11 Red Christmas Outfits That Look So Festive (Real Looks)

Nothing says Christmas like a red outfit. It looks happy in photos, it stands out next to the tree, and it works for parties, family dinners and church. The trick is picking the right red piece for the event.

Here are 11 real red Christmas outfits worn by real women. No AI pictures and no shop photos. I start with red dresses for parties and dinners, then cozy red sweaters and separates you can wear all season.

For each outfit I share what it is, how to copy it and who it suits best.

Red Christmas Dresses

1. Little Red Dress With a White Faux Fur Coat

Katia calls this her little red dress, and it is pure holiday magic. A short red dress, black tights, gold heels and a white faux fur coat by a big Christmas tree. Red and white is the most classic Christmas combo.

• Pick a short red dress.
• Add sheer black tights and gold heels.
• Throw a white faux fur coat over your shoulders.

Best for: Christmas parties, holiday photos and glam lovers.

2. Red Coat Over a Red Dress

Kiarra wore this to kick off the holiday party season. A long red coat over a red mini dress with black tights and heels. Head to toe red looks bold and very expensive.

• Choose a red mini dress.
• Add a long coat in the same red.
• Finish with black tights and black heels.

Best for: work Christmas parties, bold dressers and tall frames.

3. Red Backless Midi Dress in the City

Peyton asked for a little commotion for this dress, and it deserves it. A fitted red long sleeve midi dress with an open back, worn on a city street lined with wreaths. It is simple from the front and wow from the back.

• Pick a fitted red midi dress with long sleeves.
• Look for an open back or cut out detail.
• Keep jewelry small and wear your hair down or in a sleek bun.

Best for: holiday dinners in the city, date nights and minimal dressers.

4. Red Halter Maxi Dress by the Tree

Ashley says any excuse to wear red. A long red halter maxi dress next to a Christmas tree and a vintage red truck. A maxi length feels elegant and keeps your legs warm.

• Choose a red maxi dress with a halter neck.
• Wear your hair in a sleek low bun.
• Add gold earrings.

Best for: Christmas Eve, holiday weddings and elegant dressers.

5. Red Long Sleeve Dress With an Open Back

Caroline shares this as one of her favourite Christmas party outfits. A red long sleeve dress with a high neck and a big open back. A high neck in front keeps it classy for a party.

• Pick a red dress with a high neck and long sleeves.
• Choose one with an open back for drama.
• Wear your hair up to show off the back.

Best for: Christmas parties, UK style fans and anyone who loves a statement back.

6. Red Midi Dress With a Big Back Bow

Oleta wore this perfect red dress on Christmas Eve. A red midi dress with a giant bow at the back, in a grand hotel lobby. Bows are a huge holiday trend and look sweet in photos.

• Choose a red midi dress with a bow detail.
• Add simple heels in red or nude.
• Carry a small clutch.

Best for: Christmas Eve, family photos and romantic dressers.

7. Red Midi Dress With a White Coat

She says this red dress paired so well with her white coat, and it really does. A red long sleeve midi dress, a white fluffy coat and a cute headband on a festive street. It is warm enough for a day out in December.

• Pick a red midi dress with sleeves.
• Add a white or cream fluffy coat.
• Finish with flats or sneakers for walking.

Best for: Christmas markets, daytime events and modest dressers.

Red Sweaters and Separates

8. Heart Sweater and Red Mini Skirt

This holiday outfit pairs a white sweater with red hearts, a red mini skirt, red heels and a red bag. It is playful and perfect for a holiday party or a Christmas photo spot.

• Pick a white sweater with a red pattern.
• Add a red mini skirt.
• Match your bag and shoes in red.

Best for: holiday parties, young women and fun dressers.

9. Red Sweater With White Knee Boots

Sage keeps it cozy for cold days in this look. A chunky red knit sweater, a short skirt and cream knee high boots. Red with cream feels soft and festive.

• Choose a chunky red sweater.
• Add a mini skirt or shorts.
• Finish with cream or white knee high boots.

Best for: casual Christmas days, cozy dressers and petite frames.

10. White Bow Sweater and Red Pants

This holiday outfit idea mixes a cream sweater with a red bow, bright red wide leg pants and black Mary Janes. Red pants are an easy way to wear red without a dress.

• Pick a cream sweater with a bow or festive detail.
• Add red wide leg pants.
• Finish with black flats or Mary Janes.

Best for: family Christmas, office parties and anyone who prefers pants.

11. Red Plaid Suit

She says a plaid suit is a showstopper for a plus size Christmas party outfit, and she is right. A red plaid blazer and matching pants with a black top underneath. A suit looks polished and is so comfy.

• Choose a red plaid blazer and matching pants.
• Wear a simple black top underneath.
• Add black flats or heels.

Best for: plus size women, office parties and confident dressers.

Quick Guide: How to Wear Red for Christmas

• Christmas party: a short red dress with tights and heels.
• Fancy dinner: a red midi or maxi dress with an open back.
• Christmas Eve: a red dress with a bow.
• Daytime events: a red midi dress with a white coat.
• Casual Christmas Day: a red sweater with a skirt and boots.
• Not a dress person: red pants or a red plaid suit.

Red Christmas Outfit FAQs

What should I wear for a red Christmas outfit?

A red dress, a red sweater with a skirt, or red pants with a cream sweater all work. Add gold jewelry and a red lip.

What colors go with red for Christmas?

White, cream, black, gold and green all pair well with red for the holidays.

What shoes go with a red Christmas dress?

Black, nude, gold or red heels. In cold weather, black tights and black boots work too.

Can I wear red to a Christmas party at work?

Yes. Pick a red midi dress, a red sweater with black pants, or a red plaid suit for a polished look.

How do I wear red without looking too much?

Keep the rest of the outfit simple. Pair one red piece with black, white or cream and keep accessories small.

My Last Word on Red Christmas Outfits

Red is the easiest way to look festive. Pick one red piece you love, keep the rest simple, and add gold jewelry or a red lip. You will be the brightest one by the tree.

Want more ideas? See my Christmas dinner outfits, my Christmas outfit ideas for women, my holiday party outfits and my winter dress outfits. And save this post to Pinterest for Christmas.