It goes without saying that wedon't need to wait until December to dress up for a special occasion, but there's something about the darker days and chillier nights that signifies the start of the realparty season. After two years spent in lockdown, we had a lot of making up to do last winter,so 2023 is the first Christmas and New Year’s Eve that we can truly kick off our heels and enjoy spending the evenings with our nearest and dearest, butwhat exactly do we wear?
Sincethe cold snap kicked in we've beencosying up in sensible layers ofcashmere and wool coats, so it's about time we talkedabout what's really getting us excited for the months ahead—what to wear to parties. Anddon't we deserve it? "When I wear an outfit that I love, it instantly puts me in a good mood,"saysSarah Ashcroft, founder of occasionwear brand SLA the Label. "At SLA we design clothes to make memories in; clothing that gives you the feeling that you’re getting dressed up for something special. People are enjoying going all out!"
And go "all out" we will,as the right outfit has the power to help us walk a little taller, adds Thora Valdimars and Jeanette Madsen, creative directors of ROTATE."In the early days, we noticed a gap in the market for sexy dresses and felt the need for women to embrace their sensuality and take centre stage in their lives.It'sour personal belief, and what sets our brand apart," they say.
Soif you're ready to switch off from work andunleash your inner party animal, rest assured, there are plenty of stylish ways to celebrate the season that don't include Christmas jumpers. "I've noticed that sparkles and lace are huge trends right now," adds Ashcroft. "I think we’ve seen the popularity of glitter and diamanté styles really grow since 2022, and now sparkles are on everything, especially dresses. Lace is always a huge winter trend, but this year I think it's more fun and perhaps a little more risqué.Brown is also having a moment—I lovethat it offers a new take on classic black styles and it's super flattering for all skin tonesas the perfect rich, autumnal shade that looks reallyexpensive."
So, after taking notes from the experts and scouting socials and street style pictures, we've come up with a comprehensive list of theseven partyweartrends that you're going to see at every celebration this year. And don't worry—you won't find any tinsel and there are definitely no slogan tees. Instead, these are the timeless occasionlooks we'remore than happy to strut about in come nighttime this season and next. Whatever your approach to party dressing, we have a feeling you’ll find at least one piece you love below. Seeyou on the dance floor.
1. BROWN IS THE NEW BLACK
Style Notes: The LBD reached icon status for its sheer versatility (and we're firm believers that there isn't an event it won't work for), but for those in the know, there's a chic new alternative. The long brown dress isjust aspolished as itsclassiccounterpart, andthesheer elegance of theiterations we've seen has convinced us that chocolate brown is the luxe new colour trend we've been waiting for. Plus, it pairs exceptionally well with the other major colour trends of the season:hot red and charcoal grey.
SHOP BROWN:
16arlington
Solaria Sequined Stretch-Tulle Cardigan
Looking for designer partywear that turns heads? Start with 16Arlington.
Christopher Esber
Triquetra Cutout Silk-Satin Maxi Dress in Brown
Proof that a co*cktail dress doesn't need to be a sparkly mini.
Lyia Studio
Karen Blouse in Ganache
Thiswould look as good with jeans and loafers for the day as it would with a skirt and sandals for the evening.
2. THE VELVET TOUCH
Style Notes: Okay, you might not be surprised to see velvet on this list, but it stands the test of time for very good reason. After all, what other thick, winter fabric looks this goodand keeps you warm? Black velvet dresses are a classic, but this year we've spotted plenty of sumptuous separates too, so you can mix and match your look in a way that feels entirely new and still meets the dress code.
SHOP BLACK VELVET:
Casa Raki
Mafalda Top in Black Velvet
You could wear this halterneck top with tailored trousers, miniskirts, maxi skirts, jeans… the possibilities are endless.
Rixo
Clarice Silk-Velvet Midi in Black Velvet
Rixo's best-selling Clarice dress now comes in strokeably soft velvet. What's not to love?
Wiggy Kit
Edie Jacket
I'm going to copythis entire outfit for when I'm hosting Christmas Day.
Zara
Velvet Midi Dress with Rhinestone Straps
Simplicity never goes out of style, so you'll wear an easy dress like this for years to come.
3. PRETTY IN PINK
Style Notes: We have Valentino'sPierpaolo Piccioli and director Greta Gerwig to thank for theludicrously huge Barbie-pink colour trend, but we aren't quite ready to say goodbye to this feel-good shadejust yet. Sure, we've dabbled inbanana-milk yellow and we're happily introducing bright red to our wardrobes, but there's something about the frivolity of pretty pink thatis perfect for having fun. Channel your inner Barbie girl in head-to-toe shades of blush, bubblegum and fuchsia, or add a pop of colour to a simple look with a pair of pink shoes or a handbag.
SHOP PINK:
Rejina Pyo
Erica Sleeveless Pleated Midi Dress
True romance.
Aquazzura
Galactic Crystal-Embellished Satin Shoulder Bag in Fuchsia
Can you imagine how good this would look with sharp tailoring?
Rotate Birger Christensen
Opili Ruffled Satin Maxi Skirt
Just tuck in a white tee and add some pointy heels. *Chef's kiss*.
4. TAKE IT TO THE MAX
Style Notes: In the summer of 2022 we were all immediately taken in by the micro-miniskirt, only to fall out of love with it again mere months later. One trend we're happy to welcome back with open arms though, is the maxi. This floor-sweeping silhouette is not only far more practical than the mini, but it looks dressier too, and when we're faced with the prospect of achilly British winter, there's nothing we'd love more than giving our legs some respite from the cold, even when we're dressing up.
SHOP MAXI DRESSES:
Mango
Semi-Transparent Panel Ruffle Dress
Easily one of our favourite pieces from Mango's collaboration with influencerJenCallabos.
5. PARTY FLATS
Style Notes: Finally, a shoe trend thatprioritises comfort and alleviates the need for blister plasters. Why spend the evening in skyscraper heels when party shoes look this good as flats? We're particularly charmed by embellished ballet flats, velvet pairs and the low-heeledslingbacks we spotted cropping up on the style set during Fashion Month.
SHOP PARTY FLATS:
Massimo Dutti
Ballet Flats with Rhinestone Ankle Strap
Shoes so good they almost come with a waiting list.
Prada
Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps With Floral Appliques in White
The fashion crowd's latest It shoe.
6. RUFFLE SOME FEATHERS
Style Notes: Whether it's Taller Marmo's striking gowns or Sleeper's dressy PJs,statement plumage manages to be both sultry and sweet, funas well asflirty. Feathers areadorning everything from cardigan cuffs to trouser hems this season, so expect to see them everywhere by Christmas. If full-on feathers aren't your thing, nod to the trend with Mint Velvet's feather-trimmed jumper or by adding a fluffy bag or pair of shoes to an otherwise pared-back look. Whatever the piece, it'll bea guaranteed conversation starter.
SHOP FEATHERS:
Kitri
Naomi Navy Satin Feather Mini Dress
Nothing says "party" quite like Kitri'scute and playful dresses.
Taller Marmo
Del Rio Feather-Trim Crepe Midi Dress
There's no need to over-accessorise with this dress— just let the sleeves do the talking.
Mint Velvet
Cream Feather Cable Jumper
Wear for everything from drinks with friends to carving the turkey.
Huishan Zhang
Irina Feather-Embellished Silk-Organza Gown
Seeing in the new year deserves a special moment like this.
7. STACKING SETS
Style Notes: And now to the pièce de résistance, the icing on the cake and the gilding on the lily. No look is fully complete without the addition of a special piece of jewellery, and more is more when it comes to how we're wearing it now. Stackable rings, layering necklaces and assorted bracelets and cuffs are ideal ways to bring a little extra sparkle to the season, so why wear one piece when you canpile on all of your favourites at once?
Our top tips fora perfectly curated collection? Start bystacking together simple pieces with fine details, like plain bands with stone-embellished rings; chunky chains with delicate pendants and sculptural bangles with tennis bracelets for a stack that is entirely and uniquely yours.
SHOP STACKING JEWELLERY:
Daisy London
Shining Star Stacking Ring in 18ct Gold Plate
New at Daisy London are five gold rings intended to be mixed, matched andstacked together—a thoughtful gift (should you be able to part with them).
By Pariah
The Albert, Essential and Triple Eternity Set of Three 14-Karat Recycled Gold, Aventurine and Emerald Rings
No need to think aboutwhich rings will work together—By Pariah has done the hard work for you and assembled the perfect set.
Missoma
Fine Open Claw Ring in 14ct Solid Gold/Diamond
Missoma's first foray into fine jewellery is every bit as good as you'd expect it to be.
Astrid & Miyu
Gleam Tennis Necklace Gift Set in Gold
Conclusiveproof that two chains are better than one.
Sophie Lis
Luminary Double Diamond Hoops
These clever earrings only require one piercing to create the illusion of a stacked set of two.
Daisy London
Infinity Flat Chain Bracelet in Sterling Silver
And just like that I'm immediately tempted to mix metals.
Next Up:6 Shoe Styles Our Editors Are No Longer Interested In
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