With December approaching, party season is on the horizon, and fashion retailers have unveiled a range of festive collections. Karen Millen has launched Made for Midnight, a partywear line featuring velvet, faux fur, sequins and crystal embellishments, while River Island has teamed up with Olivia Attwood for its new season range. Standout pieces tend to sell out quickly, so shoppers may want to secure wish-list items well before December.
Karen Millen's Made for Midnight Collection
Karen Millen's Made for Midnight collection offers everything from floor-length gowns to cosy outerwear and tailored suits, with pops of purple, textured lace and tapestry florals. A standout piece is the Silver Premium Crystal Embellished Jersey Midi Skirt, currently £143.20 down from £179. The skirt can be paired with a crisp white shirt for formal occasions or a knitted jumper for festive dinners.
The Textured Faux Fur Short Coat, priced at £159, is described as a wardrobe staple for the season, adding elegance to dresses, skirts or trousers. The Hand Beaded Placement Crystal Mini Dress, on sale for £319.20 down from £399, features embellishments that catch the light and fringing for movement while dancing. Shoppers are advised to handle these delicate items with care to avoid snagging the embellishments.
Roman and New Look Party Outfits
Roman's party outfits for 2026 include the Sequin Cowl Neck Jumpsuit at £58, available in black, chocolate and gold. Shoppers describe it as a 'very flattering fit with enough sparkle to stand out', though some petite customers note it runs 'a little long'. For those less keen on sequins, the Velvet Button Midi Shirt Dress at £60 offers an alternative, with buyers noting the fabric 'looks expensive' and 'the buttons make it festive'.
New Look's party season selection ranges from head-to-toe sequins to pared-back evening staples. The Sequin Velvet Short Sleeve Top costs £25.99, while the Black Eyelash Lace Strappy Cami Top is £17.99. The Black Elasticated Waist Sequin Shorts at £25.99 pair well with sheer tights and the Black Power Shoulder Blazer at £49.99. The collection features more mini dresses than maxi, which may not suit everyone's preference.
River Island's Olivia Attwood Collaboration
Olivia Attwood's collection with River Island features bows, faux feathers and satin, described as playful and fun. The Silver Premium Tassel Beaded Jacket at £149 is a standout piece, which Attwood has styled with jeans and a bralette, though it could also elevate a plain black shift dress with tights and court heels.
The Black Sequin Bow Strap Sleeveless Mini Dress at £49 is predicted to be a sell-out this year. The velvet bow straps are not adjustable, but the high square neck should make styling easier.
How to Get More Wear Out of Party Season Clothing
To extend the life of party season outfits, style statement pieces differently rather than saving them for special occasions. Sequins and velvet can be treated as textures that lift simple wardrobe staples. For daytime, pair a sequin skirt with a chunky knit, tights and boots, or wear a sequin top under a tailored blazer with straight-leg trousers. Layering gives occasionwear a different silhouette and makes it more practical in colder weather.
