The weather’s getting hot, the bikini season approaches – and your inbox is crowded with Christmas, Hannukah and just-plain-holiday invites.
With so many parties on the horizon, you’re going to need several on-trend pieces to get you through the holidays chic and intact. It’s the ultimate Christmas fashion guide – credit cards at the ready!
The shimmer dress
It’s not the holidays without sequins, and they play up the shine of summer evenings like nothing else. Little Joe Woman’s black-and-grey shimmer tank dress is the hit of the season – loose, pretty and able to make it through a party without pinching anything vital. Or for showing off a tan, there’s Jigsaw‘s sequin nude jazz-age slip (pictured), straight out of the Great Gatsby.
If you’re more of a fan of sleeves, pick up French Connection‘s sleeved navy sequinned dress – the length still makes it party-friendly. Or to make a massive splash, try Roberto Cavalli’s black strapless number with a sequinned bodice and fringed skirt (pictured). Now that says party.
The gorgeous blouse
Work events are a killer at Christmas – you still want to look professional while showing that you do, actually, have a personality. A fun blouse will show your fashion cred while also making it clear that you deserve that raise. We love Carven‘s bamboo-print orange number (pictured), or the smashing cool of an Ann Demeulemeester kimono-style graduated silk top.
If you’re looking for a kiss under the mistletoe, Stella McCartney‘s heart and kiss print top might be the way forward. More of a punk edge to your everyday life? Add a hint of your true personality with a leather collar – try Zara‘s leather-topped blouse.
The patterned trouser
These were the major hit of 2013, and if they aren’t part of your party wardrobe you’re being left behind. Either clash with patterns in the same palette (red with red, blue with blue – never cross colours) or pair with a simple top with no embellishment, to make the work look for you.
Malene Birger is the big name in patterned trousers – her high-waisted pieces in lovely florals (pictured) will work into any modern wardrobe. Or there’s J.Crew, with their silk, more elegant evening pants: the dark jade jacquard ones are sell-outs across the globe.
If you’re feeling massively into this season’s punk flair, pick up some Karl Lagerfeld red-tartan trousers, or for a more ladylike feel go for Paul & Joe‘s floral patterned pair.
The killer heels
Need it be said? It’s not party season without some truly fantastic shoes. Get your hands on Zara’s must-have yellow satin pumps with the bow on the front (pictured) – yellow is the colour of the year, and they’ll throw some major fashion cred into any outfit.
The big shoe story in 2013 was the return of the 90s minimalist heel – one strap on the toes, one on the ankle. Givenchy, Saint Laurent and Alexander Wang all have variations on the theme, from luxurious pink snakeskin to plain black leather with gold straps. Pick one up for maximum impact.
Want a more overt statement? See-through shoes are massive – get Jimmy Choo‘s pink perspex and red suede heels (pictured), Gianvito Rossi‘s pumps with plastic inserts or a Louboutin lace-mesh stiletto.
The statement necklace
Don’t want to update your entire wardrobe? Just buy one piece of major necklace bling and you’ll revitalise your whole look.
Marc by Marc Jacobs has an adorable dog cameo on a long golden chain for some quirky charm, plus a neon yellow-and-red choker necklace (pictured) that would brighten up the drabbest workwear.
You can always trust J.Crew to be on-trend for necklaces – their big, encrusted crystal pieces (pictured) are the ultimate in party dressing. Or there’s Marni’s resin necklaces with their huge beads for some minimalist flair.
The just-right jacket
It can still get slightly chilly when you party late into the evening – so here are the best pieces to throw over your partying wardrobe. A sass + bide Down To Earth cotton jacket is everything a partying lady needs: light, black with embellishment, fitted at the waist and chic in its own right. Definitely on our Christmas wish list.
Want something boxier? Their other embellished jackets for the season are squarer in shape, with heavy crystals on the pockets and sleeves. Or there’s always a Helmut Lang biker jacket to toughen up a pretty party dress. But for the ultimate in over-the-top holiday dressing it has to bes goat-hair cape, for glamour every time.
