After Dark: How to Dress for the 2026 Party Season

The invitations are arriving, the evenings are drawing in, and somewhere in your wardrobe there is a dress waiting for candlelight. This year the party season asks for something richer than the usual little black number: wine-dark colour, fabrics that drink in the light, and one detail that makes a room turn.

What should you wear to a holiday party in 2026?

For 2026 holiday parties, wear burgundy, the colour of the AW26 runways at Balenciaga, Chanel and Hermès, in sequins, satin or velvet. Velvet itself is the season's key fabric, seen at Victoria Beckham, Giorgio Armani and Khaite. Dark lace, bows and sleek '90s bodycon dresses are the other runway-backed options.

Burgundy, in every finish

ELLE UK reports that burgundy was everywhere on the autumn/winter 2026 catwalks, from Balenciaga to Chanel and Hermès, and calls it the most excellent hue for party season. Slip dresses and velvet suiting both work in these merlot tones, and sequins push it further. The magazine's suggestion is a sparkly strapless ankle-skimming dress with strappy kitten heels and statement studs, which reads as a more grown-up party dress. For the colour story behind it, read our piece on burgundy and chocolate.

The velvet jacket

Velvet is hardly new for December, but ELLE UK says it dominated the AW26 catwalks in skirts, one-shouldered gowns and coats, at Victoria Beckham, Giorgio Armani and Khaite. Its advice is the smartest buy of the season: one great velvet jacket with an excellent silhouette, worn over little dresses and pointed pumps for parties, and with jeans and ballet flats for the pub. On the high street, Country & Town House singles out Phase Eight's AW26 partywear in forest green and burgundy velvet.

Dark romance and black lace

Fendi, Givenchy and Saint Laurent all championed dark romance this season, according to ELLE UK, with black lace dresses in force. It is a fresh alternative to the little black dress: a lace-trimmed midi, slim heels and a statement arm cuff. If you love the drama of a hem that keeps moving, see our story on the season's trains.

Bows, and '90s bodycon

Bows were all over the catwalk, and ELLE UK's rule is to keep them glamorous rather than girly: a black satin peplum top with a bow-trimmed taffeta skirt and kitten heels. For something sleeker, the '90s body-con silhouette returned at Calvin Klein, Alaïa and Gucci. ELLE suggests avoiding neutrals for the festive version and choosing a pop of red instead.

The finishing touch: gloves

The most cinematic accessory of the season sits at the end of the arm. Ideal Magazine notes that long velvet and satin gloves are the thing for black-tie evenings, worn against bare shoulders with a strapless gown or silk slip dress, and that Dents sells long velvet evening gloves for £25. For everything else you need to know, read our guide to the opera glove.

How to put the look together

• Choose one rich colour. Burgundy, forest green or black, head to toe, looks more expensive than a mix.
• Let one texture lead. Velvet, sequins or lace: pick one and keep everything else plain.
• Add light at the ear. A pair of sculptural drops does more than a necklace with a strapless line. See statement earrings.
• Make it work twice. A velvet jacket over jeans takes you from the office party to the pub, exactly as ELLE UK suggests.

The takeaway

If you buy one thing for party season, make it a beautifully cut velvet jacket in burgundy or black. It goes over everything, it photographs like a dream in candlelight, and it will still feel right next December. More in Fashion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour is trending for Christmas parties in 2026?

Burgundy. ELLE UK reports it was everywhere on the AW26 runways, including Balenciaga, Chanel and Hermès, and recommends it in sequins, satin slip dresses or velvet suiting for party season.

Is velvet in style for the 2026 holidays?

Yes. Velvet dominated the AW26 catwalks at Victoria Beckham, Giorgio Armani and Khaite, according to ELLE UK, which recommends a well-cut velvet jacket as the most versatile way to wear it.

What can I wear to a holiday party instead of a little black dress?

Try a black lace midi (dark romance was shown at Fendi, Givenchy and Saint Laurent), a burgundy sequin dress, or a satin bow top with a taffeta skirt. A velvet jacket over a slip dress also works.

Should I wear gloves to a holiday party?

For black tie, long velvet or satin gloves are a striking choice with a strapless or sleeveless dress. Keep the rest of the jewellery to a pair of drop earrings so nothing breaks the line of the arm.