Need some holiday party style inspiration? Selena Gomez has you covered. The singer and actress recently nailed the quintessential New York City party look during an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert—and it’s a masterclass in mixing feminine elegance with a dash of edge.
As a California native, it might come as a surprise that Gomez perfectly embodied the sleek, monochrome vibe that New Yorkers do so well. For her appearance in Midtown Manhattan, she embraced the city’s signature style with a twist of festive flair.
The Top: Feminine Meets Shimmer
Selena’s outfit began with a crisp white button-up shirt, featuring delicate frilly ruffles around the neck and flared sleeves—complete with a nod to the cottagecore aesthetic. But it wasn’t just any top; Gomez smartly contrasted the ultra-feminine blouse with a black sequin-covered cardigan, which added just the right amount of glam and shine for the evening. The cropped cardigan shimmered as she moved, offering a sparkling touch of sophistication, while the sleeves of her shirt peeked out, giving the outfit a layered, playful feel.

The Skirt: A New York City Staple
Continuing her perfect balance of femininity and edge, Gomez paired the top with a classic black leather miniskirt—a true NYC staple. This wasn’t your average leather skirt, though. The piece was elevated with sewn-on bows at the pockets, adding a fun, feminine twist to the otherwise tough material. To complete the look, she wore sheer black tights and glossy black pointed-toe heels with a chic top strap—perfect for a night out in the city.
The Accessories: Subtle Yet Statement-Making
To finish off her look, Gomez embraced the coquette trend with a pair of diamond bow-shaped earrings that added sparkle and whimsy. She paired them with a matching ring, subtly tying the ensemble together. Her makeup was equally on point: a glossy pink lip, bold black eyeliner, and a shimmery burgundy manicure that echoed the winter season’s rich tones.
Why This Look Works:
Selena Gomez’s outfit perfectly captures the essence of a New York City party uniform—sleek, sophisticated, and just the right amount of festive. It’s all about mixing textures and contrasts: the soft ruffles with the sharp sequin cardigan, the edgy leather skirt with the feminine bow details, and the polished accessories that pull everything together. Whether you’re headed to a holiday gathering or a night out in the city, Gomez’s style serves as the ideal guide to holiday dressing in style.
If you’re looking to bring a touch of NYC chic to your own wardrobe this season, take notes from Selena: When in doubt, go black, add a little sparkle, and always finish with confidence.