Christmas party season, usually a whirl of late nights in crowded city bars, frenetic end-of-day glam sessions in the office loos, and long lunches with colleagues over cocktails and three-course festive menus, is going to be vastly different this year.
Put your clutch bag down and pack the LBDs away, because the party is happening over on Zoom. ’Tis the season of feelgood knits, party PJs and festive sweats.
Not sure how to mix your sequins with your sweatpants? Here’s how to negotiate a very different dress code this year.
Feather trims for the office party
Love Gold earrings, £22; River Island top, £38, and trousers, £45; Kat Maconie heels, £315, all Very
Channel the Swan Princess and a little bit of Saturday night Strictly glamour with some furry trims. A feathered cuff and fluffy trouser hem adds a playful festive touch to easy, breezy co-ords. To get you in the party mood, add statement heels (the higher, the better – no walking required), a bold lip and gold jewellery.
Oversized minis for Christmas cocktails
Accessorize hair clips, £20; Paper London dress, £275; AllSaints boots, £230, all Very
Sleek LBDs don’t have the same impact when you’re on a Zoom with shaky wi-fi. To make a statement and bring some whimsy to virtual cocktails with the girls, go for an easy, oversized day dress instead. It’s comfortable and stylish – slip it off your shoulders for added drama and pair with biker boots for a little edge. Espresso martini optional.
Party PJs for quiz nights
River Island pyjama shirt, £22, and trousers, £20; Beaverbrooks earrings, £75; Accessorize slippers, £45, all Very
Those Zoom quizzes have a habit of running late into the night, so why not get ready for bed before you start? Choose a printed pair of PJs that could easily double as daywear and dress them up with jewellery and smoky eyes. Complete the luxe loungewear look with jewel-coloured smoking slippers.
Arm drama for Christmas Eve drinks
Mango earrings, £18; Bec & Bridge shirt, £240; Missguided skirt, £25; Kurt Geiger heels, £159, all Very
Whether it was exaggerated voluminous sleeves at Emilia Wickstead or shoulder puffs at Richard Quinn, it’s all about strong arms for AW20. And, thankfully, that doesn’t mean extra push-ups. For virtual pre-Christmas drinks, dial up your usual Zoom-ready white shirt with puff shoulders and pair it with a ruched midi for a mix of comfort and cutting-edge style.
Feelgood knits for virtual family get-togethers
Accessorize Alice band, £18; Monsoon skirt, £60; Olivia Rubin jumper, £240; River Island heels, £45, all Very
The easiest way to upgrade your loungewear for the festive season is with a party knit. Colourful and embellished with sequins and pearls, they instantly dress up your favourite midi skirt or joggers. Add a cute pearlised headband and polka dot tights with heels for those chic Wes Anderson vibes.
Shop all your party-ready loungewear at Very
