3 Ways to Rock Red Pants at Holiday Time!

The closer we get to Christmas, the more I want to wear something bright red! How about you? Most gals feel comfortable wearing a festive red top, but bright red pants take a little more confidence.

Not to worry. Today, I’m sharing three holiday-ready pants outfits that are cozy, classy, and glamorous. They’re easy to put together and won’t leave you feeling like a giant red stop sign.

Let’s Start with the Pants

From red velvet jeans to red sequin palazzo pants and everything in between, there’s a style of red pants for every personality and body type.

My idea of the perfect red pant is chic and tailored with minimal detail, so they don’t overpower whatever I wear up top. I love a sleek, straight-leg cut that ends just above the ankle. The ones I’m sharing today have built-in stretch, so they move with you but hold their shape, so you always look polished and classy.

If you need help choosing fabrics, fits, and proportions for your holiday pants in general, you’ll also enjoy my guide on how to style dressy pants for the holidays.

1. Cozy Look: Red Pants & Ivory Sweater

This time of year, ivory and red are a classic combination—ask Santa! I’ve paired my favorite red pants with a soft, pretty tunic sweater in warm ivory. This sweater is perfect for gals who want a bit more coverage through the middle because it’s a little longer than most. It works best with slim-leg or skinny pants.

If you click through to the sweater, you’ll see it has the tiniest sparkle running through it. It’s a subtle, classy way to look festive without feeling over-the-top. A bit of print and texture makes an outfit fabulous, so I’ve added these cute Chanel-inspired slingbacks in a nubby houndstooth fabric. These shoes are flat, comfortable, and chic, and I love how they tie the whole look together.

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2. Classy Look: Red Pants & Black Sheer Sleeve Top

Black and red is another timeless holiday combo. If this black top looks familiar, that’s because I wore it last year with black pants, and it was a huge hit.

I love this mixed-media style: it’s a knit V-neck with alluring sheer sleeves. Add these slim red pants and crystal bow party heels, and you’re ready to have a ball.

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3. Glam Look: Red Pants & Sparkly Gold Top

Finally, if you want to turn up the glam, gold and red are one of my favorite combos. And sequins help a lot, too! I’ve had this gold sequin top for years, and it never fails to transform jeans, black pants, or, in this case, red pants into something truly “wow.”

This upscale casual holiday look is clean, chic, and has star power. Get ready to light up the room!

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The Last Word

Red pants are such a fun way to add holiday cheer without relying on an ugly Christmas sweater or head-to-toe sequins. Whether you keep things cozy with ivory, opt for a classic look with black, or turn up the glam with gold, you can create looks that feel festive, flattering, and truly you.

If black is more your thing, you’ll also love my post on

Black Pant Holiday Outfits for Women 40, 50, 60+

Holiday Party Pant Outfits That Wow

and my guide to How to Style Dressy Pants for the Holidays.

Meet the author

Deborah Boland

Deborah, a former Fashion & Lifestyle TV host and Image Consultant, understands the style challenges women face in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. As the founder of Fabulous After 40, she helps women tweak their chic and embrace fashion with confidence—so they always look and feel amazing.

Learn More About Deborah Explore Her Latest Posts