5 party dresses not just for Christmas

As a Personal Stylist in London, I am so excited to see how far we take our Christmas style this year! This year is certainly ‘go big or go home’ for your Christmas party, especially your outfit and rightly so. It is likely to be throwing everyone into panic mode, and most people will be thinking ‘What on earth am I going to wear and where am I going to find it?’

You will want to feel and look amazing right? (plus you deserve it… just sayin’) But perhaps conscious that you usually only wear them at your office party or a few times over the Christmas holidays and then they get relegated to the back of the wardrobe and forgotten about. This not only makes you out of pocket but also isn’t a sustainable or planet-friendly way to shop.

What we want is your outfit to work for you – preferably all year round and for multiple events! This brings the cost per wear down, means you can wear something you love ALL the time rather than the classic ‘saving it for best’ and means you can make the piece work hard in your wardrobe. Plus… sequins are for all year round… promise. So where do you start?*

*Find the direct links for every item of clothing featured on this blog here

How to find the perfect Christmas outfit

Firstly, we shop with intent. By that I mean a plan of attack and to nail that we must do some fun research (aka the ultimate work procrastination) Head to Pinterest and find 5 looks you adore and save them onto a board like this.

Then we create a plan, including a budget, when/where you will shop – or if you want to do it online. Top Tip; shop first thing on the weekend before they get busy and have a decent brekkie to keep the blood sugar levels stable – don’t do it hungover it will be a living nightmare.

Now you have done your research, know your budget and when you are going, you want to create a shopping list and stick to it. You will be wanting to recreate looks similar to your Pinterest board so make sure you base this shopping list on the colours that suit you, shapes that flatter your figure, and reflect your style personality. This stops the shops overwhelming you and taking the fun out of shopping. If you arent sure which colours suit you or flatter your shape check out how to find out here

My top-rated dresses for the season.

Top of the list goes to Queens of Archive, they are currently mid way through a new collection drop ready for the festive period so keep your eyes peeled. This gold number will bring sunshine to any Christmas party as well as be perfect for weddings, birthdays, Ascott, and when you’re feelin’ faaaaaancy. Check out how I restyle it for brunches, gigs, and shopping days further down the blog.

Next up is this Bash maxi, oozing luxury with the gold metallic and flowing purple fabric. Its daring neckline and stunning back screams effortless party vibes and can also be the perfect holiday dress for fancy dinners, maybe even a cruise if that’s your kinda’ thing! I can also see it for BBQs, city escapes, and festivals. Restyle below.

This metallic mini from All saints will bring the edge to the event for sure. SO versatile will suit any colour heel and could be made more classic with a blazer or unique with an extra metallic jacket. I can so see this at trendy networking events, awards nights, and of course dressed down in the pub for a roast on Sunday. Casual variations are below.

This beautiful blue dress from & Other stories will be great for dinner-heavy parties because of the flattering gathering on the front! The blue is an instant crowd-pleaser too and it’s a fab colour to wear if you are just starting your colour journey. Also If you get nervous before parties, it’s the best colour to wear because blue releases oxytocin, the warm fuzzy, huggy feel good feeling that calms us down.  Also, a great dress for a christening/naming day, meeting his/her parents for the first time, or visiting your grandparents! Check out how I would casual it up below.

The last but certainly not least dress that’s not just for Christmas is the Kimmy dress by indy brand Winifred Rose. Bring the disco to your works do in this number fo’ sure! I’d also wear this for a hen do, festival (obvs) and anything glam of course. The secret to wearing sequins all year round though is texture and mixing them with matte fabrics so that you don’t feel overdressed during the day. See how Id restyle this for daytime below.

My 3 secrets to utilise your Christmas party dress.

Layering. It can be as simple as putting a roll neck/ body underneath the dress, knitted vests are my new fave this year because they show off awesome sleeves and prints are visible so a great way to go from desk to disco… plus changing up the jacket or mixing all options will work wonders. Don’t forget tights can do the trick too. If you have a brightly coloured dress try a printed or more textured tight so that the black isn’t too much of a high contrast with the colour, it’s much softer with a print. I’m obsessed with the Calzedonia leopard and star sign tights.

Mixing textures, prints, metallic and colours. If you have a dress covered in glorious sequins, something as simple as adding a matte fabric like knit, leather or jersey can really bring the outfit down to a casual daytime vibe. Adding a denim shirt, or an animal print will act like a neutral to something printed or clashing colours can change the feel of an entire outfit. It’s no secret that im obsessed with metallics -the ultimate day to night feature that isn’t overpowering, even for a self-conscious dresser… its a contemporary neutral daaaarling.

Accessories. The most cost-effective and instant way to switch up an outfit. Go full glam in the evening and wear a simple stud or hoop in the day. Don’t forget about the versatility of a belt – cinch in the knit you layer of the top of a dress or knock some of the glam out with a plain thick belt. Get some chunky cozy flat boots on instead of heels and of course, don’t forget your beloved trainers. I am a converse kinda gal’ through and through. Also, don’t forget about headbands, they totally mix up an outfit. Top tip – if you have thick or lots of hair you can wear chunky headbands, if it’s finer or flatter, start with simple and less thick bands so it doesn’t overpower your head.

I have some winning combos below to start off your inspo.

Remember, you want the pieces you bring home with you to also work with items you already own too, so ask yourself, ‘what else will this work with in my wardrobe?’ you need to think of at least 2/3 things it will work with.

How do I re-wear my party dress? (or anything in my wardrobe)

So many of us have preconceived ideas of specific ‘rules’ that we have to follow when we dress. For example, blue and green should never be seen, navy and black can’t be worn together etc. Half the time we don’t know why we have them or where they have come from and usually, to be totally frank, they are completely wrong and hold us and our confidence back. So, to start, its time to let go of all of the ‘rules’ you have acquired over time.

Secondly, when trying on a new outfit from your existing wardrobe, finish it off properly, don’t stand in your white ankle socks without doing up the buttons of the item properly with no final layer/tights on, etc… white ankle socks will ruin every outfit – even a fancy designer dress.

Once you have let go of any funny rules and you promise to try each outfit properly and finish them off with shoes… you can easily follow my layering, mixing textures, and accessories tips. Check out how I have re-styled my top 5 dresses below.

If you’d like to read more about how to wear colours together, check out my complimentary ebook here.

What do I need to restyle my festive look?

Yes, you guessed it, items for layering – bodies, roll necks, knitwear, a variety of jackets which will also be part of your capsule wardrobe.

You will also want to get creative with fabrics, so perhaps if you have a shiny satin dress, choose a chunky and bold knit, Top Tip: think of it as opposites attract. If you have a sequin number, pair it with denim to de shine the sequins, if you have a printed dress, clash it with an animal print or a print that has a different scale to create interest and mix up the vibe.

Accessories are key, make belts your best friend, they will be the hardest working item in your wardrobe (apart from your shoes) as they not only cinch your waist in but also complete the look. Earrings speak a thousand words in terms of mixing up your clothing, experiment with big in the evening and more subtle in the day. Don’t forget headbands - denim styles will work with anything you already own. Shoes can make or break an outfit, I often describe them as being a different language to clothing – so make sure you find a pair that works with as much as possible in your wardrobe already. Don’t forget scarves can add a pop of colour too.

Where do I buy the pieces to create new looks?!

The world is your oyster here. To start with check out my collection here on Moonsift. I suggest referring back to your research, checking in with your budget, and making a list on your phone of all your fave brands. If some of your fave brands are out of reach budget-wise or you can’t bring yourself to splurge at the mo, save them anyway, add the pieces to a moonsift board and treat yourself when the sales are on.

I also recommend checking out my shopping board here to see where I have been looking and seeing where it takes you. Ba@sh and Queens of Archive are my absolute go-to higher-end brands, All Saints is my go to for all things leather, and & Other stories is my fave high street brand. I have a real mix of designer and high street on here. If you fall in love with an item but want a different brand, for example to Zadig Gold high tops, try googling gold high tops and seeing where it takes you. If you’d like my help check out how I can find you your perfect outfit with my event styling service

Finally, remember, rules are made to be broken, if you fall in love with something, see what else it will work with and take it from there. Don’t forget my tips; Research, plan, my secrets to utilising dresses, accessorise, and re-ware.

If you would like even more tips, get in touch here, I’d love to hear from you,

Stylish wishes as always,

Sian

Personal Stylist based in London. I am a colour analysis expert, wardrobe stylist, and personal shopper. I specialise in body shape style, wardrobe edits, and personal shopping for clients. I am also a virtual stylist. I do online styling, online style advice, virtual body shape workshops, virtual wardrobe edits and online personal shopping. Fashion Stylist in London. Personal Stylist in London. London stylist.