Christmas party season comes around every year and every year we strive to look great but not cookie-cutter, festive but not frumpy. Here are some suggestions to make your party look modern and sexy:
THE MODERN PANTS SUIT
The modern way to wear a pantsuit is button-down, with a camisole or nothing underneath; or mismatched, with pants and jacket in different fabrics and colors.
There are many deep-hued velvet jackets to choose from: Marks & Spencer makes a moss green velvet jacket (£79, marksandspencer.com) to wear with a lace lingerie top and black velvet pants; try Zara if you are looking for good wide leg styles (£25.99, zara.com) – or even some stylish black jeans.
Mango Maroon Velvet Jacket (£89.99,tienda.mango.com)is another winner. For a new pantsuit, try M&S (£79 for the jacket; €45 for the pants in blue velvet) or Jigsaw’s Ashby red velvet jacket with satin trim and matching pants (£240 and £160, puzzle-online.com).
It’s pricey, but it’s a great shade of red and a dead ringer for Gucci’s ’90s classic.
Just don’t do it: Make the black jacket.
Chic: try a camisole under a velvet jacket
YOUR ESSENTIAL TO GO WITH EVERYTHING
A lace-trimmed camisole or layered top (with sleeves) makes a velvet suit or jacket look modern and sexy, transforms a cardigan from day to night, and layers a top under a vest and, Bingo, you’ll look ready for a cocktail.
M&S Camisole (£25, marksandspencer.com) It has a pretty eyelash lace trim and an empire line lace trim, in case you want to leave the jacket open.
My favorite layering top is from Me+Em, in cream satin with ruffled bandeau cuffs. (now £105, Harrods.com) Made to fit perfectly under V-neck vests and into the neckline of a high-button jacket. It comes in black too.
Just don’t do it: Use alone.
A BRILLIANT THING
The new party attire rule is half and half: party pizzazz on top or bottom combined with something less flashy, and it’s a great rule, especially for those over fifty (head-to-toe sequins are one of those guaranteed ages).
For my money, shiny ones on top and plain ones on the bottom are always the best option, especially since it’s the only one that works if you’re sitting at a table. I’d choose Jaeger for the M&S Dark Navy Wide Sleeve Sequin Top (£79, marksandspencer.com,) — the looser cut, larger sequins and silver-blue color give it a fresh and elegant look, with loose velvet pants or a midi skirt and boots.
If you’re thinking of wearing a sequin top, don’t opt for a plain or black t-shirt: those sequins look messy.
Otherwise, a sparkly bag offers an instant festive touch: M&S’s puffy silver baguette (£35) is a winner, and not just for Christmas.
Just don’t do it: opt for black sequins; Try a color (not red).
M&S Wide Sleeve Dark Navy Sequin Top (£79, marksandspencer.com)
THE NEW PARTY SHOE
I’ve been getting by with a black velvet platform sandal for a while, but this winter’s mood is more lean than strong, so I’ll be switching to Zara’s brown suede kitten heel sandals with a strap on the heel. ankle. (£49.99, Zara.com).
With party shoes now the key is not to be so literal; They don’t need to be rhinestone encrusted and silver will be worn all year round, which is outperforming gold this season.
M&S Mid Heel Silver Kitten Heel Slingback Shoes (£35, marksandspencer.com) will go with most things or try Zara’s brown velvet slingbacks. (£49.99, zara.com); Brown looks better with blues, greens and purples than with black. Still, the best way to make a midi dress or skirt look Christmassy 2024 is to wear it with wide, low-heeled boots in crackle or patent leather.
Zara’s kitten heels and pointy-toe boots are worth checking out (£69.99, zara.com), M&S patent style (£79) or try the short silver ankle boots from Tu (£21, tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk) to wear under pants.
Just don’t do it: Opt for high or heavy heels.
Zara brown suede ankle strap kitten heels (£49.99, Zara.com).
THE NEW LITTLE DRESS NOT ONLY BLACK
yes we can Wear black as long as it’s part of an uplifting print. M&S has two dresses this winter that tick the boxes for party-ready: a scoop-neck, three-quarter-sleeve tea dress in an abstract metallic “animal” print. (£45) and one with leopard print (£39.50)the new option more fun than black.
Just don’t do it: Wear with pumps.
KEEP IT IN SKIN
Faux fur can be hot inside, but if you’re cold-blooded or going somewhere drafty, it’s ideal: glamorous and enhances your outfit. Go a step further and get a jacket with a touch of sparkly jewel brooches or jewel appliques (£119 and £89.99, zara.com).
Just don’t do it: make it a coat. Keep it trimmed.