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Christmas parties and events are complicated, from a clothing point of view.
You want to have a little fun with your look, but you also don’t want to be the only person wearing head-to-toe sequins when the rest of the room has opted for sleek black dresses with a touch of sparkle.
Fortunately, there’s a foolproof formula that experts use to make an impact without looking overdressed.
Whether it’s a few work drinks at the pub or a fancy cocktail, you’ll always look perfect (and you won’t have to buy anything new… unless you want to, of course).
The secret? Build your outfit around three key elements: something eye-catching, something formal, and something casual. You can see our examples on this page, with the formula detailed below each image.
The casual element is the most important here, as it gives off a subtle “cool girl” vibe that balances your look. Think a dazzling metallic jacket paired with a sleek skirt and comfortable loafers. Or a striking sequin skirt, paired with a crisp white shirt, given casual appeal with a cozy wool jacket.
Of course, this trick doesn’t work for all occasions. If you have a gala event or wedding on the horizon, then making an effort is not only respectful but also de rigueur. But for everything else, you can’t go wrong when you dress up to dress up. . .
metallic glare
Lurex jacket + Leather dress skirt + Ballerinas
This lurex jacket has all the oomph you need at a party – it’s a major statement. Add this elegant leather skirt for a formal and refined touch; then finish with some simple loafers and you’ll be ready to dance the night away.
- Jacket, £150, boden.es; above, £8, johnlewis.com; skirt, £299, albaray.es; loafers, £325, russellandbromley.co.uk; earrings, £16, accessories.com
bold bling
Pompom necklace + Velvet pants + Casual sweater
The oldest styling trick in the book is adding a statement accessory to a simple look. This pom pom necklace from Essentiel Antwerp adds all the interest you need to liven up your outfit. Swap them out for chandelier earrings or a chunky cocktail ring if you prefer.
- Jersey, £220, boden.es; trousers, £150, aspiga.com; necklace, £120, essentielantwerp.com; loafers, £325, russellandbromley.co.uk; rings, £95 and £119, vbylauravann.com; bracelet, £18, johnlewis.com
Spectacular scarlet
Cocktail dress + Elegant coat + Flat boots
Flat shoes or boots make things much simpler. Pair a fabulous dress with flats and add a classic coat like this neutral belted version from Mango, which will match many party looks.
- Dress, £100, lace and beads on johnlewis.com; coat, £139.99, mango.com; boots, £299, lkbennett.com; earrings, £250 and ring, £119, vbylauravann.com; bag, £99, luellagrey.com
Fabulous denim and feathers
Sequin Shirt + Cool Jeans + Slingbacks
Keeping things practical is the most important thing this Christmas. And whether it’s a boot or a barrel, flared or fitted, denim delivers, whatever the occasion.
Christmas sweaters are comfortable, but only a handful are worn in December. Change it up with a dazzling sequin shirt, like this one from Celia B with fun feather cuffs.
Stunning sequins
Flawless Shirt + Sequin Skirt + Cozy Jacket
A sparkly addition always feels good this time of year, but looking like a Christmas tree is simply trying too hard.
If you opt for this sequin skirt from Celia B, keep the rest of your outfit simple by pairing it with a crisp white shirt and a neutral casual jacket to balance your look. It reduces the shine, it’s still there, but you don’t need to overdo it. . .
- Shirt, £95, theshirtcompany.com; skirt, £160, celiab.com; jacket, £359, maje.com; shoes, £99, phase-eight.com; necklace, £14, accessories.com
Large Power Boots
Sweater dress + Elegant belt + Metallic boots
Carrying almost nothing and shaking at the bus stop is a thing of the past. Snuggle up in Baukjen’s sweater dress and you can even wear thermals underneath.
This dress is elegant enough for the office. Add a formal belt and statement boots to give it all the oomph you need at a party.
- Dress, £179, baukjen.com; belt, £17.99, mango.com; boots, £200, dunelondon.com; earrings, £12, accessorize.com