My Friends Keep Asking What to Wear to Holiday Parties—These Are the Under-$50 Pieces I Recommend

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This year flew by in a blur. It was March, like, last week, and all of a sudden it’s time to pull out my holiday décor, shop for gifts, and figure out what I’m wearing to all the holiday parties on my calendar. I’m still wrapping my head around how 2025 is almost over, but I can’t lie—I’m so ready for the sparkly outfits, twinkly lights, and endless excuses to dress up.

My friends have been texting me for outfit advice, and I can’t blame them—holiday dressing can be tricky. You want something that feels festive but not over the top, comfortable but not too casual. That’s exactly why I was so excited when I came across Old Navy’s new holiday collection. It has everything I’ve been searching for: eye-catching dresses that feel subtle but still make an entrance, sparkly sequinned pieces that still feel wearable, and elevated denim you can dress up or down. And might I add, all of these pieces are $50 or less. Enough rambling—here are the Old Navy finds that I’m eyeing for every holiday event on my calendar.

Holiday Dresses

My favorite holiday looks tend to include rich fabrics like velvet and satin, and I can never resist a good pop of red. The dresses from Old Navy’s collection look way more elevated than their price tags (I would’ve guessed they’re at least triple the price), and they’re ideal for everything from a fancy dinner to a festive night out.

The Occasion by Old Navy Fit & Flare Taffeta Cami Mini Dress

Old Navy The Occasion by Old Navy Fit & Flare Taffeta Cami Mini Dress in Black Jack

The Occasion by Old Navy Velvet Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress

Old Navy The Occasion by Old Navy Velvet Off-Shoulder Maxi Dress in Classic Red

Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Velvet Mini Dress

Old Navy Off-The-Shoulder Ruched Velvet Mini Dress in Boxwood

The Occasion by Old Navy Satin Mini Shift Dress

Old Navy The Occasion by Old Navy Satin Mini Shift Dress in Black Jack

All Things Sequins

When I think of dressing up for the holidays, sequins are always the first thing that come to mind. Whether it’s a sleek midi skirt, a fun pair of shorts, or a sparkly sweater, these pieces bring all the festive energy.

High-Waisted Sequin Shorts -- 3-Inch Inseam

Old Navy High-Waisted Sequin Shorts in Black Sequin

High-Waisted Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt

Old Navy High-Waisted Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt in Creme Shine

High-Waisted Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt

Old Navy High-Waisted Sequin Midi Pencil Skirt in Cinder Smoke

Sosoft Crew-Neck Sequin Sweater

Old Navy SoSoft Crew-Neck Sequin Sweater in Plum Paradise

Tops

Not every holiday plan calls for a full-on sequin moment—sometimes you just need a really good top. These picks strike that sweet spot between casual and dressed-up, making them perfect for those more laid-back plans on the calendar, like dinner with friends or a gift exchange that turns into cocktails.

Satin Shine Halter Top

Old Navy Satin Shine Halter Top in Gold Glitter

Long-Sleeve Tie-Neck Chiffon Top

Old Navy Long-Sleeve Tie-Neck Chiffon Top in Black Jack

Puff-Sleeve Plaid Poplin Peplum Top

Old Navy Puff-Sleeve Plaid Poplin Peplum Top in Green/Blue Plaid

Wool-Blend Ruffle Tie-Front Cropped Cardigan

Old Navy Wool-Blend Ruffle Tie-Front Cropped Cardigan in Nomadic Trail

Elevated Pants

A good top can only take you so far—you need pants that pull their weight. These picks do exactly that, making any outfit look intentional and thought-out. Between buttery faux leather, glossy satin, and perfectly worn-in denim, the outfit potentials feel endless.

Extra High-Waisted Studded Straight Jeans

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Straight Jeans in Studded Medium Wash

Curvy High-Waisted Og Loose Jeans

Old Navy Curvy High-Waisted Og Loose Jeans in Medium Wash

High-Waisted Billie Faux-Leather Ankle Trouser

Old Navy High-Waisted Billie Faux-Leather Ankle Trouser in Boxwood

High-Waisted Satin Wide-Leg Pants

Old Navy High-Waisted Satin Wide-Leg Pants in Earth Brown Stripe