Best party tops for women: 16 tops you’ll want to wear to every virtual Christmas party

Party season is here, it may be a little different to usual, but it’s here nonetheless. After months of working from home and relying on loungewear, we’re embracing the opportunity to dust off our party clothes - in particular, the best party tops for women. 

Work Christmas parties are cancelled, as are most other festive gatherings, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a Zoom celebration. 

Already firmly wrapped in your favourite Christmas jumper? Put it to one side for a moment in favour of one of these tops from our carefully curated edit. Look to sequins to make sure you stand out on screen, go for soft velvet for a classic festive feel and embrace Christmas colours with forest green, fiery red and punchy fuchsia. 

Want to know the best part? You only have to dress from the keyboard upwards, so you could even keep your cosy trousers and slippers on and no one will ever know...

How to dress for a virtual Christmas party

The key to dressing from the waist up is all about accessorising. Raid your jewellery box for statement earrings, layered necklaces and stacking rings you can pile on for the call. The top half is the only part everyone will see through the webcam/phone camera, so concentrate on wearing a nice top and your outfit will nearly be complete. Opt for styles with detail, such as a high neck, a pussybow or even a frill collar – interesting details will be a talking point for your virtual event. 

Christmas parties aren’t really cancelled when we can still dress up and get in the spirit with a virtual version. We’ll cheers to that! 

Warning: be prepared for everyone to ask where you got these beauties from. 

The best party tops for women

No matter your Zoom background, you’re guaranteed to be seen in this punchy pink number. Dress it up with sparkly hoop earrings or go off-duty by layering a grey roll-neck knit underneath.

A sheer top with a cami underneath is a party season favourite. Mix this polka dot puffed sleeve iteration with a floaty midi skirt, a colour-pop heel and get ready to dance the night away (in your lounge). 

We’re all for a two-for-one buy and this Zara blouse is a win-win. The silky fabric looks instantly luxe – wear belted as a top or leave undone and style as a blazer over a midi dress. 

Brighten up a black top with this gorgeous star print. Found in the tall section, it’s perfect for women who are 5ft 9in and above but it’s also suitable for those who just prefer a longer-style top. 

As you stock up on pigs in blankets and gin with 23-carat gold edible leaves (yes, it’s a thing) make sure you also check out the fashion section. This sequin top in midnight blue will be sure to get everyone at the virtual party asking where you got it from. 

If you prefer a subtle nod to the festive season, then this is the one for you. A red number with collar detail (everyone will be able to see it on screen) is an effortless way to dress up this year. 

Give your loungewear a night off and opt for a fancier co-ord instead. This ruffle detail leopard print blouse in luxe forest green has a matching midi skirt to complete the look. 

Shine through from day to night with the rose gold sequin top of your dreams. With no accessories needed, this Whistles style will do all the talking every party season, year after year.

A could-be pyjama shirt is always a go-to when it comes to dressing up to stay in. This uber comfy velvet style with jacquard print is just asking to be teamed with statement jewellery and a slick of red lippie. 

Sheer, silky and in a gorgeous glossy berry hue, could this top be any more amazing? Try pairing this with a dusky pink skirt and metallic ankle boots for an outfit that’ll look instantly premium.

A wrap top is always flattering but add to this a peplum hem and waist detail and you get a super flattering fit. Wear with jeans and chunky boots for daytime and switch to leather trousers and heels for after dark. 

Staying in your pyjamas is completely acceptable for indoor parties. Yes that’s right, if you invest in a pair of pjs fancy enough then you can get away with wearing them as a shirt. This feather cuff, silky number is a go-to. 

Want a top you can style for all occasions? This day-to-night style from Hobbs can be transformed with the addition of silver or gold jewellery and a nude/pink tone lipstick. Add a glitter nail polish if you want to add a hint of festive sparkle. 

We love a sequin top around this time of year. The best way to liven up an everyday look is with a hint of sparkle and this top will transform your classic trousers and create a dreamy evening look. 

It wouldn’t be party season without a bit of velour. This oversized shirt is the ideal way to try out the tricky fabric as you can also wear it for daytime open as a jacket with a white T-shirt and jeans. We’re all for a two-for-one buy!

A high-neck top should be part of everyone’s autumn/winter capsule wardrobe. Invest in an animal print version and we promise you’ll get more wear out of it than you may think – try it out under a shirt with tailored trousers as seen on the catwalks.