a regular get-together. Finding the right balance between comfort and a festive look can be tricky. Great casual party outfits blend both aspects. Think of pairing a lovely dress with a cozy cardigan, for instance.
Casual Party Outfits: Playsuit
Playsuits are fantastic for relaxed house parties. They offer both comfort and effortless style, making them a perfect choice. Best of all, you don’t need to worry about matching separates!

Casual Party Outfits: Blouse & Jeans
Achieve the ideal smart-casual balance. A stylish blouse elevates your look for a party atmosphere. Comfortable jeans let you relax and enjoy time at your friend’s home.

PHOTO CREDIT: Zara / Karen Millen / The Kooples

Casual Party Outfits: Accessories
Elevate your casual look for a house party effortlessly with the right accessories. A bold statement necklace instantly transforms your t-shirt and jeans into a party-ready outfit, adding the perfect touch of sparkle.

PHOTO CREDIT: Accessorize / COS / Oasis
What To Wear To A Formal House Party
Want a polished yet relaxed look? Opt for simple, elegant designs. Avoid overly busy patterns. Inject some fun by pairing classic, neutral shades with a pop of vibrant color. This creates a festive feel.
For this ensemble, heels are highly recommended! (Check out our updated guide on party-perfect footwear.) Aim for a sophisticated yet fun vibe – remember, it’s a celebration!
Formal Party Outfits: Dress
Elevate your formal dress for a party by adding a splash of color or some eye-catching details. You can achieve this through the dress’s design or with a vibrant accessory. The goal is to showcase your playful personality.

PHOTO CREDIT: Reiss / Finery London / Oasis

Formal Party Outfits: Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits offer a refined alternative to playsuits, projecting elegance and modern style. Opt for designs featuring unique details or cuts. A ruffle, for instance, adds playful charm without being overly formal. To stay current with the latest trends, wide-leg styles or culottes are the must-have silhouettes this season.

PHOTO CREDIT: Reiss / Karen Millen / Finery London

Formal Party Outfits: Blouse & Skirt
A timeless skirt exudes elegance. Opt for a midi-length skirt for formal events to ensure a sophisticated look. Combine it with a chic blouse for a polished, professional style.

What To Wear To A House Party at Christmas & New Year
Big celebrations are perfect for showcasing your most glamorous self. Aim for a dressed-up look, but not overly so. Forget intense club lighting and crowded spaces, meaning micro-minis and towering heels are best left at home. Opt for outfits with a touch of sparkle, but balance it with a more subtle makeup look than you’d wear to a nightclub.
Christmas & New Year’s Eve Party Outfits: Shimmer
Party glamour in 2025 embraces sequins, glitter, and shimmering fabrics like silk or satin. Choose your favorite style!

PHOTO CREDIT: Oasis / Reiss / Reiss / Karen Millen

Christmas & New Year’s Eve Party Outfits: Sheer
Transparent fabrics offer a stylish look while maintaining a sophisticated level of coverage. They’re a chic alternative to fully exposed skin.

What To Wear To A House Party In Spring / Summer
Spring and summer 2025 demand light pastels, vibrant prints, and airy fabrics. Light colors complement blooming flowers and clear blue skies beautifully. Plus, they keep you cooler by reflecting sunlight, unlike darker shades.
Heading to the garden? Pack a light jacket! The weather in 2025 can still be quite changeable.
Spring / Summer Party Outfits: Pastels
Daytime or afternoon party on the horizon? These pastel shades are your ideal choice under the sun. Pastels are universally flattering, complementing every skin tone beautifully. Embrace the season with these delightful, sweet-toned colors.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mango / The Kooples / Oasis / ASOS

Spring / Summer Party Outfits: Bold Colour
Make a statement at your next evening event with vibrant, attention-grabbing colors.

Spring / Summer Party Outfits: Prints
Spring and summer prints often evoke thoughts of delicate florals and whimsical designs.

What To Wear To A House Party In Autumn / Winter
As we move into fall and winter, embrace deep, luxurious colors and heavier materials such as leather.
Autumn / Winter House Party Outfits
Autumn shines with earthy hues. Winter embraces rich jewel tones. Indulge in tactile fabrics like velvet and suede for added warmth and style.

PHOTO CREDIT: Mango / ASOS / The Kooples

Autumn / Winter House Party Layering
For enhanced warmth, consider layering strategically. Opt for trousers and add a comfortable blazer.

PHOTO CREDIT: Zara / The Kooples / Warehouse / Reiss

What To Wear To An Engagement Party at a House
Engagement parties resemble formal house parties in dress code. However, they allow for a gentler touch. This can be seen in fabric choices, patterns, or color palettes.
Engagement House Party Dresses
A dress remains a timeless and elegant option for your engagement celebration. While it’s best to avoid white, consider embracing delicate pastels and other light, airy hues. Fabrics like silk and chiffon are excellent choices, and don’t hesitate to choose dresses with beautiful, eye-catching prints.

Engagement House Party Alternative Outfits
Ditch the expected dresses! Consider stylish trousers or a chic jumpsuit for your engagement party. It’s a modern and memorable choice.
