The Christmas period, though merry and gay, can occasionally be the season of sartorial missteps. A new and ‘adventurous you’ appears, akin to the summer phenomenon of ‘holiday you’, a mindset that makes you pack Aztec-print sundresses, shell-embellished crop tops and various floppy hats for a week in Croatia, when you’re usually never out of your monochrome sportswear. ‘Christmas party you’ can suddenly uncover a passion for marabou, sequins and lamé that lies dormant between the months of January and October.
But the heart wants what the heart wants – and while we celebrate the top-to-toe tinsel look (best paired with Babycham), here are some options that you will still want to wear, way into the dark days of February.
We love Reformation but the shipping taxes hurt our feelings (and our bank balance). So head to Net-A-Porter for their very special holiday collection and get your paws on this beauty of a red slip dress, the perfect party showstopper. Imagine the possibilities when layered over a grey cashmere polo neck with a pair of chunky boots.
Reformation Silk Maxi Dress, £255, available at Net-A-Porter
You know that feeling when you’re all dressed up for a big do and you have to put your everyday work coat on top of your finely tuned look? Don’t do that. Buy this Jacquemus coat and stand outside in the smoking area all night, because it’s so bloody brilliant. Will look good for the rest of your life, obviously.
Jacquemus Oversized Belted Velvet Coat, £705, available at Net-A-Porter
A touch of drama never goes amiss – pair this off-the-shoulder baby with sharply tailored cigarette pants now, and boyfriend jeans later.
& Other Stories Off Shoulder Top, £40, available at & Other Stories
Imagine a taffeta, polka-dot-print dress. It’s nowhere near as cool as this, is it? Shrimps’ oversized shirt dress features flocked spots and is named ‘Gerald’ – if that’s not a reason to buy, we’re not sure what is. Can be worn with giant platforms or little patent boots.
Shrimps Gerald Dress, £295, available at Shrimps
Velvet is not just for Christmas and we love these easily jazzed-up wide leg pants. We can’t quite describe the colour – dusty aubergine? Lovely though.
Finery Valentine Velvet Wide Leg Trousers, £99, available at Finery London
Skirt off sick? Yep. Great with a chunky knit, this little number can take you through myriad after-work festive drinks. Maybe you’ve got a slinky body on underneath, should the night go beyond the pub.
Zara Mini Skirt With Zips, £29.99, available at Zara
Everyone needs a louche trouser suit. Great with a wisp of lace underneath, or with a white tee and trainers for a go-to meeting look.
Zara Velvet Jacket, £89.99, Trousers, £59.99, available at Zara
An LBD that will stay in your wardrobe forever.
Whistles Lois Pleated Dress, £195, available at Whistles
It’s always time for animal print. Style à la Alexa in Saint Laurent-esque platforms, or barefoot on a beach.
Marks and Spencer Archive by Alexa Harper Dress, £49.50, available at Marks and Spencer
Ganni’s sheer, floral embroidered dress is a Christmas miracle – wear with a slip to posh events, with pants to a debauched all-nighter, or tunic-style over trousers.
Ganni Simmons Maxi Dress, £335, available at Ganni
Famed for their spaghetti-strap lace dresses, Self-Portrait provides a great update with this simple shift. Extra ruffles for fun.
Self-Portrait Coby V-neck Mini Dress, £260, available at Self-Portrait
Forget your reds, greens and golds; see out 2016 in the indisputable colour of the year.
ASOS White 100% Silk Cami Dress With Sleeve Detail, £85, available at ASOS
Just the right amount of festive shimmer, rendered in the palest blue denim.
Marques' Almeida Light Metallic Denim Long Sleeve Short Dress, £320, available at Marques' Almeida
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