WearsMyMoney

I have had some requests for going-out outfits lately – a sure sign it’s that time of year when many of us start thinking about partywear. 

If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you’ll know that this is not my natural habitat, and if I had to wear jeans every day of my life I would be more than happy to do so. I just don’t particularly like wearing heels, and the lack of pockets in evening dress attire freaks me out a bit. What to do with your hands when there’s no safe place to put them? 

Thankfully, some designers have cottoned on to the pocket issue, and there are plenty of cute flats around to negate the painful feet situation. Plus, there’s some joy in actually making an effort once in a while. 

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

Let’s start with this, because it’s a failsafe classic option and I do feel that everyone should have a comfortable and wearable LBD in their wardrobe. So I’m talking nothing tight here, just a simple yet smart dress you can throw on, add some shiny accessories and be off to the event without a care. I do like a bow in this instance, be it in your hair, on your feet or (in the case of this cute dress from H&M) on your back.

1. Hobbs Tilly Velvet Hair Clip 
2. Vivienne Westwood Pearl Drop Earrings 
3. COS Scarf Detail Drop Waist Mini Dress 
4. H&M Balloon Sleeve Bow Back Mini Dress 
5. Ganni Bou Mini Top Handle Bag
6. H&M Bow Detail Velour Heels 
7. Gucci loafer pumps with Horsebit

A LITTLE BIT OF LEOPARD

We’re only on the second option, and I’ve already reverted to type by showing you a jeans-based look. That said, I have no qualms about wearing jeans to a party: so long as you’ve made an effort with the rest of your outfit, then it’s fine. In fact it’s more than fine, it’s cool. I would wear this to dinner or a works party, or basically anything that doesn’t have a specific dress code. Leopard always works with denim, too. 

1. Essentiel Antwerp Oversized Embellished Cotton Shirt
2. Rixo Tommie Bohemia Animal Print Jacket 
3. River Island Black Triple Keeper Belt
4. M&S Mid Rise Barrel Jeans
5. Zara Braided Effect Handbag
6. Gucci GG crystal Horsebit ballet flats

SOMETHING ORNATE

Brocade, metallics, ruffles… A lot of this season’s dresses have somewhat opulent textures and rich colours. From tapestry-style florals to peacock-feather Liberty prints. Something that really make an entrance (but without too much shouting). Pair your fancy floral dresses with jewel-toned accessories or gold shoes for a more modern look that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a pair curtains from a stately home. 

1. Wiggy Kit Katinka Jacquard Dress 
2. Monsoon Ciri Bow Velvet Pouch Bag
3. Liberty Royal Hera Silk Lamé Gala Dress
4. Esska Harper Velvet Flats 
5. Rixo Delphina Botanical Embroidered Dress
6. Anthropologie Vicenza Bow Mary Jane Flats

A TROPHY SKIRT

This is one of my favourites. Make the trophy skirt the main focal point of your party outfit while keeping the rest of it fairly simple, and if you want to wear trainers, of course you can. You can keep the comfort factor but up the bling by picking a bolder metallic pair instead of your usual scruffy Sambas. Side note: This lipstick is the perfect evening bright lip — like a cross between pink and red, bright but not too bright and very flattering. 

1. M&S Embellished Polo Jumper
2. The White Company Waterfall Drop Earrings
3. MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick
4. M&S Sequin Midaxi A‑Line Skirt
5. Mint Velvet Kay Silver Diamante Grab Bag
6. Hush Wool Funnel Neck Belted Coat
7. Alohas Leather Metallic Trainers

ALL THE VELVETS

If anything says ‘Christmas party’, it’s a bit of velvet. Plus it’s warm and soft, which is a massive bonus at this time of year. I mean, I love the look of a strappy number (on other people), but I’m not freezing my tits off getting to and from the event. Yes, I could get a taxi, but you know how much I love my public transport. 

1. Cefinn Ophelia Bias Cut Velvet Maxi Dress
2. Astley Clarke Gold and Pearl Drop Earrings
3. Albaray Contrast Collar & Cuff Velvet Dress (use code Kate20 until 10.11)
4. Simone Rocha Egg embellished clutch
5. Charles & Keith Leslie Slingback Pumps
6. Boden Kylie Flat Buckle Mary Janes

JUST JEANS AND A NICE TOP

Even though I say I can’t abide a heel, I DO still own a few. The ones I wear most for evenings out in the winter are usually my ankle boots with a small heel. Something I CAN actually walk in, but that also make me feel I’ve made an effort, even though I’m wearing jeans. I do love a sparkly cardi with jeans, too. 

1. Sister Jane Dream Pantry Rose Top
2. M&S Rhinestone Drape Drop Earrings
3. Mint Velvet Sequin Bow Detail Jacket
4. Mother The Half Pipe Ankle Wide-Leg Jeans
5. Rain Sisters Tied With Love Bow Bag
6. Jigsaw Suede Valerie Ankle Boots

TOP IT OFF WITH A TUX

Along with an LBD, I feel that everyone should have a smart, tuxedo-style jacket in their evening wear arsenal. Or at least a fitted black blazer of some sort. You can wear it with everything – over a dress, over jeans or trousers – and it will instantly make your outfit more evening than daytime.

1. John Lewis Pure Silk Lace Trim Cami Top
2. Boden Gold Layering Necklace
3. Astrid & Miyu Pearl & Crystal Drop Studs
4. Zara Tailored Tuxedo Blazer 
5. ME + EM Italian Velvet Evening Man Pants 
6. Penelope Chilvers Puffball Velvet Clutch
7. Toteme Leather Ankle Boots 

I hope this has given you some ideas for party season. We will be back to something more casual next week, I’m sure. 

K x