Virtual Partying: How to Dress for a Digital Holiday Gathering

Virtual partying is all the rage this year, and this includes holiday parties, too. Digital holiday gatherings are how many of us are connecting with friends, family, and coworkers this holiday season. Since this style of socializing is relatively new for most of us, figuring out what to wear and how to dress for your virtual holiday party could definitely raise some questions. Do you dress up? Do you wear something special? Do you even wear pants? All these are legitimate questions to ask yourself when planning what to wear for your virtual parties this year. Luckily, we’ve got some guidance and answers for you so you won’t have to worry about virtually showing up to the party wearing the wrong thing.

General Tips

A great rule of thumb when dressing for virtual holiday parties is to start with imagining what you would wear to an in-person party. “Virtual partying” is not a fashion statement or a specific style, so don’t get overwhelmed by thinking you have to wear something specific for a holiday gathering just because it’s virtual.

Another good rule of thumb is to wear bright and festive colors. As with any virtual meeting, if you wear dark colors or black, you tend to disappear a bit into the screen. It’s the holidays, after all, so don’t be afraid to stand out. Wear bright holiday colors like reds, golds, whites, greens, blues, and silvers with joy to get you and your party mates feeling the holiday season.

Do I Even Need Pants?

If this was an in-person holiday party, you’d probably be stressing about what bottoms you can wear comfortably while still looking sophisticated enough for a party. Stress no more! Chances are, as with most virtual gatherings, your party-goers won’t even get a glimpse of what you’re wearing on the bottom and will never know if it matches or not. What a joy to be able to dress for a party and not worry about matching!

Truth be told, this will probably be the best holiday party ever because you can wear pants that are fabulously cozy and comfortable! Wear the fanciest top you’ve got and some flannel pajamas on the bottom. You will be warm, comfortable, and — from everyone else’s perspective — you’re still dressed for the party. Sounds like the best of both worlds to us!

This being said, if you feel like getting full swing into the holiday vibes, then feel free to wear whatever dressier pants make you feel good and ready to party. Even if no one else gets to see them, at least you’ll feel your most festive self.

With the Family

A digital holiday gathering is a fun and cheery way to celebrate the holidays with loved ones, even if you can’t be together in person. When having a virtual holiday party with your family it’s easy to dress more casually without losing the festive mood. Don’t be shy to wear your favorite Christmas sweater to brighten the party. Other festive and down-to-earth tops to wear for the family virtual holiday party are flannel shirts, tartan, alpine patterns, and Christmas colors. Any of these designs and patterns will brighten up the screen for your virtual family gathering.

Cocktail Attire

Just because it’s a virtual party doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. Digital cocktail parties are all the rage this holiday season. Whether with friends, family, or coworkers, make a plan for a virtual cocktail party. Mix your favorite drinks, prepare some hors d'oeuvre, and put on your favorite cocktail dress. Wear one of your favorite special occasion dresses with some lipstick and jewelry to get into the vibe. The good news is that you can still wear your slippers instead of those high heels! For men, it’s easy enough to wear a shirt, tie, and jacket for your virtual holiday cocktail party. Remember, no one will ever know you’re wearing sweatpants for bottoms!

The Office Party

Similar to cocktail attire, what to wear to the online office holiday party will look smart, festive, and a little fancy. Men can put on a nice shirt and jacket to keep professional looking for the holiday. Make it a little more festive and add a Christmas-themed men’s tie to your attire. You will look sophisticated and in the holiday mood.

For women, wear something professional but also festive and upbeat. We love the look of sparkles, sequins, and bright holiday colors. You can always tone it down with a black blazer or a women’s cardigan sweater. Don’t forget, you only have to worry about what’s going to show on the screen of your coworkers, so don’t stress too much about bottoms and enjoy the holiday fun.