5 Holiday Party Looks Inspired by Great Outfits in Fashion History

Dara Prant
·3 min read

Looking to the past to celebrate the present joy of dressing up.

What does a year's worth of pent-up sartorial energy mean during the holiday season? Double the sparkle and triple the shine. We're making our party outfit lists and checking them twice because if there's ever been a time to dress like a literal twinkling star, it's now. With this in mind, we've put together festive ensembles inspired by some great outfits in fashion history. From a flirty sequinned shift dress sported by Naomi Campbell in the '90s to a bow-detail dress worn by Yalitza Aparicio in 2019, we're hoping these joy-inducing get-ups serve as a guide as you navigate those highly anticipated end-of-year fêtes. Plus, we've included fun underthings to wear with each look.

Inspired by Naomi Campbell's twinkling mini

<em>Naomi Campbell at the premiere of "Unzipped" in 1995. </em><p>Photo: SGranitz/WireImage</p>
Naomi Campbell at the premiere of "Unzipped" in 1995.

Photo: SGranitz/WireImage

If you feel like giving off tree ornament vibes, then take cues from Naomi Cambell's twinkling shift dress that she wore to a premiere in 1995. Boldly accessorize with oversized crystal studs and a statement ring.

<p>Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista</p>

Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista

<p>MSGM Sequin-Embellished Cage-Structure Blouse, $394 (from $545), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+RyRNhAQObjR3-X69-Y-QwA" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here </a>(sizes 38 IT-42 IT). </p>

MSGM Sequin-Embellished Cage-Structure Blouse, $394 (from $545), available here (sizes 38 IT-42 IT).

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Inspired by Milla Jovovich doing elevated grunge

Milla Jovovich at the premiere party for the film "Chaplin" in 1992. <p>Photo: Tom Wargacki/WireImage</p>
Milla Jovovich at the premiere party for the film "Chaplin" in 1992.

Photo: Tom Wargacki/WireImage

Milla Jovovich's elevated grunge'90s aesthetic is a prime example of how to mix glam lurex with a cozy wool cardigan.

<p>Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista</p>

Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista

<p>Fanm Mon Winter Bloom Cardigan with Pink Green Embroidery, $249, <a href="https://fanmmon.com/collections/handmade-knit-products/products/fanm-mon-winter-bloom-winter-autumn-cardigan-pink-green-embroidery?variant=37376390004908" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (one size). </p>

View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article

Inspired by Eartha Kitt's holiday-ready velvet look

Eartha Kitt at a Mac Cosmetics and Zac Posen party in 2007. <p>Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images</p>
Eartha Kitt at a Mac Cosmetics and Zac Posen party in 2007.

Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Plush velvet has been a holiday go-to for decades for obvious reasons: It's rich-looking and is basically royal loungewear. You can take the traditional route and opt for a sultry, wine-toned gown à la Eartha Kitt in 2007 or you can go for a more unexpected and playful look in a patterned velvet mini dress.

<p>Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista</p>

Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista

<p>Rhode Pia Dress in Waves, $425, <a href="https://shoprhode.com/products/pia-dress-waves?variant=null" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (sizes XS-XL). </p>

Rhode Pia Dress in Waves, $425, available here (sizes XS-XL).

View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article

Inspired by the bow detail on Yalitza Aparicio's Miu Miu dress

Yalitza Aparicio's in Miu Miu at a "Roma" premiere in 2019. <p>Photo: John Kopaloff/Getty Images</p>
Yalitza Aparicio's in Miu Miu at a "Roma" premiere in 2019.

Photo: John Kopaloff/Getty Images

Yalitza Aparicio's "Roma" press tour in 2019 was a gift, so in the spirit of holiday giving, or if you want to look like a perfectly wrapped present, then opt for a bow-bedecked garment. Complete the look with cowboy boots and pearls.

<p>Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista</p>

Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista

<p>Molly Goddard Meredith Bow One-Shoulder Taffeta Mini Dress, $625 (from $1,305), <a href="https://rstyle.me/+k2aKCszjFk9rjo4DH_Fh9A" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (size US 2-US 12). </p>

Molly Goddard Meredith Bow One-Shoulder Taffeta Mini Dress, $625 (from $1,305), available here (size US 2-US 12).

View the 9 images of this gallery on the original article

Inspired by Naomie Harris' white-hot sequined tuxedo

Naomie Harris at the London premiere of "Miami Vice" in 2006. <p>Photo: Jon Furniss/WireImage</p>
Naomie Harris at the London premiere of "Miami Vice" in 2006.

Photo: Jon Furniss/WireImage

Naomie Harris offered a minimalist take on festive dressing at the 2006 premiere of "Miami Vice" in a sparkly white suit. For a 2021 upgrade, swap the sequined separates for a silky, PJ-inspired two-piece with floral jacquard.

<p>Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista</p>

Photo: Dara Prant/Fashionista

<p>Mr. Larkin Phoebe Shirt, $335, <a href="https://mrlarkin.com/products/mr-larkin-phoebe-shirt-vanilla?_pos=7&_sid=0811211c0&_ss=r" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here </a>(sizes S-L) and Casey Pants, $295, <a href="https://mrlarkin.com/products/copy-of-mr-larkin-casey-pants-vanilla?_pos=1&_sid=cfe4e0959&_ss=r" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:available here;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">available here</a> (sizes S-L). </p>

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