One question I get a lot during the holiday season is what coat or jacket to wear with a dressy outfit. Whether you’re wearing a holiday dress, a skirt, or dressy pants, you want something that looks nice with your outfit but also keeps you warm.
I don’t think you need to buy a special coat just for holiday parties. In fact, my first recommendation is something you can wear with your entire winter wardrobe. But if you want something a little more festive, there are a few other options to consider.
In this post, I’m sharing three ways to layer over your holiday outfits, from a classic topcoat to a cropped faux fur jacket and a simple scarf or shawl. I’ll also include my sizing and fit notes for petites.
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My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
A Classic Topcoat
My first recommendation for wearing over a holiday party outfit is a classic topcoat. This is the option I would recommend most because it’s something you can wear all winter long, not just for special occasions.
A classic topcoat looks polished enough to wear over a dressy outfit, but it also works just as well with jeans, sweaters, and everyday workwear. There’s really no need to buy a separate dress coat if you already have something like this in your closet.
One coat I recommend is the Timeless Topcoat from Banana Republic Factory. I’m wearing it in Petite XXS/00, and it’s a perfect fit for me.
The coat is thick, warm, and well-made, especially for the price. It’s often priced right around $100, which I think is an excellent value for a coat of this quality.
It comes in several colors, so you can choose whichever works best with your wardrobe. I personally love the ivory color because it’s so versatile. It looks beautiful with dressy holiday outfits, but I also wear it with my everyday winter clothes.
If you’re looking for one coat that can do a little bit of everything, this is the option I would choose.
Coat Petite XXS | Pants Petite XS | Top XXS | Similar Shoes | Bag
A Cropped Faux Fur Jacket
If you want something a little more festive, a cropped faux fur jacket is another beautiful option to wear with a holiday dress or dressy outfit.
This is definitely more of a special occasion piece, so it may not be the best investment if you’re looking for something you’ll wear regularly. However, if you enjoy dressing up for the holidays or have several events to attend, it can be a fun addition to your wardrobe.
The Cropped Faux Fur Jacket from J.Crew is the one I’m wearing here. I’m wearing it in XXS in standard sizing, and I find that it fits me well even though it isn’t petite sizing.
The sleeves come onto my hands just a little bit, but they don’t completely cover them. The cropped length also works well on my petite frame, coming just to my hips.
The jacket has a soft faux fur exterior and a silky lining on the inside. It also has an interior pocket and a clasp closure if you want to wear it closed.
It’s surprisingly warm, too!
If you want something that feels a little more special for a holiday party, this is a great option.
Top XXS | Skirt 00 | Similar Shoes | Bag | Jacket XXS
An Oversized Scarf or Shawl
The last option is probably the simplest, and it’s something you may already have in your closet: an oversized scarf.
I love this option because you can wear it both indoors and outdoors. You can drape it over your shoulders like a shawl when you’re inside, or layer it underneath your coat when you head outside.
For the outfit I’m sharing here, I chose a Cashmere Tartan Scarf from Quince. It’s a thicker scarf with a festive plaid pattern, so it gives the outfit a slightly more casual holiday feel.
You could also go in a dressier direction with a thinner, lightweight scarf. Something like a sheer cashmere scarf would look beautiful draped over your shoulders with a silk dress or a dressy skirt.
An oversized scarf is also a nice option if you’re wearing a sleeveless dress and want a little coverage over your shoulders without committing to a jacket for the entire evening.
Of course, a scarf isn’t going to replace a warm winter coat if it’s especially cold outside, but it’s a great additional layer that you can keep on once you’re indoors.
Jeans 24 Short in midnight blue | Sweater XS in coulis red | Boots run half size small | Scarf
What to Wear Over a Holiday Dress or Dressy Outfit
When it comes to choosing a coat or jacket for a holiday party, I think it’s best to start with what you already own. You don’t necessarily need a separate coat for dressy occasions.
A classic topcoat is going to be the most versatile option and the one you’ll likely get the most wear out of. If you want something a little more festive, a cropped faux fur jacket is a beautiful choice. And if you just need a little extra coverage, an oversized scarf or shawl is an easy option that works indoors and out.
For more outfit inspiration, you can also check out my plaid holiday party outfits for petites and winter coats for petites review.
