Now, there’s nothing wrong with the classic Little Black Dress and heels for the works Christmas do but it’s just not really ‘me’. I tend to struggle with ‘Party’ dressing in general and go out and panic-buy something new, then wear it for one night only. There are a ton of dresses and heels relegated to the depths of my wardrobe only to surface when I have an eBay clear out. Also, I’ve never really felt comfortable in a high heel, I love the look of them, and all those little party dresses are made to be worn with one, but I can’t enjoy myself when my feet hurt and I’m worried about going arse-over-tit on the way to the bar. So to that end let’s look at some alternative ideas for festive dressing (although I will include some heels as I know a lot of people have mastered the art of wearing and walking in them.) This post contains quite a lot from & Other Stories but I am in no way sponsored by them, more’s the pity, I bloody wish I was sponsored as I would save a fortune. They just do the BEST party wear!
1. Velvet Suit. I love a suit, and this season I also love velvet. I know it’s not the sexiest of outfits maybe, (I’m WAY past wanting to be sexy anyway so that’s just fine) but it’s smart and dressy enough, plus you can wear any kind of flat shoe — even a trainer, but ideally ones with a bit of oomph!
1. Top Shop Pleated Velvet Blazer
2. Top Shop Pleated Velvet Peg Trousers
3. & Other Stories Shooting Star Blouse
4. Vivienne Westwood Gold Clutch
5. Adidas x Raf Simons Gold Trainers
2. Sparkly Skirt. I love a midi skirt, and for a party, the sparklier the better, you can team with a Rock T and an ankle boot and a leather jacket to act like you don’t give a toss, even if inside you really do (mainly about the quality of the canapés and what’s the earliest time you can leave without seeming rude…)
1. Top Shop AC/DC T‑Shirt
2. River Island Gold Sequin Skirt
3. Whistles Leather Biker Jacket
4. Lulu Guinness Lipstick Pouch Bag
5. Top Shop Gold Block Heel Boots
3. Maxi Dress and ballet flats. This is a prefect outfit for the lazy-arse who can’t be bothered to think about it too much. Get a sparkly long dress that will need no accessories, this won’t even require you to shave your legs, bonus! Add a simple pair of shoes. Job done!
1. & Other Stories Starburst Sequin Maxi Dress
2. & Other Stories Galaxy Print Dress
3. ASOS Elastic Strap Ballet Flats
4. ASOS Ribbon Tie Satin Ballet Flats
4. Skinnies, sparkles and killer boots. Be like Kate Moss. She’s over 40 and she ALWAYS rocks this look. We’ll gloss over the fact she’s a supermodel for now. Yes, you can do it!
1. Jigsaw Tuxedo Blazer
2. Top Shop Coated Skinny Jeans
3. & Other Stories Sparkle Blouse
4. Zara Lightening Box Bag
5. & Other Stories Rhinestone Boots
5. Statement Trousers. This is entirely inspired by these sequin trousers! just look at them. I WANT them!
1. Warehouse Ruffle Sweatshirt
2. Warehouse Diamante Earrings
3. & Other Stories Sequin Trousers
4. & Other Stories Faux Fur Jacket
5. Sam Edelman Studded Pumps
6. Stella McCartney Velvet Fabella Bag
Hope this has helped in some small way. I think I’m going to go Velvet suit for the work party, but I can’t get those sequin trousers out of my head. I never decide until the day, I’m very much a mood-dresser so I’m not great at pre-planning outfits. Let me know what you end up wearing and how you decided on it. Have fun!
k x
