Christmas party season is now upon us; how exciting! Whether you’re attending a work or college Christmas Party, there are so many options to choose from. Don’t be afraid to outfit-repeat in the New Year - just change your hair and makeup or accessories. You can play it safe or take a risk and leave your comfort zone, it is completely up to you. This is the perfect time to relax and let your hair down.
Sparkles/Sequins
Nothing screams ‘party season’ more than a sparkly, glittery dress, most commonly in gold or silver. Apart from the standard short, tight ‘glitter ball’ dress, we are now seeing sequin t-shirt style dresses, a comfortable take on the trend. Sequinned trousers have also arrived this season, and with the variety of colours they are popping up in, they are not for the faint of heart. Add a little glitz to an existing outfit with a sequin clutch or eye catching earrings. Whatever type of item you choose, you will certainly make an entrance.
Metallic
Slightly less bold than the glaring sparkles, metallic is a more subdued option, but still quite daring. A metallic playsuit will merge two current trends into one. My personal favourite is the dark blue or navy metallic shade that has been circulating in recent months. If you’re feeling incredibly adventurous, try a metallic suit. Opt for simple shoes/bag with this option, as the metallic piece will be enough.
Jumpsuits/Playsuits
Despite the awkwardness of removing the suit when you need to go to the toilet, jump/playsuits are universally flattering. There are almost too many styles to choose from when it comes to this key trend. Sometimes I find playsuits more comfortable than a dress, in the sense that you can move, dance and socialise with ease. Not having to worry about your dress rising up or accidentally flashing anyone is a huge plus, especially if you are attending a work Christmas party…
Festive Red
A bright red dress can be a scary option, but red is always in style for Christmas. If it seems too much for you, a two-toned dress is a good choice to bridge the gap. Failing this, the top/shirt combination is always a winner. I am currently loving the range of bodysuits available on the market at the moment. Pairing a red/burgundy bodysuit with a navy midi skirt will allow you to embrace the festive red trend, but not wholeheartedly. Not planning on playing it safe? At this time of the year, everything looks better in red. Choose a style you already love, find it in red, and you’re ready to go.
LBD
The Little Black Dress? Easy to style and reliable to be always in fashion. If, for some unknown reason, you don’t possess a LBD, I would highly recommend putting time and effort into finding one. You will not regret it.
Velvet
Velvet comes back into fashion every single Christmas. It appears on dresses, jackets, jumpsuits, shoes etc. The return of the 90’s slip dress fits perfectly with the velvet theme, a la Winona Ryder’s red carpet looks in the early 90’s. Slip dresses are quite easy to style as they look best with minimal accessories and are extremely comfortable.
Blazer Dresses
New to the scene this year is the blazer dress. It could be the right choice if your party is a more formal event, or even if you just want to try something a little bit different. Most of the blazer dresses I’ve seen this season are predominantly black or white, but perhaps for an event like this a little bit of colour would not go astray.
Shoes
You don’t have to go the traditional heels route to match your Christmas party outfit. Boots, this year, have been an even bigger trend than usual during the winter months. Shops are coming out with boots in every colour and style imaginable, many taking inspiration from Dolce and Gabbana with rose detailing on the sides. If you’ve decided to go with a little black dress, teaming it will a pair of statement ankle boots would be a great choice. It is not as scary as wearing an outfit that screams ‘party’. Remember, the most important part of the party is to have fun - it will be difficult to do so if you feel self-conscious about what you’re wearing.
Bags
With a Christmas party, you do not need to take the kitchen sink with you. This is your opportunity to downsize. Attending many parties this year? Find a handbag to match them all. A nude clutch will suit most outfits.
Coats/Jackets
A coat does not have to be just practical - it can add to your outfit. A faux fur shrug or coat will keep you warm and make your party outfit extra Christmas-y.
Accessorizing with Jewellery
Don’t forget to accessorize your new outfit, although you don’t want to go overboard and resemble the Christmas tree you happen to be standing next to. Something I like to remember in this situation is a quote from Coco Chanel: ‘when accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on’. When it comes to accessories, less is sometimes more.