Striking the right note between party-ready and taken-it-too-far is why many of us panic in the run up to party season. You suddenly find yourself running around the shops with armfuls of sequins and a sweat on, wondering how on earth it came to this.
To help you achieve the perfect effortlessly cool party look, we asked the ELLE team for their pro style tips, and picked out our favourite party pieces from the new collection at Very.
Mix it up
"It’s all about the high-low mix for me when it comes to party dressing. That can mean huge platform heels with simple black slacks and a shirt. A big tulle dress with trainers. Tuxedo jackets over jeans. And so on.
"Over the last 20 years, Kate Moss has never got party dressing wrong. She always looks like she’s having an excellent time, which is the key to making any look really work.
"Less is more – I never want to be the most overdressed in the room. Black silk, great suiting and a scarlet lip are my go-tos. Done. I’ve also just bought a new wide black hairband, which can take any outfit to the party level." – Lena De Casparis, Associate Editor
Dress to please yourself
"This party season, I’m going to bring out my favourite boots, paired with a simple bodycon dress and finished off with some jewellery, a mini bag and my faux fur coat.
"It's the accessories for me that really make a party look, whether that’s a bling bag or patterned tights.
"I love anything Rihanna wears. In my opinion, she always looks amazing because she brings such confidence to it. She doesn’t follow trends; she dresses for herself." – Lois Aeoshun, Fashion Assistant
Throw it back
"I'm all for clothes that are larger than life. If I could pick a dream party dress, it would be the Molly Goddard gown worn by Jodie Comer in Killing Eve. It's all about the tulle tiers, the flounce and the drama, juxtaposed with her chunky biker boots.
"I love the influences from the 70s, 80s and 90s that are all over the high street right now, from big floaty sleeves and high necks to puff ball shoulders and cool biker jackets worn over slip dresses. I'm more likely to choose a showstopper dress over separates as it's just so easy. Then, I always keep accessories and hair and makeup really simple. You're basically letting your dress do all the hard work." - Alison Lynch, Commercial Editor
Add some cool sequins
"I think wearing separates to a party always looks cool. Think a sequinned top with some cool jeans, or a glitter skirt with a great knit.
"One of the most iconic party looks ever was Kate Moss on her 30th birthday: the curled hair, the vintage 70s dress and then the amazing makeup.
"I’ll always go with a comfortable heeled boot - nothing too over the top - a great blazer, and then maybe a velvet piece, or a great mini dress."– Clementine Brown, Fashion Assistant
Keep it simple
"I like the slouch of an oversized suit trouser, or cut-off leather trousers, a sort of ‘anti-party-dress’ if you will. They always look cool. I’d wear them with a blazer with nothing underneath or a slinky top.
"I like to keep it simple - my iconic party look is Rachel Green wearing a black strapless LBD in ‘The One With Monica’s Thunder.’
"Low heels or platform boots will be footwear of choice this party season, I can’t do a stiletto, and if any leg is on show it will be covered with a very light denier pair of black tights. I enjoy a bare shoulder, perfect for shimmying about with a cocktail (or pint) in hand." - Julia Harvey, fashion assistant
Shop your partywear, including the new collection from Topshop, at Very
