Black Friday Edition · What to Wear
Holiday Party Pants Outfits That Wow (Chic Ideas for Women 50, 60+)
By Michelle Carter · November 7, 2026From Thanksgiving dinner to girls' night to New Year's Eve, I used to think the holidays meant squeezing into a dress. Not anymore.
At 52, I live in one pair of party pants: the Sienna velvet pants with the lace hem. Comfy (hello, second helping of pie), flattering on curves, and 50% off for Black Friday. Here are 8 ways I wear them.
What to Look for in Holiday Party Pants
- A comfortable waist. An elastic, drawstring waist means you can enjoy dinner and still feel polished.
- A rich fabric. Velvet instantly reads festive and photographs beautifully.
- A flattering leg. A wide, softly draped leg skims the hips and lengthens the silhouette.
- One special detail. A touch of lace or sparkle makes simple pants feel like an outfit.
Holiday Party Pant Outfits: Chic Ideas
1. Black velvet + a jewel-embellished sweater
Black velvet and a fuzzy white sweater with sparkle at the shoulders is my favorite easy-elegant combination. Add pointed flats with a little shine and a satin clutch, and you're ready for any party without trying too hard.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Black · $59$11850% OFF
2. Look at these details… gorgeous
Look at that lace. This is the detail that made me fall for these pants: a soft scalloped lace hem that peeks out with every step. With a chunky oatmeal cable knit and gold heels, navy velvet feels cozy and dressy at the same time, perfect for a relaxed holiday get-together at home.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Navy · $59$11850% OFF
And the waist? Pure magic.
Look how much that elastic waistband stretches. No zipper, no button digging in, just a soft drawstring that moves with you. Thanksgiving dinner, second slice of pie, dancing all night: these pants never complain.
3. Forest green velvet + a blush pink cashmere sweater
When I'm hosting Christmas dinner, I want something festive that still lets me move. Forest green with a blush pink cashmere V-neck is an unexpected combination that looks so pretty by candlelight, and the drawstring waist makes it easy to run between the kitchen and the table.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Forest Green · $59$11850% OFF
4. Chocolate velvet + a leopard print silk blouse
Brown velvet is the underrated holiday color, and leopard print makes it sing. Tuck in a silk leopard blouse, add gold hoops and ballet flats, and you have the perfect outfit for a long lunch with the girls or a cozy afternoon of gift wrapping.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Brown · $59$11850% OFF
5. Burgundy velvet + silk blouse + statement earrings
This is the classic for a reason. Deep burgundy velvet, a cream silk blouse loosely tucked in, and big gold earrings. It feels dressy enough for a holiday party and comfortable enough to dance all night.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Burgundy · $59$11850% OFF
6. Black velvet + an emerald satin wrap top
Black and emerald is one of my favorite holiday color pairings. A satin wrap top with a portrait collar flatters the neckline, and the black velvet keeps the look grounded and sophisticated.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Black · $59$11850% OFF
7. Burgundy velvet + a silver sequin top
When the invitation says festive, I go all in. A silver sequin top with burgundy velvet is the right amount of sparkle, and the wide leg moves beautifully when you walk into the room.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Burgundy · $59$11850% OFF
8. Navy velvet + a velvet tuxedo jacket
For the dressiest events, I layer a black velvet tuxedo jacket over a silk cami. With navy velvet pants it looks like a modern evening suit, polished, elegant and so much more comfortable than heels and a gown.
Sienna Velvet Lace-Trim Pants in Navy · $59$11850% OFF
More outfit ideas
My four mirror-selfie favorites, one pair of pants in four colors:
Shop the Sienna pants · 50% off
Finishing Touches
Keep the rest simple: one statement piece of jewelry, a small clutch, and a shoe you can actually stand in all evening. A swipe of red or berry lipstick ties every one of these outfits together.
Final Thoughts
If you only buy one pair of holiday pants this year, make it a velvet pair you can style again and again. I wore the same Sienna pants eight different ways, and I'll be reaching for them long after the holidays are over.
Michelle Carter
Michelle is a style lover, mom of two and proud 52-year-old who believes great style has no age limit. She shares the outfits she actually wears, for real women and real curves.
xo, Michelle