The festive party landscape can be a tricky terrain to navigate. How do you stand out from the crowd when the crowd has showered itself in sequins, feathers and crystals?
Take it too far and you risk looking like a malfunctioning Christmas tree; too little effort and people will think you’ve misread the invite or party fatigue has already set in.
Here are some trend-led tips to ensure you don't fade into the background - featuring our edit of the party wear collection from Very.
The occasion suit is having a real moment this season and it’s the perfect alternative to the tried-and-tested LBD. Forget any visions of boardroom-ready get-ups in drab navy or black; it’s all about taking it a step further and opting for bold colours, strong silhouettes and luxe fabrics. Go with a bold red two-piece in honour of party season and leave the shirt at home. A faux fur scarf draped over your jacket adds a little drama.
It’s time to add a pair of glamorous evening trousers to your arsenal this festive period. Whether you go for sequinned, fringed or metallic, a pair of trophy trousers offers a lot more options than the conventional sequin dress. Wear with a crisp white shirt or a ‘70s inspired pussy bow blouse and add a black blazer for a look that’s chic and comfortable.
Bye bye LBD, hello LRD (that’s a Little Rainbow Dress). Uplifting rainbows ruled the runways for AW18, with a multicoloured revamp of the iconic check at Burberry and colourful patchwork dresses at Dior. If you haven’t been brave enough to wear the rainbow for daytime, party season is your opportunity. Switch your little black number for a multicoloured version to bring some flamboyant glam rock edge to the Christmas party.
Take the opportunity to shake things up and test out the dress-over-trousers look for after dark. It’s not as scary as it seems; a pair of slim-cut cigarette pants are perfect for layering under a party dress to add a contemporary edge. Either keep the silhouette streamlined or layer under a sheer tulle dress, before adding simple accessories to take the look to party-ready status.
Knits needn't be considered off-limits for party time. In fact, they’re the perfect option for those who prefer to surf the more casual end of the party wear spectrum. An embellished number can take you from a chilled Christmas lunch to Christmas drinks with ease. Just think of it as your cold-weather ‘going out top’ and pair with a statement mini skirt or some simple black trousers and a checked blazer for daytime.
Extreme mixing is the name of the game when it comes to prints right now. Think florals with animal prints, checks with spots - whichever patterns you want to mix, don’t be afraid to be bold; more is more when it comes to this look. The key to making it work is to keep one common colour that ties each print together.
This party season is all about glossy skin and high-shine fabrics, with plastic, patent and vinyl all making a comeback. A cool T-shirt tucked into an on-trend vinyl skirt and some high-impact accessories makes the perfect no-nonsense party look, adding a little laid-back insouciance to the office get-together - and who doesn’t want that?
For more next level party wear looks, head to Very
