Dressing For The Christmas Party - Fashion Editor Edition

It's sequins and Lurex galore in store right now, with enough glitter and sparkle to bring on a Saturday night fever any day of the week.

But it’s also about a new kind of relaxedness. Nothing too tight. Nothing too short. And that’s only the half of it. There are also – whisper it – jumpers. Glamorous ones, but jumpers all the same. Not to mention suits that look like something Lauren Bacall might have worn but that make you feel like you’ve gone out in your pyjamas. Result!

Tonal metallics

Metallic is a thing this season – so why not make it two things, and wear a gold top with bronze trousers? Pairing tone-on-tone rather than two identical shades is a favourite with the fashion pack, because it adds interest to your look. A sceptic might say: ‘Just how much interest does one need to add when wearing head-to-toe metallic?’ To which I would reply, while travelling at speed toward the dancefloor: ‘I'm sorry, I didn’t quite catch that…’

The wear-everywhere dress

I’ve had a frock very similar to this for years, but in black. That one’s proved a party-starter time and again, so goodness only knows how hot things are going to get when I change things up with this green Lurex retool. A style like this is especially good if your party-going involves travel: it folds up tiny and unfolds looking just as smoking as it did before it went in the suitcase.

The smart co-ord

I’m calling them co-ords, but we could also call them pyjamas, because that is how very forgiving they are. Either way, this is how to channel that pulled-togetherness offered by a dress or jumpsuit while also solving the kind of fashion inconveniences most of us have to deal with, such as having a long torso or a different-sized top and bottom half. And of course there’s the versatility of buying two pieces that work together or apart.

Glitzy pleats

Confession time: I have a thing for sparkly jumpers. They're a simple way to add razzle-dazzle, not just for parties, but for supper with friends and even – in my case, at least – to provide a helping hand on a Monday morning. Put on a disco knit (technical term) and it’s impossible not to feel cheered. The subtlety of this grey style makes it highly suitable for daytime wear – but as you know, we are not even going to think about such matters for the moment. 

The updated tuxedo

A black velvet blazer is a 21st-century take on the tuxedo suit, and it’s modernised further by a subtle flash of flesh through an element of sheer, a favourite approach at brands like Dior at the moment. The overall feel is grown-up but youthful; chic but sexy. It’s the ultimate double box-ticker.

Sleek separates

As someone with plenty of – to quote The Youth – junk in the trunk, sometimes I like to have the option of letting my top half do the talking, distracting from my lower half. If I’ve been overdoing it on the mince pies, my default is sleek black trousers (or a similarly smoothing skirt) paired with something as gorgeous as it is grandstanding in order to attract the eye. Drawing attention to your neatest part is always a great diversionary tactic when it comes to dressing. And never swamp your larger section: skim, skim, skim.

Understated sequins

I really, really like this ensemble. First off, a sequin skirt. Gorgeous. Second off, a cashmere knit. Bliss. Here is an outfit that is a summation of the new way of special-occasion dressing. No one is going to accuse you of being underdressed – it’s a sequin skirt! But no one is going to accuse you of being overdressed either thanks to this jumper. Perfection.

The velvet trousers

You've probably already got the message that you need some velvet in your wardrobe this season. It might be trousers, it might be a blazer. It might even be a pair of shoes, weather permitting. As for the hue, it might be black, burgundy or perhaps forest green. Whatever, whichever – you will find yourself falling in love with it and wearing it not just for best, but to change up many looks. This party blouse is a pretty-pretty way to deliver on the big night while looking the opposite of try-hard.

The easy two-piece

Take one cami top. Add one on-trend pleated skirt, amped up just that little bit more courtesy of being rendered in an even-more-on-trend metallic, and in a pattern that nods to the decade of disco. What do you have? An easy-breezy way to outshine everyone else around.

Soft tailoring

This kimono suit is tailoring, but softer and cooler. We don’t want anyone thinking you belong to a sumo stable, so when it comes to accessories, add glamour with skyscraper heels. And go for a smoky eye or a hot lip, but not both: less is always more when it comes to modern-looking make-up. Sure, get a blow-dry, but ask for undone, not helmet hair. Finally, belt that jacket tight to show off your curves.