Party Outfits for Women: Casual, Smart or with Glitter

A women's party outfit depends first on the type of party: at a club it can be dark, shiny and made for dancing, at a house party relaxed, and at a company party rather smart. As a basic rule, choose one eye-catcher per look, such as glitter, lace or leopard print, combined with calm basics and shoes you can stand and dance in all evening.

The invitation has arrived, and the question is back: what should I wear? Here you will find which party outfit suits which occasion, how to choose between casual and smart, how much glitter a look can take and which outfit ideas you can put together with just a few pieces.

Which party outfit suits which party?

Club. Clubs are dark, warm and crowded. A club party outfit therefore thrives on shine that catches the light and on pieces you can move freely in. A short sequin dress, a black top with leopard trousers or a lace top with dark trousers are typical choices. You usually only need a jacket for the way there.

Birthday. Much depends on the venue. In a restaurant, a festive top with simple trousers works well; at a party with a dance floor, there can be more shine. A skort is a good middle ground because it looks like a skirt and wears like shorts.

Company party. Smart, but not dressed up like a costume. A shiny piece in a dark colour, such as a sequin blouse with wide black trousers, looks festive and stays appropriate. Very short or very revealing cuts are seen less often here.

House party. The most relaxed setting. Jeans or wide trousers with a special top are all you need. Because there is often sitting, cooking and standing around, comfort counts for more than shine.

New Year's Eve. The party with the most glitter, but often with a moment outside at midnight. So plan your coat, tights and boots right from the start. Explained in detail in the guide New Year's Eve Outfits for Women.

Casual or smart party outfit for women?

A casual party outfit combines one special piece with everyday basics. A smart party outfit relies more on calm, dark colours, flowing fabrics and clean lines. Both can be created with the same pieces; the difference usually lies in the shoes and the bottom.

• Casual. A glitter top or lace top with jeans, plus boots or cowboy boots. An open blouse or shirt on top keeps the look relaxed.
• Smart. The same top with wide trousers or pleated trousers, plus heeled ankle boots. Black tone on tone looks especially clean.
• In between. A skort or a short dress with opaque tights and chunky boots. Festive, but not formal.

Glitter outfits for women: how much glitter and sequins?

The simplest rule for a glitter outfit: one shiny main piece per look. If you wear a sequin dress, keep shoes and jacket matte. If the top shines, the trousers stay simple.

• Matte partners. Knit, jersey or cotton make sequins stand out more because the contrast is greater.
• Dark tones. Black, brown and burgundy look calmer with glitter in the evening than very light colours.
• Shine in the details. If you prefer something subtler, choose studs, mesh or an accessory with shine instead of large sequins.

Two shiny pieces work best when both are the same colour. You will find the current selection in Glitter & Sequins.

Party outfit ideas for women

Lace tone on tone. A black lace top tied at the front with wide black lace trousers. A top or bustier underneath adds an opaque layer. With heels it looks smart, with boots more casual. You will find styles among our lace tops.

Leopard trousers with a black top. Wide leopard trousers, a black bandeau or top and an open black blouse on top. The print is the eye-catcher, everything else stays black. Take a look at our leopard trousers.

Glitter skort with knitwear. A sequin skort with a light jumper and boots. Festive and easy to dance in. You will find more styles among our skorts.

A black top as the base. A black top with studs, mesh or a halter neck is the most versatile party piece: with jeans for a house party, with leopard trousers for the club, with a glitter skirt for a birthday. You will find styles among our black tops.

Off-shoulder with a skort or jeans. An off-shoulder top puts the focus on the neckline, so the bottom can stay simple. Take a look at our off-shoulder tops.

Sequin dress with boots. A short sequin dress with opaque tights and lace-up boots or cowboy boots. The chunky shoes make the dress party-ready and are easy to wear on the way home.

Party outfits over 40: what matters?

A party outfit over 40 follows the same rules as any other: the occasion, the venue and your own style decide, not your age. Glitter, lace, leopard print and short dresses are not a question of birth year.

It helps to plan around your own favourite piece. If you feel more comfortable in trousers, choose wide trousers with a shiny top. If you like dresses, combine a sequin dress with tights and boots. Which length, neckline and cut feel right for you, you know best. You will find details on measurements and cut on each product page.

Which shoes go with a party outfit?

Boots and ankle boots are the most comfortable choice for long evenings and go with dresses, skirts and trousers. Cowboy boots give jeans and skorts a relaxed touch. Heels look smarter, but are especially worthwhile when there is more sitting than dancing.

Shop the look: glitter & sequins for women and black tops for women. You will find more looks for every day in the guide Women's Outfits: Ideas by Occasion.

Frequently asked questions

What do women wear to a party?

It depends on the party. For a club, something shiny you can dance in; for a house party, jeans with a special top; and for a company party, a festive piece with simple trousers.

What does a casual party outfit look like?

A special top, for example with glitter, lace or studs, with jeans or wide trousers, plus boots. An open blouse or shirt on top keeps the look relaxed.

What should I wear to a club?

Dark colours, one shiny piece and shoes you can stand and dance in for hours. Typical choices are a short sequin dress with boots or a black top with leopard trousers.

How do I wear a glitter outfit without overdoing it?

With one shiny main piece per look and matte partners such as knit, jersey or cotton. Two shiny pieces look calmest when they are the same colour.

What is a good party outfit over 40?

Whatever you feel good in and whatever suits the occasion. Party outfits over 40 follow the same rules as all others, from a glitter top to a sequin dress.

What should I wear to a company party?

A festive piece in a dark colour, such as a sequin blouse, with wide trousers or a simple skirt. This way the look is festive and stays appropriate.