The Christmas party season arrives with startling speed, transforming high streets from autumnal knits to glittering sequins almost overnight. According to style expert Olivia Petter, this rapid transition often leads to fashion disasters, with many people embracing garish outfits that resemble walking Christmas decorations rather than stylish party attire.
The Golden Rule: Ditch Silver for Gold
Silver might seem like an easy festive choice, but it's a treacherous path for party dressing. While theoretically versatile, this colourless shade often appears cheap and flashy when executed poorly. Those with pale complexions should be particularly wary, as silver can create a washed-out, ghoulish effect. Instead, fashion insiders are embracing gold for the 2025 season.
Gold offers a more dynamic and universally flattering alternative to silver. Look to Reformation for contemporary gold pieces that balance sparkle with sophistication. For vintage inspiration, Iris Law recently stunned in a green-gold Paco Rabanne mini dress channeling early Noughties Paris Hilton vibes. More affordable options include hunting for gold backless dresses from All Saints on secondhand platforms like Depop and Vinted.
Velvet Done Right: Co-ords Over Tops
Velvet remains a winter wardrobe staple, but not all velvet creations are created equal. Those flimsy strappy velvet tops flooding the high street typically create unflattering silhouettes due to the fabric's thickness. Well-made velvet shirting exists but is increasingly rare outside vintage boutiques.
The solution? Embrace velvet co-ordinates. Tailored velvet suits from designers like Bella Freud or vintage-inspired maxi skirt and top combinations create sophisticated, witchy ensembles. The trend is gaining momentum, with Depop reporting a 29 percent increase in searches for "gothic" items over the past month.
Statement Skirts Replace Over-the-Top Dresses
Those predictable, head-to-toe sequinned dresses that scream "look at me" have had their moment. Beyond being visually overwhelming, they're often uncomfortable, heavy, and likely to duplicate others' outfits given limited high street options.
Vogue recently identified the statement skirt as a key trend for autumn/winter 2025, with offerings from Dries Van Noten, Gucci, and Zara leading the charge. Style your standout skirt with a simple fitted sleeveless top in white or black to let it take centre stage. For inspiration, consider Carrie Bradshaw's iconic pink sparkly skirt recreated by Hand Over, or Claudia Winkleman's mesh cream tutu from The Traitors.
Comfort First: Party Flats Over Painful Heels
Christmas parties often involve lengthy periods of standing, navigating crowds, and potentially escaping tedious conversations. Uncomfortable high heels only exacerbate these challenges while feeling increasingly dated as a styling choice.
Instead, seek out fashionable flats that combine comfort with style. Options include red velvet square-toed ballet shoes from Aeyde, or black velvet pumps with decorative bows from Penelope Chilvers. For an edgier look that contrasts with feminine dresses, heavy-duty black boots have seen a 103 percent surge on Depop since July. Dr Martens offers knee-length versions with subtle heels for those wanting extra height without sacrificing comfort.
Outerwear as the Main Event
In British winter, your coat is as integral to your outfit as what lies beneath. The traditional approach of pairing dramatic party wear with understated wool coats misses a significant style opportunity.
This season, fashion forward individuals are flipping this formula, opting for spectacular coats over simpler outfits. Searches for "faux fur" have skyrocketed by 275 percent on Depop over the last six months. Notable options include 16Arlington's collaboration with M&S and creations from designer Charlotte Simone, whose latest collection features Mongolian lambswool-trimmed jackets and Penny Lane-inspired faux fur coats guaranteed to make an impression.
As the festive season approaches with office parties, cocktail evenings, and friend catchups filling calendars, these 2025 style guidelines ensure you'll sparkle appropriately without venturing into Christmas decoration territory. Remember: in festive fashion, sometimes less is more, and strategic choices beat head-to-toe glitter every time.
