The Christmas countdown is on which in fashion means only one thing – dressing up. Party dressing season is in full swing, and these five outfit formulas hit the mark.
In the deluge of time-consuming jobs that the festive season often expects of women, the joy of choosing a great outfit to wear to festive occasions often gets lost. It can feel like just another task on your ever-growing to-do list. But taking 15 minutes for yourself to get ready and try on your most sparkling and impractical outfit is the perfect counter-point. Choosing a defiantly glamorous look that would be completely inappropriate for a supermarket shop is about reclaiming a little festive spirit for you, too.
Women, historically, are very good at ensuring everyone else has a good time at Christmas – our mental loads often quadruple with the added tasks of present-buying, increased social calendar-management and hosting duties – but this year, do something for yourself. Plan a shamelessly high-impact outfit – the more feathers, sparkle and glitter the better – think of it as a statement of intent for fun. We’ve compiled five go-to party looks based around one versatile style to help you get started.
LOOK 1: THE TINSEL KNIT
A great office party contender, a tinsel knit has real day-to-night appeal – ultimately it needs to be razzle dazzle enough for you to wear it for evening too. Your go-to pared-down knit won’t do here; think sequins and sparkles – anything with a tinsel-like sheen – then team with a leather pencil skirt or high-waisted trousers. Keep the lower half simple and let the jumper do the talking.
LOOK 2: THE VELVET SUIT
Velvet is a fast-track into Christmas, the sartorial equivalent of mulled wine. A suit is always a good investment, and an easy way of bringing instant polish – Bella Freud does the best, but Nobody’s Child also does a great waistcoat and trouser look. Whether you go black, burgundy or green, all you need to complete the outfit is a strappy shoe, a white silk shirt and a sparkling earring.
LOOK 3: THE GOING-OUT TOP
The Millennial phenomena of ‘the going-out top’ is back, and it’s perfect for more informal festive events, like pub drinks with friends where you want to make an effort but not go too OTT. Embrace Noughties nostalgia and wear with your favourite jeans. If you can’t face the chill of a spaghetti strap, opt for a long-sleeved number in satin or sequins.
LOOK 4: THE MAIN CHARACTER DRESS
Christmas is the time to spotlight flamboyance and look-at-me styles. Leave minimalism until January, and embrace scene-stealing, high octane dresses that require little more than a barely-there sandal to finish the look.
LOOK 5: THE LACE SKIRT
The lace skirt is a real wardrobe asset, and one you’ll turn to long after you’ve taken the Christmas tree down. It’s elegant but feminine, and incredibly adaptable – it works just as well with a simple shirt as it does a white tee and gold chain. M&S has a great option in varying lengths that looks much more expensive than it is.
Lead image credit: Francesco Scotti for Taller Marmo
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