Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (2024)

Holiday Dressing

August 9, 2023

If you have a formal event to attend and are shopping for a fancy dress, think about this. How about wearing a dressy jumpsuit instead? Dressy jumpsuits can be just as lovely and glamorous as cocktail dresses. Plus, they are comfy and modern too.

A classy jumpsuit is perfect for special occasions like Christmas, New Year’s, or a major birthday celebration, but can you wear one to a formal dinner or a company function? What about a dressy jumpsuit for a wedding? The answer to all is a simple yes!

You can Wear a Dressy Jumpsuit to a

  • Cocktail party
  • Wedding – summer, fall, anytime!
  • Special Occasion Birthday Party
  • Fancy Restaurant/Date
  • Formal Charity function
  • Christmas Event
  • Holiday Party (Including Company party)
  • Vacation/Cruise
  • Dressy Wedding/Baby Shower
  • Red carpet-type occasion
  • Dressy reunion
  • When you are the bride – Yes, it’s now a thing!

I’ve listed many places where it’s OK to wear a dressy jumpsuit (some of which may surprise you), but here’s the key.

If you wear a dressy jumpsuit to one of the functions listed above, be mindful of the type of jumpsuit you choose and how you style it. Here are some of the best dressy jumpsuits I’ve seen lately, plus tips on wearing a dressy jumpsuit to look classy and appropriate for these special occasions.

How to Wear a Dressy Jumpsuit

Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (1)

burgundy jumpsuit |rust jumpsuit | shoes |bag |earrings

1. Choose a Sleek, Tailored Jumpsuit

A formal occasion calls for a more tailored jumpsuit. Whether you choose a slim-cropped style or a more soft, flowy, wide-leg jumpsuit, be sure it is well-cut and gives you structure and shape. This is especially important at 40+ when our bodies are softer and rounder and need that extra structure.

Also, choose a jumpsuit that nips in at the waist. A definite waist looks more formal, and it’s more feminine. As for the neckline, many can work. For example, this dressy jumpsuit with the halter neck bow tie is trending for fall, but A V-neck is always very flattering.

2. Fit is Key

Jumpsuits can be tricky. They can make you look short or plain sloppy if you don’t get the right fit. Make sure your jumpsuit fits perfectly – not too tight like a catsuit, but not too long in the crotch or hanging down in the bum.

Petite gals – be careful, or you will look swamped in fabric. A jumpsuit with slim pant legs helps with reduced volume. If the pant legs are long, make sure the material doesn’t bunch up at the ankles.

Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (2)

pink jumpsuit | pink jumpsuit here too | bag | shoes | earrings

3. A Solid Color

Black is the number one color for dressy jumpsuits because it’s always appropriate and slimming. Other neutral colors like navy, white, blush, and burgundy also look classy. Depending on the event or time of year, a solid, brightly colored jumpsuit, like this stunning pink, strapless number, can look fabulous too! If bright pink is your personality, go for it.

Prints are more formal than solid colors, so save those print jumpsuits for casual occasions.

4. Well Accessorized

The right bag and quality jewelry go a long way to creating a polished, formal look. Try a dressy clutch to look elegant or a small, structured bag. Avoid soft bags with boho style or heavy-looking daytime bags or totes.

Most jumpsuits look plain without jewelry for formal events. Don’t be afraid to choose a bold piece to stand out, such as a cuff bracelet, chunky necklace, or chandelier earrings. Gold, silver, and gemstones look sophisticated worn with formal jumpsuits, while colored costume jewelry is more casual. One of my favorites for modern, sophisticated jewelry is Dean Davidson!

Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (3)

black jumpsuit | bag |shoes | earrings

5. High Heels, Please!

A gorgeous pair of sexy heels will dress up your jumpsuit and make you look tall, slim, and elegant. And they don’t have to be sky-high. Even kitten heels look fabulous with wide-leg evening jumpsuits. Any embellishment on your shoes, like crystals or gold detail, always looks formal and is a great way to add magic to a solid plain jumpsuit color.

5. Check Your Hair and Makeup

When wearing a formal jumpsuit, make sure your hair looks fabulous too. Wearing it up looks beautiful, but if you want to wear it down, that’s fine too. Just be sure you spend some time styling it. You don’t want your hair to look like you just walked off the beach.

Makeup should be classic or sexy. Red lips look great with a formal black jumpsuit, and you may want to throw on a touch of bronzer if you find black washes you out.

7. Wear a Jacket

If you want extra style points, try adding an evening jacket to your jumpsuit or draping one around your shoulders. This creates a chic, polished look and helps when the air conditioning is blowing, and your jumpsuit is sleeveless. Take it on and off and on as needed during the evening.

8. A Cropped Jumpsuit can be Dressy

The newest type of jumpsuit is a cropped flare jumpsuit, which can be dressed depending on the material and how you accessorize it. This chic look can be worn with heels or elegant flats.

Here are a few other dressy jumpsuits that are trending right now:

Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (4)

white jumpsuit |white jumpsuit

White Jumpsuit

If you like a super feminine touch, you’ll love this or one of the many evening jumpsuits in all-white. This one has a fabulously beaded neckline, which makes it formal. White looks excellent in warm climates. If you can’t wear heels but need height, a pair of dressy wedges can work with a wide-leg pantsuit.

Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (5)

satin jumpsuit

Satin Jumpsuit

Everything is coming up satin this fall, including jumpsuits. This stunning black satin jumpsuit is gorgeous with its asymmetrical neckline and elegant wide legs.

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green jumpsuit

Green Jumpsuit

This is just a beauty for fall. I love that rich green color and can see this at a fall wedding!

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velvet jumpsuit

Velvet Jumpsuit

Velvet always adds a formal element to anything, which is the case with this jumpsuit. This sexy strapless velvet jumpsuit would be perfect for a formal evening event, especially at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s.

Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (8)

one shoulder jumpsuit

Off The Shoulder Jumpsuit

A bold, colorful, off-the-shoulder jumpsuit is summery and festive and makes an exciting style statement. It’s glamorous, sexy, and a real head-turner!

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purple jumpsuit

Purple Jumpsuit

Purple is always regal, and this eggplant shade is modern and classy. The elegant folded neckline has a unique artsy look, and I love how the gorgeous bow at the waist creates a stunning focal point!

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boat neck jumpsuit

Boat Neck

I adore this black asymmetrical boat neck jumpsuit that’s elegant and slightly dramatic at the same time. This would be my choice!

These are just a few ideas for how to wear a jumpsuit.

What about you? Would you wear a dressy jumpsuit to a party? For bigger gals, plus-size jumpsuits are here. Did you see the cropped jumpsuit I also like wearing?

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Dressy Jumpsuits that Wow for Special Occasions! (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a jumpsuit look dressy? ›

Add dimension to your jumpsuit by adding a blazer or leather jacket to give it some personality. When selecting a blazer or jacket go with one that enhances the jumpsuit,. Pick contrasting color tones to look sharp while similar hues to your jumpsuit will keep things more subtle.

Can you wear a jumpsuit to a formal event? ›

Of course, just like a dress, the length of your jumpsuit matters: a formal wedding calls for a jumpsuit that has a full-length leg; anything shorter will feel too casual for a black tie dress code.

Can I wear a jumpsuit to a holiday party? ›

Dressy jumpsuits make the perfect holiday party outfit because other than taking out the guesswork of shopping and matching up separates, these one-piece outfits naturally look classy on their own while giving you extra leg coverage that a dress can't provide.

How long should a formal jumpsuit be? ›

Opt For Full-Length Jumpsuits:

So, make sure the leg of your outfit is long yet not touching the floor. Also, ensure that the legs of the outfit are tapered at the appropriate place.

What body type looks good in a jumpsuit? ›

If you have an hourglass figure, you're in luck! Almost any type of jumpsuit will look great on you. Just make sure to choose a style that fits well in the waist and accentuates your curves. If you're petite, look for a jumpsuit with a cropped or wide-leg silhouette.

Can you wear a dressy jumpsuit to a wedding? ›

Jumpsuits with romantic details like chiffon ruffles or jumpsuits that are structured can make a chic alternative to a dress when it comes to your next wedding!

Can you wear a jumpsuit as a cocktail dress? ›

Although cocktail dresses are the go to option for cocktail attire, this doesn't always have to be the case. If dresses aren't your thing, then opting for a jumpsuit, co-ords or suits are also perfect options.

What do you wear to a formal event if you don't have a suit? ›

Crew neck sweaters, half-zip knits and V-neck jumpers are all excellent alternatives to a suit blazer. Their formal style pairs well with a long-sleeve shirt and chinos. If it is colder outside, they can also be layered under a sports or casual jacket.

Do you have to wear heels with a jumpsuit? ›

The occasion should dictate the formality of your footwear. Heeled shoes are perfect for dressier jumpsuits, as they boost the overall look's elegance. Casual jumpsuits give you flexibility, as sandals, trainers, and boots all come into play.

Can you wear a jumpsuit to a cocktail event? ›

We get it—you wanna be comfy. But there are plenty of non-sweatpant ways to ensure you're feeling great while also adhering to a cocktail attire dress code. Meet your new BFF: the jumpsuit. A dressier jumpsuit gives you the comfort you want (hi, pants) without making you look too casual.

Can you wear a jumpsuit if you have a belly? ›

While you might have previously leaned towards dresses to hide a tummy, a jumpsuit can be a great silhouette for an apple body shape. It's all about finding one that defines your waist and is tailored for your legs.

How do you wear a jumpsuit for a party? ›

Wear a skinny belt around your waist.

Find a belt in a different color or fabric than your jumpsuit, or match your belt to your shoes to look put together. For example, you can add a belt with metallic designs to a black jumpsuit, or wear a black patent leather belt to a beige or gray jumpsuit.

Can you wear a jumpsuit over 60? ›

The head-to-toe, all-in-one garment creates a striking look that goes beyond a simple casual dress or pants and top combo, and into more fashionable territories. They're comfortable to wear day to night and are fabulously on-trend for women at any age. Not to mention, the ease of a “one-and-done” look!

Can you wear a dressy jumpsuit to a gala? ›

Cocktail attire is slightly more formal than semi-formal and still requires a dress. Depending on the time of the day, you can wear anything from light-colored gowns to jumpsuits for a daytime gala or dark-colored, more elegant silhouettes for evening affairs.

Should jumpsuit be tight or loose? ›

Avoid Going Too Loose or Too Tight

It will make you feel boxy and won't flatter your body regardless of its type or shape. Casual jumpsuits can be loose and comfy with some definition that makes you look stylish and sexy. Make sure to pick a model with a gathered waist or add a thin belt to accentuate your waistline.

How do you make a casual jumpsuit look formal? ›

Add a formal blazer or vest to dress up your jumpsuit.

If you're wearing a blazer over your jumpsuit, make sure it fits properly so you look polished.

How can I make my jumpsuit more casual? ›

Basic t-shirts can successfully transform a rather tailored and formal jumpsuit into a casual outfit. Just add a short-sleeved t-shirt under your formal jumpsuit, making sure that it complements its color. White works with most styles, but you can also pick another one that matches the print of your jumpsuit.

Can you wear a jumpsuit to a cocktail party? ›

We get it—you wanna be comfy. But there are plenty of non-sweatpant ways to ensure you're feeling great while also adhering to a cocktail attire dress code. Meet your new BFF: the jumpsuit. A dressier jumpsuit gives you the comfort you want (hi, pants) without making you look too casual.

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