December birthday guide
December Birthday Outfit Ideas: Sparkle, Jewel Colours and Sleeves
A December birthday shares the month with everyone else's celebrations. Below: two looks, how the date changes the outfit, and quick answers. Every dress is real, with the price the retailer showed when we checked.
By Clara Hart· Reviewed · First published · 5 min read
Look 01
All the sparkle“the one month sequins never look like too much”
- One sparkly piece, everything else plain
- Clear or nude heels
- A long black or cream coat
Wear it to
- Birthday dinner
- Cocktail bar
- A night with dancing
Why it works
December is the easiest month for beads and sequins. Blush, navy and ice blue keep the sparkle about you rather than the decorations.
More for this look
BabybooC$457A navy maxi covered in sparkle, with a square neckline: shine in a dark, wintry colour.
BabybooC$363A pale glacier-blue mini with all-over silver sparkle: icy, for a night out.
Hello MollyUS$119.95A sequin halter maxi listed as navy that reads near-black: midnight shine with a side slit.
- Get sparkly picks for your budget
Look 02
Jewel colours for dinner“emerald, pine and wine by candlelight”
- Deep colours glow in low restaurant light
- Gold jewellery
- Black tights with a midi
Wear it to
- Birthday dinner
- Wine bar
- A dinner at home
Why it works
Emerald, pine green and burgundy look rich in December without any shine at all. They are the dinner version of the month; the long-sleeved one is also the warmest dress here.
More for this look
House of CBUS$269A pine-green sequin maxi with long sleeves and an open back: jewel colour and sparkle in one.
Princess PollyC$142Burgundy satin with a beaded flower bodice and thin straps: deep red, quietly dressed up.
- Get green picks for your budget
Early, mid or late December
- Early December The month hasn't filled up yet: the jewel colours look fresh, and restaurants are easier to book.
- Mid-December Work events are everywhere. Make yours look like a birthday: one statement dress, not head-to-toe sparkle plus a sparkly bag.
- Close to the 25th Red and green are on every table. Blush, navy or ice blue keep the night yours.
- The last week Plans are smaller and the cold is real: sleeves or a long hem, boots for the walk, heels in your bag. If you also celebrate on the 31st, one sparkly dress can do both nights.
December birthdays fall under two star signs; see our Sagittarius (to December 21) and Capricorn (from December 22) guides. For coats, tights and boots, see our winter birthday outfit ideas; for the next month, our January birthday outfit ideas.
Questions people ask
What should I wear for a December birthday?
Sparkle is welcome in December: a beaded or sequin dress in blush, navy or ice blue, or a jewel colour like emerald or burgundy for dinner. Add sleeves or a long coat, and tights and boots for the walk.
How do I make a December birthday feel different from the rest of the month?
Choose one statement — a beaded dress or a bold colour — and keep the rest plain. Close to the 25th, a colour that isn't red or green, like blush, navy or ice blue, keeps the night about you.
What colours suit a December birthday outfit?
Blush, navy and ice blue with sparkle; emerald, pine green and burgundy without it. Black works too; add one bright or shiny detail so it reads as a birthday.
Can I wear sequins to a December birthday dinner?
Yes. December is the one month when sequins at dinner look right everywhere. Pick a long sequin dress for a formal dinner, or a sequin mini with tights for drinks after.
Your birthday, not the season
Tell the quiz your plan, colour and budget, and get five picks with the reason each one fits — about 90 seconds, no signup.