Need outfit inspiration for the office Christmas party or a knockout New Year ensemble, SYW has been compiling handy hints and tips on dressing for the most glamorous time of the year.
The high street has embraced all that glitters, shines and sparkles. Think it’s not for you? Sparkle does not mean looking like a Christmas decoration (unless that’s your preference). Try our ideas for 3 types of sparkling festive engagement.
Office Party
When putting together a look that is both professional and party appropriate, embellished pieces are great. They can work as daytime wear when approached a certain way, making them perfect for the office party (or any other occasion) when a full outfit change is not practical and you need something to carry you effortlessly from day to eve. Take one glamorous dress, such as this one from Darling which will suit both athletic shapes and petite hourglasses.
Darling Dress; TopShop White Shirt; Soru Onyx Cord Tie Bracelet; TopShop Haemetite Bead Earrings
Add a plain knit over the top or a smart shirt underneath. Wear with plain court shoes or brogues. When it’s time to get the party started, simply remove your knit/shirt, swap out your shoes for some killer heels and add the statement accessories stashed in your handbag. We love the Folli Follie earrings which have a clever magnet which lowers the drop from day to eve appropriate with a snap. Desk to champagne reception transformation in less than 5 mins.
All Day Get Togethers
Folli Follie Earrings; Nikki Lissoni Coin and bracelet carrier, M&S Red Boots; Kurt Geiger Heels; Whistles Cecil Sequin Skirt; H&M Red Jumper
For those family gatherings or meet ups with old friends which may start at lunchtime but could easily segue through to midnight, you want to look refined but relaxed. This is where the hardworking A-Line midi comes in. Make it festive by choosing one with glossy sequins such as Whistles Cecil sparkle skirt. Team with a textured knit and you’re covered from cosy do’s in country pubs to house parties and even work socials. Turn the look on its head and go for plain all over with a textured A line midi and fine knit and punctuate with a statement shoe such as these gorgeous jewelled pumps from Boden. What’s great about the A line midi is that it works well on all shapes. Wear with boots to dress down further or with a killer heel to amp it up.
Boden embellished jumper, 3.1 Phillip Lim Gold Handbag, Dorothy Perkins Gold Shoe Boot, Gap Real Straight Dark Jeans
More a jeans and tee kind of gal? Embrace an embellished jumper. Expert at elevating the humble jean, especially if you also deign to rock a glittery boot.
Remember if you have a larger bust, a V or sweetheart neckline will be more flattering in an embellished jumper.
Black Tie/Formal
Sequins, embellishment and all that glitters can really come into their own for formal events , it’s the excuse to break out the high octane evening gown. Those feeling brave can go head to foot in sequins, SYW loves this Phase Eight number. This captures full on Hollywood glamour and suits those with a vintage hourglass hollywood starlet shape.
Prefer trousers? Copy the boys and grab a tux. This season the classic look has an injection of high voltage glamour with the addition of an embellished jacket or molten metal accessories to tuxedo trousers/cigarette pants.
H&M White Tux Jkt with gold trim; Reiss Gold Bandeau Top; Whistles Tuxedo Trousers; 3.1 Phillip Lim Gold handbag; Boden Jewelled Pumps
If you really aren’t into metallics and sequins then monochrome offers a great way to achieve a glam but more minimal look. Bring the tux into the dress as with this little number from Paper Doll. Finish with some statement shoes such as these funky Kurt Geiger black sequin pair.
B&W Tux Dress by Paper Doll
For more ideas on rocking the party season, check out our Partywear Pinterest Board – “All that Glitters”.
Follow Shape Your Wardrobe's board All that glitters on Pinterest.
Searching for your killer festive season outfit? Let SYW sort it for you, with a personal shop tailored for your occasion or our party season mini consultation. Get in touch via e-mail, the website or any of our social media pages.
