Faux fur, fringing and vintage glamour are dominating the high street this festive season, according to a fashion writer's guide to party dressing. With an event or outing every weekend, the guide covers everything from dresses and co-ords to shoes, coats and accessories, helping you prepare for every kind of Christmas party.
Statement Dresses Take Centre Stage
This season, minimal sleek styles are being ditched in favour of having a little fun. Statement dresses are described as the party season's best friend. This doesn't always mean a dress that screams in your face with colour, sequins or feathers; it can also be through the structure and fabric of the dress. Look for something that puffs out, has contrasting materials or has a pattern like animal print.
More eclectic than usual, we're seeing animal print, jewel tones, and shimmering sequins light up the dance floor. One of the exciting trends for this festive season is floral jacquard, fringed and beaded styles, bringing a touch of the 1920s to your dance floor dresses.
Co-ords for Multiple Parties
For those with multiple parties this season, the co-ord is what you need. Pair them together or wear the pieces separately to freshen up the looks for each party. This season we're seeing lots of fringe to elevate simple pieces, and trousers are taking more of a straight-to-slim approach.
The La DoubleJ Hendrix jacquard flared pants and top are for the party girl who needs something to take them from the bar to the dancefloor, while the Posse Florian embroidered pants and top can take you from the office to the Christmas dinner in the evening.
Faux Fur Coats and Comfortable Shoes
Fur, fur and more fur (faux, of course) is all you'll be seeing this party season. Fellow bus and tube takers will understand the importance of your party jacket; just because you're commuting does not mean your outfit should be ruined by the outerwear. We saw just how popular fur is when M&S sold out their faux fur dalmatian coat. Take that as a sign you need to grab your statement jacket before they all start going.
When it comes to shoes, the advice is to not sacrifice your feet for a 'cute' pair of uncomfortable heels this party season. Heels aren't ruled out, but it's knowing what heel height, materials, brands and styles work for you, as there's nothing less stylish than hobbling in a pair of bad heels. For those who prefer something a little more covered, boots are ideal for your dancefloor days.
Accessories to Finish the Look
No party outfit is complete without its accessories, in particular the bag. This season, turn to chic clutches to finish your look off. As mentioned earlier, fringe and animal print are having a moment, and they're best placed on a bag, in my opinion. Whether you're opting for a statement dress and want a maximalist look or have chosen a minimal dress to let your bag and accessories shine, these three bags work with almost everything.
