The holiday season is around the corner meaning time to play dress up and get ready for festive activities. Whether you’re attending glamorous soirées, cozy fall family dinners, or lively New Year’s Eve parties, the holiday wardrobe is all about sophistication with a playful touch of whimsies. Lets explore some stable trends for this year’s party season!
The Rise of Ruby Red
The holiday season calls for red, and particularly Ruby Red, which is recognized as a consistent riser, showing a +58% increase in Europe from October to December 2024 compared to the previous year. The color has a medium magnitude, meaning it doesn’t have a wide spread but holds strong commercial potential among niche customers.
During the same period, Ruby Red dresses and shoes have seen increases of +49% and +33%, respectively.
Over the past year, monochrome outfits have surged in popularity, embracing a minimalist tone-on-tone aesthetic. Picture a stunning red dress paired with stockings, color-matching shoes, and a chic hair accessory to tie it all together.
Suede as the Fabric of the Season
Sequins are usually associated with festive seasons but according to Heuritech’s data this year the fabric has increased with -1%. One reason for this shift is that people are increasingly willing to invest in versatile pieces that can be worn for various occasions, rather than opting for a sequin dress that may only be worn once.
Instead Suede has stolen the spotlight with an increase of +123% among women in the EU and +36% among women in the US. Earlier in 2024 we could see a lot of Suede and its velvet touch on the fashion runway. We also highlighted suede in our analysis of Top Trends for 2025, predicting its continued rise in popularity in the coming year. This holiday season encourages embracing clean, versatile looks that can effortlessly transition beyond festive celebrations, offering endless styling possibilities for various occasions. Suede outerwear has increased from Oct-Dec 2024 vs last year with +141%, in addition Suede heels has seen an increase with +18%.
It is safe to say that suede with its velvety touch and texture finishes any holiday look with a touch of elegance.
Image: MIU MIU AW24
The Charm Of Ballerinas
Are ballerinas the shoe model of 2024? Perhaps! We have seen them throughout the whole year, either paired with baggy pants or a bubble hem skirt. The holiday season is no exception. They come in various models and colors and are the perfect shoe to wear inside during festive activities due to their flat sole.
In Europe, All Ballerinas have increased by +55%, Almond-Toe Ballerinas by +58%, and finally, the cutest ones—The Bow Ballerinas—have seen a +48% increase.
Pair them with a midi or maxi dress for elegant gatherings, or style them with tailored trousers and a suede top for a modern, sophisticated vibe. For a cozy holiday brunch, team them with knitwear and an A-line skirt, and you are good to go.
This Seasons Standout Dress
According to data, which is the dress for the season? Let me tell you – The Strapless Dress has seen a +10% increase in Europe and +15% in the US with a massive magnitude. Not only that, this shape is considered a Rising Star after a few stable years. The strapless dress can easily be styled with a pair of ruby red stockings and ballet flats. Or imagine a mini strapless dress paired over a pair of Wide-Leg Denim Pants (+38%) to give off a more casual yet edgy festive look.
Image: Kate Barton SS25 / Del Core SS25
Another dress that has gained visibility is the Midi length A-line dress with a growth of +17% in the US between Oct-Dec compared to previous year. Even though the festive activities more or less are over in January the dress is also estimated to increase +25% in the beginning of 2025 meaning it is a shape that is here to stay and not only a fast moving trend.
The Head Turner: Hotpants
Who could believe the Hotpants had us in such a chokehold that it would be suggested as the perfect bottom for festive seasons? In Europe, during the same time period as previously mentioned shapes, the Hotpants has seen a +17% increase, mainly adopted by the Gen Z consumer. Here again the stockings play a big part in not shivering with cold. Pair your hotpants with a classic pair of slingback pumps, which have seen an impressive +72% growth in popularity, and balance the outfit with an oversized casual shirt, another rising favorite with a +39% increase. The result? A perfectly curated mix of bold and polished, ideal for turning heads at any holiday gathering.
Image: La Veste FW24 / Ferragamo SS25
From the rich allure of ruby red to the velvety sophistication of suede, the holiday season is set to dazzle with trends that exude elegance and individuality. This year’s party season has versatility at the forefront, with styles designed to be worn beyond the festivities, offering endless ways to elevate your holiday wardrobe. Finally, by investing in timeless pieces consumers can embrace a more sustainable approach to fashion.
