30 Red and White Christmas Outfits for Parties, Photos and Family Dinners

Red and white is the easiest holiday palette to get right, and these 30 looks show how to wear it beyond the candy-cane cliché.

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Red Wool Midi Dress, Cream Cardigan

A cherry-red wool midi dress is the kind of dinner piece you can wear again in January, and the cream cardigan over it keeps the red from feeling like a costume.

Look for a dress with at least half wool in the blend and a defined waist through seaming, so it skims instead of clings. Draped open and left unbuttoned, the cardigan softens the shoulder line, which suits a long torso.

Opaque black tights and tall boots keep legs warm and the line clean for a long dinner table.

Ivory Knit Dress With a Red Belted Coat

When the dress is ivory, the red goes on the outside, and a belted red coat does the festive work for the whole outfit.

A coat with real length reaching the knee or below keeps the dress hem tucked in and defines the waist through the belt, which flatters a straight figure that wants a visible waist. Choose a wool blend so it holds its shape in the cold.

Brown tall boots tie it to the earthy side of the palette.

Cream Silk Blouse, Red Corduroy Pants

Red corduroy has a matte, lived-in texture that keeps a cream blouse from looking stiff at a dinner party.

A straight leg with a high waist lengthens the line and works on most hip shapes, and the blouse tucked in at the front shows the waist. Skip stretch-heavy cord that bags at the knee and look for a heavier wale.

A black loafer finishes it without fuss.

Red Satin-Free Slip: Tweed Jacket and Ivory Dress

An ivory crepe column dress under a red bouclé jacket is a Christmas look that reads quietly rich instead of loud.

The cropped jacket sits right at the high waist, so the column of the dress stays long and lean. Check that the jacket is lined, because tweed that is not lined snags on the dress and looks fussy.

Sheer tights and low black pumps keep it dressy.

White Shirt Dress, Cranberry Wool Wrap

A crisp white shirt dress is a blank page, and a cranberry wool scarf-wrap makes it a holiday outfit.

Pick a cotton poplin with some weight so it does not cling, and belt it loosely at the natural waist. The oversized wrap adds volume at the top and balances a fuller hip.

Cream tights match the shoe and add warmth under the hem.

Red Velvet-Free Wrap: Crepe Dress With a Cream Coat

A deep red crepe dress with a clean neckline photographs well under a long cream coat for holiday family pictures.

Crepe has a matte drape that does not shine under flash, which matters in group photos. A V-neck set just below the collarbone elongates the neck, and a belted cream coat on top makes a soft color blocking.

Black pumps with sheer black tights keep the focus on the color pairing.

Red Cable Cardigan, White Tee, Navy Pants

A chunky red cardigan over a white tee with navy trousers feels like a Sunday-dinner outfit that still counts as dressed.

The thick cable gives texture, and a white tee under it keeps the neckline crisp. Navy pants add a calm anchor so the red does the talking, and a straight leg with a slight break balances the volume on top.

Buttoned halfway, the cardigan looks deliberate instead of thrown on.

Cream Fisherman Sweater, Red Slip-Free Skirt

A cream fisherman sweater with a red wool midi skirt is the cozy family-photo option that still feels put together.

The sweater ends at the hip and the skirt is an A-line in a wool blend, so the waist reads clean without clinging. The thick knit adds shoulder volume that evens out hips.

Red opaque tights match the skirt and lengthen the leg into the boot.

Red Mock-Neck Knit, White Wide-Leg Pants

A fine red mock-neck sweater with white wide-leg pants is the bright, clean version of holiday dressing.

White pants need weight, so choose a thick crepe or wool blend that is fully lined. A tucked, fitted knit balances the wide leg and defines the waist, and the mock neck suits a long neck.

A chocolate-brown bag keeps the white from feeling stark.

Oversized Ivory Cardigan Coat, Red Knit Dress

A red knit midi dress under an ivory oversized cardigan coat is the easiest dress-up for a long afternoon of cooking and photos.

An ivory wool cardigan coat reaches mid-calf and drapes open, which keeps the line long. The red dress should be a thick rib that holds shape, with a defined waist from the knit itself.

Black tall boots on top of black tights keep legs warm.

Striped Red-and-White Sweater, Cream Jeans

A striped red and white sweater is the playful choice for a family photo, and cream jeans keep it grown-up.

Pick a wider stripe in a cotton-wool blend so the pattern reads clearly in pictures. The sweater ends at the hip over straight cream jeans, and the horizontal stripe adds width on the shoulders, which suits a pear shape.

Tan leather boots warm up the cream.

Red Turtleneck Under a Ivory Knit Vest

A fine red turtleneck with an ivory long knit vest layered over it is a soft way to wear both colors at once.

The vest should be a real knit, longer than the hip, so the proportion is long over lean. Add straight gray wool pants for a calm base that also hides a long dinner of sitting.

Slim loafers keep the line clean.

Red Blazer, White Tee, Cream Wide-Leg Pants

A red blazer over a white tee with cream wide-leg pants is the office-party look that feels modern, not corporate.

Pick a blazer that covers the hips and sits a little relaxed through the shoulder, because a boxy cut sets off a trim waist underneath. Wool crepe holds its color better than shiny fabric.

Black pointed flats tie it to the evening.

Ivory Suit With a Red Silk-Free Shell

A full ivory suit with a red knit shell underneath is a sharp holiday option that avoids the usual dress.

Choose a wool-blend suit with a straight leg and a single-breasted jacket that skims the hips. The fitted red knit shell gives a pop of color without a collar, and the line from jacket to pant stays long and clean.

Red or black pumps both work, and a wool one means it moves from dinner to party.

Red Wool Trousers, Cream Cable Sweater

Red wool trousers with a cream cable sweater is a classic that looks warm in family pictures and sits well at a dinner table.

Go for a wide straight leg in a tailored wool with a pressed crease, which makes the line long. Tuck the front of the sweater to show the waistband and keep the cable chunky for volume.

Chocolate-brown loafers soften the red.

How to Pair Red With White

Match the weight, not just the color: a thick cream knit needs a heavy red wool, while a crisp white shirt wants a matte cotton or crepe. A true cherry red suits most skin tones, while cranberry and burgundy are softer on fair or cool complexions.

Red Leather Jacket, Ivory Knit Set

A cropped red leather jacket over an ivory knit set is the edgy choice for a holiday party that is not stuffy.

The jacket sits at the high waist, which defines the line over matching ivory knit pants that skim the leg. Buy leather with a matte finish, which looks richer than shiny pleather.

Black block-heel boots keep it grounded.

White Linen-Blend Shirt, Red Barrel Pants

A white oxford shirt with red barrel pants is a clean, graphic combination that looks fresh next to heavy holiday knits.

Barrel pants curve at the knee and taper at the ankle, so keep the shirt tucked and sleeves rolled to show wrists. A cotton-twill pant holds the shape well without gaping.

Pointed flats show off the narrow ankle.

Burgundy Blazer, Cream Knit Tank, White Jeans

A burgundy blazer is a deeper take on red, and over a cream knit tank with white jeans it makes a polished dinner outfit.

White jeans in a thick denim are opaque and look festive in winter, and a straight leg balances the structured shoulder of the blazer. The tank should be a fine knit that sits flat under the jacket.

Brown suede boots add warmth.

Red Plaid-Free Pleat: Wool Skirt, Ivory Sweater, Tights

A solid red wool skirt in a column cut with an ivory sweater and matching tights is the clean version of a holiday skirt.

Choose a pencil-straight wool skirt to mid-calf with a back slit so you can walk, and tuck a fitted ivory sweater into it. The two-color blocking lengthens the figure.

Red tights with red-brown boots make one long line.

Cream Knit Skirt, Red Cardigan, Tall Boots

A cream knit midi skirt under a red cropped cardigan is the soft, romantic option for Christmas morning photos.

Pick a thicker rib knit skirt that falls straight so it does not cling, and a cardigan that stops at the high waist. Buttoned all the way, the cardigan acts as a top.

Tall boots meet the hem with warm tights beneath.

Red Tweed Mini With Ivory Turtleneck and Opaque Tights

A red tweed mini is for the party where you want legs and a little attitude, and opaque tights keep it winter-ready.

Keep the top fitted with a long-sleeve ivory turtleneck tucked in, because a short skirt balances best with a covered top. Check the tweed is lined, and wear it on the waist, not the hip.

Black opaque tights and low boots finish it.

Cranberry Midi Skirt With an Ivory Blouse and Flats

A cranberry wool midi skirt with a soft ivory blouse is the family-dinner version of a skirt look, easy to sit and eat in.

A flared skirt in a wool blend moves with you, and the blouse tucked at the front shows a waist. Sleeves with a soft gather at the cuff add romance without fuss.

Cranberry tights echo the skirt and go with flat mary janes.

Denim Skirt in White With a Red Sweater

A long white denim skirt with a red sweater is a casual holiday option that looks fresh against a table full of dark foods.

A straight, below-the-knee white denim skirt in thick cotton is opaque and easy. A boxy red sweater ending at the hip adds volume on top while the skirt stays straight below.

Warm tights and boots finish a cold-weather version.

Red Corduroy Skirt, Cream Turtleneck, Gray Coat

A red corduroy midi skirt with a cream turtleneck under a gray coat is the colorful but grounded look for a daytime holiday gathering.

Corduroy has a matte nap that photographs warm, and the gray coat gives a neutral frame so the red stands out. Keep the turtleneck fine so the coat sits flat over it.

Brown tights match the boots for a long leg.

Red Jumpsuit With a Cream Coat

A wide-leg red jumpsuit under a long cream coat is a one-piece party look that does not need a second thought.

A jumpsuit with a defined waist through a belt gives the figure a line. Choose a crepe with some weight so it hangs straight. The cream coat on top makes it a clean color blocking.

Black pointed heels show under the long leg.

White Jeans, Red Knit, Brown Loafers

Thick white jeans with a red knit and brown loafers is a clean casual outfit for a family photo shoot.

Straight white jeans in heavy denim stay opaque, and a red sweater with a relaxed fit ends at the hip. Roll the cuff one turn to show the ankle.

Brown loafers make it feel less stark.

Red Knit Co-Ord Set With an Ivory Trench

A matching red knit top and wide pants under an ivory trench coat is a one-color idea that looks like a stylist chose it.

The set in a fine, thick knit hangs without clinging, and the ivory trench, left open and belted loosely, adds length. Match the red exactly across top and pants.

Brown pointed flats finish the look.

Red Cashmere-Style Cardigan, Ivory Dress, Sneakers

A long red cardigan over a simple ivory dress with clean white sneakers is the holiday outfit for a day of walking and photos.

Choose a soft knit cardigan that reaches the knee for a long line, and an ivory jersey dress with a slight swing. Clean white leather sneakers keep it modern.

Bare shoulders do not apply here, so add warm cream tights for cold days.

Cream Cashmere-Blend Set With a Red Scarf

A cream sweater and matching pants with a big red scarf is the quiet, expensive-looking way to show the red and white idea.

Pick a thick cream knit sweater with a loose fit and matching wide-leg knit pants. The scarf is the one red element, so choose a wide wool one you can drape or knot.

Camel suede boots keep it earthy.

Red Coat, Ivory Sweater, Gray Straight Jeans

A bold red coat over an ivory sweater with gray straight jeans lets the coat be the only loud thing in the outfit.

Pick a coat with relaxed shoulders and a length to the knee, so it fits over a thick sweater. The gray jeans calm it down, and a black leather belt marks the waist under the sweater hem.

Black chelsea boots finish the street look.

The One Rule for Red and White

Let one color lead and the other support. Start with the outfit in our other holiday guides if you need more ideas.

FAQ

What shade of red looks best with white or cream?

A true cherry or cranberry red looks best because it holds its color next to white. Tomato red suits warm skin tones and burgundy suits cooler ones.

Can I wear white in winter?

Yes, as long as the fabric has weight, like thick denim, wool crepe or a heavy knit. Heavier fabrics stay opaque and look intentional in cold weather.

What should I wear for a red and white family photo?

Choose matte fabrics like wool, knit or crepe because they do not shine under flash. Keep patterns to one piece, such as a wide stripe, so the group looks matched, not busy.

How do I keep a red and white outfit from looking like a costume?

Add a neutral third color such as brown, navy or gray, and keep one piece in a textured fabric. That breaks up the red and white so it reads as styled.

What shoes go with a red and white Christmas outfit?

Black, brown or tan closed-toe shoes work best, such as loafers, boots, flats or pumps. With a skirt or dress, add tights that match the shoe or the skirt.