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Holiday Party, Island Style: 5 Ways to Wear a Hawaiian Dress to a Festive Gathering

The tree is up, the invites are rolling in, and you’re staring at your closet thinking… not another black velvet dress.

What if this year you walked in wearing pure sunshine — a bold, flowing Hawaiian dress that makes everyone ask, “Where did you get THAT?”

Yes, even if you live in Chicago in December.

JAMS World Hawaiian dresses are famous for their insane color, rayon-that-feels-like-butter fabric, and prints that actually make you happy to look at. And guess what? They’re secretly perfect for holiday parties when you style them right.

Here are 5 foolproof ways to take your tropical dress from beach luau to winter soirée — without freezing or looking out of place.

1. The “I’m Fancy But Make It Island” Look – Blazer + Heels

Throw a tailored black, emerald, or metallic gold blazer over your Hawaiian dress and suddenly you’re giving off cool art-gallery-opening vibes.

Best dress for this: Anais Maxi Dress - Sea Flower – rich black background with jewel-tone orchids that read elegant from across the room.

Pair with pointed-toe heels or ankle boots and gold hoop earrings. Instant main-character energy.

2. The Cozy Glam – Faux Fur Stole + Knee-High Boots

Channel old-Hollywood meets Honolulu. Drape a cream or black faux-fur stole over your shoulders and add suede knee-high boots.

Best dress for this: Long Ruffle Dress - Garden Black – deep emerald green with subtle gold accents that looks expensive under holiday lights.

Pro tip: Cinch the waist with a thin metallic belt for that perfect hourglass silhouette.

3. The Velvet Underground – Layer with a Velvet Jacket or Turtleneck

Yes, you can mix textures like a fashion girl. A fitted black velvet blazer or slim velvet turtleneck underneath turns your tropical print into high fashion.

Best dress for this: Sherry Dress - Lau Kala Black – rich black base with sophisticated hibiscus that basically screams “holiday party, but make it iconic.”

Add strappy heels and a red lip = unstoppable.

4. The Unexpected Edge – Leather Jacket + Opaque Tights

For the Christmas market crowd or NYE house party. Black leather (real or vegan) over a vibrant Hawaiian dress is the coolest combo no one saw coming.

Best dress for this:Ruffle Dress - Palm Villa – deep sapphire blue with subtle metallic gold threads that catch the light.

Combat boots or heeled booties keep it edgy but festive.

5. The Full Drama – Kimono-Style Over Pants

Turn your Hawaiian dress into a duster/kimono over cigarette pants or leather leggings. Perfect for colder climates and maximum entrance-making.

Best for this: Any JAMS World kimono or maxi worn open over black silk pants and a sparkly camisole.

JAMS World Vintage Pieces – Holiday Styling Table

Vintage Piece

Holiday Occasion

How to Style It

Accessories from JAMS World

1980s Black Magic Rayon Dress

Cocktail party or NYE

Black tights + gold belt + velvet blazer

Black Rayon Scrunchie + gold earrings

1990s Ruby Hibiscus Maxi

Christmas dinner

Cream faux-fur stole + nude heels

Rayon Pareo as scarf in matching print

Vintage Midnight Garden Midi

Office holiday party

Black turtleneck underneath + knee-high boots

Midnight Garden Tote Bag for gifts

Real-Life Inspiration (You’ll Want to Copy Every Look)

Check out this reel – pure styling magic:

 

 

Mix Match Paradise – The JAMS World Pairing Guide

     Christmas Collection - Garden Black & White → pair with the Black Rayon Shawl in matching print

     Dresses in Samba Print → add the Gold Metallic Tote for evening

     Night Glow Print → finish with the Hibiscus Headwrap worn as a turban (so chic)

Not sure which print is your vibe? Take our 60-second Find Your JAMS World Flow Personal Style Quiz and we’ll tell you exactly which dresses and colors will make you light up the room.

Ready to be the best-dressed person at every party this season (and probably get stopped for photos)?

Shop the entire holiday-ready collection here → Hawaiian Dresses for Women

See you at the party — I’ll be the one in the Hawaiian dress stealing the show ✨

Explore Our Wearable Art

Each Jams World piece starts as a work of art, inspired by the vibrant life and culture of Hawaii. Discover the iconic prints and timeless styles that tell a story.

Shop The Collection
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Lei Rowan

Jams World Editorial Team