Bold, Festive, and Fun: Holiday Party Outfits a Stylist Swears By

If there's anyone who knows how to style a head-turning holiday party outfit, it's New York-based stylist Solange Franklin. 

With a roster of clients and projects spanning from Vogue to Glossier, Solange is known for creating looks that are as bold and multifaceted as the people who wear them. Her work is all about embracing femininity, diversity, and individuality—a perfect formula for holiday party outfits that don't just fit a trend but also embrace your own distinctive style. 

In a chat with Solange, we dug into her go-to styling tips for the season, from working with what's already in your closet to choosing the best shapewear to pull it all together. Whether you're dressing up for an elegant soirée (winter wedding, anyone?) or adding sparkle to a casual gathering, Solange's tips offer a fresh perspective on holiday dressing that's anything but one-dimensional.

Make a Statement with Color and Texture

"Character dressing is coming back," Solange notes, sharing her excitement for the way people are embracing their personalities through fashion. For the holiday season, she sees color and texture taking center stage, with trends like monochromatic outfits (think head-to-toe red) and eye-catching materials like sequins, feathers, and metallics.

“Power red pieces are everywhere, and I think it's perfect,” she says. Her advice? Embrace these bold hues and playful textures, whether you go all out in a shimmering sequined dress, go gauzy in chiffon, or add just a hint of bold hues through accessories. If red isn't your color, you can still capture the season's energy by leaning into other monochromatic styles that feel chic but can have a personalized edge.

You can also never go wrong with a pop of color—like a burst of green or hint of pink—especially if you're leaning into classic neutrals or sleek black hues. The same goes for metallic gold and silver metallic accents, which can instantly elevate any outfit.

Add Festive Flair to What You Already Own

One of Solange's top tips when it comes to holiday party outfits? Work with what you already have. “90% of the time, we already have the ingredients,” she shares. “It's just a matter of, how do we want to cook a little differently today?”

Her philosophy centers on reimagining the items in your closet rather than buying something entirely new for every occasion. Though if you are splurging on a new outfit in time for the holidays, she recommends going for something that extends beyond one season, “so you can exercise the full scope of your wardrobe.” 

To make everyday pieces feel festive, Solange suggests adding accessories that bring out the holiday spirit. A metallic bag or a pair of patent leather shoes (or faux leather), for example, can instantly elevate a classic blazer, slip, or high neck dress. “Any little festive nugget that you can give to yourself, it's going to provide that character,” she adds. 

Styling your wardrobe staples with a little extra holiday zeal will keep things fresh, but in a way that feels personal and unique.

Accessorize with Intention

Accessories, according to Solange, can be the defining detail that transforms an outfit. For holiday parties, she gravitates toward chunky gold rings, sculptural earrings, and belts with a metallic edge. “Keep a strong earring on deck,” she recommends, sharing her love for oversized, bold pieces.

To give a classic suit a fresh twist, Solange suggests overlapping the jacket and cinching it with a metal belt to create a new silhouette. “It's extended life out of your piece,” she explains. Whether it's a sculptural ring, a shiny belt, or statement earrings, accessories add the “wow” factor without overwhelming your look. 

And if you're opting for a monochromatic outfit, Solange advises finishing it off with a textured accessory—a feathered clutch or metallic heels—that creates contrast and draws the eye. 

“It's about the little sock. It's about the belt. It's about the confident, comfortable foundation underneath. And if you have the right foundation to your look, it's going to ring through, it's going to shine.”

Find the Right Foundation

Whether you're reimagining what's already in your closet or are eyeing a new dress, what's going on underneath your holiday party outfit stands to seriously elevate your look. This is where solid shapewear comes in, with its ability to instantly lift, smooth, and gently shape.

As Solange puts it, “It's just a seamless undergarment.” Plus, with customizable shapewear that adapts to various silhouettes, you can make one shapewear piece work across multiple outfits—from low backs to fitted minis. 

What makes customizable shapewear such a game-changer, according to Solange, is its flexibility. “If the hem is coming up just a little too much, you don't have to worry about if you want to trim it, you can actually customize it to the length that you need, which is revolutionary,” she explains. 

Alternatively, you can always embrace the underwear-as-outerwear trend with an intentional peek of your bra or bodysuit. “I'm not afraid to show a bit of my undergarments,” dishes Solange. “I think people should embrace that—we all know it's under there.” 

Solange's Holiday Season Shapewear Essentials

When it comes to personal favorites, Solange says, “Actually, I'm more of a high waisted brief girl, but I'm entering my bodysuit era.” She loves the comfort and security that shapewear provides, noting that a bodysuit can give “that comfortable hug where it's breathable, but I feel secure.” 

The versatility of a bodysuit with an open bust is ideal for mixing and matching with different bras or, as Solange says, “I have a smaller bust so I don't always need to wear a bra, which is nice to have that option.” 

Rather than feeling constricting, the right shapewear should feel flexible, gently compressing as it moves with your body—whether you're refilling your drink or hitting the dance floor. From high-waisted briefs to bodysuits, these foundational pieces allow you to look and feel your best. 

Solange's styling advice serves as a reminder that, at the heart of any outfit, confidence and personalization is the ultimate finishing touch. 

As you plan your holiday look, choose pieces that make you feel empowered and ready to celebrate.