You don't have to stick with the typical bright red and green colors when deciding what to wear for Christmas Eve though you certainly can. There are other, less obvious, colors to wear to Christmas Eve gatherings that celebrate the winter season and pull from the less traditional palette of Christmas colors.
Metallic Gold
For those who don't enjoy decorating or dressing in the classic red and green Christmas colors, gold, silver, and/or white are often the go-to. Metallic shades of gold are perfect for any fancy event although you can dress it down a little for more casual gatherings.
Women and Girls
For ladies, a gold skirt, like the Amormio Metallic Pleated Skirt from Amazon (around $20) or the Alice + Olivia Mikaela Metallic Pleated Midi Skirt (Saks Fifth Avenue for about $350) with a long-sleeved black bodysuit will work for most types of gatherings, depending on the length and style you decide upon.
If it's a casual event and you want to skip blue jeans, you could still pair a shimmering gold skirt with a fun graphic tee (perhaps layered over a long-sleeved one and under a jacket, depending on where you live). You could even go for a darker gold shade, like the Sandro Shiny Mock Neck Sweater (about $220), and pair it with jeans or a pair of slacks.
Little girls have options from tutus to dresses. The Mermaidtalee Sequin Dress (around $40 on Amazon) is a cute sparkling gold choice that will make her feel like royalty. It's available in sizes 6 months through to 12 tall. It also comes in festive rosy gold, blush and champagne shades. The Bifini Girls Layered Tulle Princess Tutu is just under $20 and offers a more casual look when paired with a t-shirt or sweater. It's available in sizes 3 to 5 years and 5 to 8 years.
Men and Boys
Men and boys may want to leave the metallic gold to their ties, with a choice like the Skinny Solid (less than $20) from The Tie Bar for men or the Tiemart Light Gold Premium Solid Color Tie (less than $15) for big boys. Pair it up with a fitted suit for a holiday-ready look that's perfect for a company party at an upscale restaurant.
Shimmering Silver
The suggestions for gold apply to silver as well. If you're wearing the metallic shade near your face, keep in mind that cooler skin tones tend to look best in silver, while warmer skin tones tend to look best in gold. Try a light gray tunic sweater threaded with shimmering silver or even a plain gray top that's so light, it looks silver.
Women and Girls
For women and teen girls who need a cute, festive dress for an event, there's the Changuan Women's Short Beaded Prom Dress from Amazon.com (under $90), which has a classic off-the-shoulder look with an A-line skirt. For women who want something cozy for a night in with friends and family or a casual dinner, there's the Jaeounr Casual Loose Turtleneck Knitted Poncho Pullover Sweater in grey (under $30). It isn't metallic like the dress, but its soft, pale gray and poncho style will be right at home on Christmas Eve.
Men and Boys
As with the gold, men and boys may prefer a more muted silver as opposed to a shiny, metallic finish, except where a tie is concerned. However, an option with a bit of a sheen, like the Calvin Klein Regular Fit Herringbone Point Collar Performance Non-Iron Dress Shirt (around $75) is a good option for men who need a versatile option for the holidays. A silver suit is another lovely choice for an evening out.
The Solid Satin Bow Tie in silver (just under $20 at the Tie Bar) is a cute accent for boys who need to wear something a little dressier than usual for pictures with Santa or the family.
Bright, Festive Red
Want to stand out? Love any excuse to wear vibrant red? Christmas gatherings should be no challenge for you. Wear a slinky red dress to a formal event, or try a fitted v-neck or crewneck sweater with dark denim and casual boots (don't forget the boot socks with a cute design at the top).
Women and Girls
For ladies, there's the Guess Studded-Strap Fit & Flare Dress from Macy's (just under $130), which has a fit and flare shape and studded shoulder straps for an extra special embellishment. There's also the Tadashi Shoji Leaf Lace Cocktail Dress from Nordstrom (just under $400), which has a fitted shape, lovely leaf-patterned lace and cap sleeves.
The Rare Editions Low Ribbon Edge Dress from Belk (about $31) makes a cute and dressy option for girls who wear sizes 7-16 and love any opportunity to wear something glamorous. Otherwise, pick up a Sparkly Ruffle-Trimmed Cardigan from J. Crew (around $55) that can be dressed up with a skirt and tights or down with jeans or khakis.
Men and Boys
The JF J. Ferrar Easy-Care Solid Mens Point Collar Strech Dress Shirt (about $50) comes in a festive cayenne red. These are available in regular and slim fits with a big and tall version.
For boys who need to dress up, there's the Tommy Hilfiger Boys 2-Piece Shirt and Striped Tie Set (around $42 at Macy's). For something more casual, there's the red Frost-Free Quilted Puffer Vest from Old Navy (under $30). Pair it with a black long-sleeve thermal shirt and dark jeans for a causal, cool look.
Wine, Burgundy, or Mulberry
These are all so similar, with wine being the deepest purplish-red of them all. These are more cool-toned than some traditional "Christmas red" shades, but flattering on more skin tones. These also stand out less in a crowd, so if you're shy and don't want to stand out quite as much, this is a good almost-red to go for. These types of shades pair well with textured fabrics, like lace or velvet.
Women and Girls
The Calvin Klein Bell-Sleeve Velvet Dress from Macy's (just under $129) could work for ladies at a family event or even an office party. It has a 60s vibe with its 3/4-length bell sleeves and sheath silhouette. There's also the Season of Joy Red Multi Lace Mini Dress from Lulu's for just under $90. This one may not fly at an office party, but if you have plans to attend a special event and need something youthful and classy, this could be it.
The Rare Editions Big Girls Ruffled Ombré Mesh Dress (about $114 at Macy's) comes in a striking ombré patten starting with wine through a blush pink and will look adorable for girls for almost any kind of Christmas Eve family activity.
Men and Boys
In a casual setting like a family dinner or church play, the Men's Textured Half-Zip Sweater by Polo Ralph Lauren in Classic Wine (just under $100) is perfect. It's available in extra-small to XXL, and if you like it so much you want it in other colors, there are five more to choose from.
Boys can don the Jersey-Lined Straight Khakis from the Gap in shiraz, a deep shade of red, for about $40. These pants will work with navy, white, gray, and black sweaters or button-down shirts, making them an excellent option for any event.
Traditional Greens
Anything from a mid-tone green to deep forest green will work here. Just steer clear of the brighter, more yellow-toned greens because they say "springtime" more than "holiday season." The darker greens, like mulberry and wine, work well in velvet and other textured fabrics.
Women and Girls
The Danny & Nicole Short Sleeve Lace Floral Fit & Flare Dress from JCPenney is available in sizes 4 to 18 for about $75 and features a Christmas-perfect shade of hunter green lace covering.
The Girls 7-16 Ava & Yelly Eyelash Lace A-Line Dress from Dillard's (about $40) couldn't be more perfect for a little girl who wants to wear something Christmasy, but doesn't want to go the more obvious red route. It looks like traditional lace red holiday-inspired dresses that show up everywhere during the holidays, but this one is done in a beautiful hunter green.
Men and Boys
For toddler boys, Amazon has an adorable holiday ensemble that features a reindeer applique on a green vest. It also has a red and white button-up shirt and corduroys. The whole set's regular price is about $25.
For the men who enjoy the magic of Christmas and love showing their sense of humor, there's the green Surprised Llama Ugly Christmas Sweater from Kohl's and around $60 at regular price.
Navy Blue
Navy blue is another shade that shows up time and time again during the holidays. It's dark, but not black, so it may feel less somber in some situations than black might. Black works in most situations, but some ladies may prefer to mix it up, especially during the holidays. With the right scarf or jewelry, you can wear navy blue with silver, green, or even red. Just make sure you have a statement accessory that features both colors, in the case of red or green (like a blanket scarf).
Women and Girls
The Lands' End Drifter Cotton Crew Neck Sweater (about $60) is a lovely and cozy option for women that can be worn with jeans, slacks, or a skirt, and paired up with accessories in metallic shades, red, off white, and more to give it even more of a Christmas Eve vibe.
The Bonnie Jean Big Girls Drop-Waist Plaid Dress (Macy's, about $68) combines dark blue velvet bodice with a blue plaid flocked organza skirt. Pair it up with a peacoat, tights, and a pair of boots for extra warmth.
Men and Boys
Pop the men's blue and onyx Alaskan Hardgear Bear Hide Fleece Jacket (Duluth Trading Company, roughly $110) on top of a thin sweater and/or button-up in any other Christmas-appropriate color and you'll be ready for a cold Christmas Eve evening.
For about $25 at Old Navy, there's the Lost at Sea Navy Corduroy Long-Sleeve Shirt for boys, available in regular sizes XS to XXL and husky L to XXL. Pick it up in Matcha Green, Sunflower Gold and Maroon Jive.
Classic Black
When is a black dress ever inappropriate for the occasion? Practically never, and that goes for Christmas Eve, too. A sweater dress in any length with black tights (consider a pattern) and black shoes won't look out of place, nor will a cocktail dress if you have something more formal planned for that evening. Men look dashing in black ensembles as well whether they are dressed up or down.
Women and Girls
Ladies, consider a black dress with hints of metallic shimmer, like the Calvin Klein Embellished-Cuff Mock-Neck Sweater Dress from Macy's (just under $100). It could work for a Christmas Eve service, office party, or family/friends gathering.
The Girls Snö Happy Dress from Hanna Andersson (just under $70) and Girls Glitter Tights (around $24) are cute separately or paired together. Black holiday clothing may not be the first thing that pops into your mind for kids, but these pieces show that it works well.
Men and Boys
For the young man going out to a party on Christmas Eve, there are the Calvin Klein Slim-Fit Solid Dress Pants at Macy's for less than $100. Pair them up with a black fitted shirt and blazer for a sleek look that suggests it's not just any night out.
The Black Shortall Set is part of a selection of matching brother-sister Christmas outfits from Wooden Soldier. This particular set is available in sizes 6M to 2T. Prices vary based on size, but all are less than $90.
White or Winter White
You don't have to wear dark colors or go the official "Christmas colors" route for Christmas Eve gatherings, whether they're casual family get-togethers or fancy dinners. Winter white (or even white, though it's less common during the winter) is a gorgeous way to play up your skin tone, plus it's a perfect neutral shade ladies can use to complement a bolder makeup style.
Women and Girls
A winter white sweater with jeans or mulberry/wine-colored pants, or a sweater dress with boots or pumps, would work well for the occasion. If it's a night on the town, a cocktail dress in this shade would be lovely. Consider the ivory BlankNYC Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater from Nordstrom (about $80) paired with slim-fit jeans and boots.
The ecru Girls Soft Tulle Skirt, available at Hanna Andersson for less than $50, can be paired with almost any color of shirt and tights. Depending on the weather and the style of the complete outfit, pair it up with flats or boots for a holiday-ready ensemble that could even be appropriate for a viewing of The Nutcracker. Another option is the girls' Lace Peplum Sweater in Holiday Ivory (about $40) from Macy's.
Men and Boys
For a casual event, men can wear the Madewell Flannel Sunday Shirt from Nordstrom (under $90) with jeans. To dress it up and add warmth, pair it with a black, green, navy blue, wine, or even a red pullover sweater.
Boys can don a white Ochenta Long Sleeve Cable Knitted Turtleneck Sweater (about $20 from Amazon). Pair it with dress pants for a festive evening out or jeans or black cargo pants for an evening in.
Babies
For babies, a white Santa Bodysuit means instant cuteness. It's available in newborn to 18-month sizes. The best part is the price, which is under $15.
What to Keep in Mind While Shopping
Will you want to wear part or all of the outfit again? Will you be wearing it again on New Years Eve, only to retire it after the holiday season (at least until next year), or would you prefer to have it work for several more months? Look for pieces that will be versatile beyond the season.
