The Christmas countdown is on which in fashion means only one thing – dressing up. Party season is imminent, which is why we’ve compiled five outfit formulas for you to turn to when you need to up the glamour at a moment’s notice.
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 or cocktail 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. M&S’ collaboration with partywear stalwarts 16Arlington offers a great cashmere roll-neck option, but I also love Mango’s grey feathered style. 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 – Reiss’ red two-piece falls just on the right side of Mrs Claus. I recently wore it to the ballet with a pair of heeled loafers, and was delighted when someone asked me if it was Gucci. Whether you go black, burgundy or green, all you need to complete the outfit is 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 (looser silhouettes are having a moment). If you can’t face the chill of a spaghetti strap, opt for a long-sleeved number in satin or sequins like this one from Massimo Dutti. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a party bag to help you shift gear to Christmas mode; a playful style, big enough only for your essentials, sets the tone for the evening. A Nanushka satin pouch would be gratefully received if Saint Nick is in need of ideas, but River Island’s feather design also hits the mark.
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. Taller Marmo, Rotate and 16Arlington all dependably deliver feel-good, statement-grabbing luxury looks, but if your budget doesn’t go that far, Monsoon and H&M’s party offerings are excellent this Christmas – the latter’s floor-sweeping, caped look is dramatic and elegant.
LOOK 5: THE PARTY SKIRT
The party skirt is a real wardrobe asset, and one you’ll turn to long after you’ve taken the Christmas tree down. It’s a look that could take you into spring/summer 2026 too; fringed skirts were a hero style at recent shows. Think of it as the reverse to the tinsel knit; just make sure you keep the rest of your outfit dialled down – a slouchy knit T-shirt is perfect. You can go sequinned or feathered, but a lace-trim skirt is also a really useful item to have in your arsenal. It’s elegant, feminine, and incredibly adaptable – it works just as well with a simple shirt as it does a white tee and gold chain.
Lead image credit: Reiss
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