Party Season Dressing: Small Tweaks For Big Impact

Sequin skirt styling, the bag that goes with everything, a uniform for chilled gatherings and a shoe capsule wardrobe...

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Party season is upon us, and for someone like me who feels most at home in a pair of jeans and a jumper, it can be a little tricky style-wise. I tend to either completely overshoot it and feel utterly not myself or go in the complete opposite direction and feel like I’ve turned up wearing what might as well be pyjamas. So, I’ve prepared this post with helpful formulas in mind that you should be able to edit and reshuffle using what you already have in your wardrobe. If you feel there’s a purchase or two to be made that could make occasionwear-season a little easier, then I’ve got that covered too, with a tight edit of helpful purchases that provide small tweaks that make a big impact. Just those pieces that fit effortlessly into your wardrobe and add umpteen more formulas into the fold. So whether you’re heading out to your Christmas work party or just round friends to fill up on mince pies, here are my suggestions…

THE SEQUIN SKIRT: THREE WAYS

The Blazé Milano Sequined Mini Skirt* worn with a Toteme Blazer*, white oversized shirt* and the Loulou Studio Brown Jumper*.

You know me, I’m not wild on skirts or dresses. But if I am going to do one, then it’s going to be a mini. And a brown sequin mini-skirt*? I’m interested. I thought a sequin skirt might be something that a few of us have reserved for the month of December only, so here’s how I’d style it using what I already have hanging in my wardrobe:

• With an oversized blazer. I like the way that the skirt *just* peeks out. Because the blazer is double-breasted, I can wear it as a top on its own, with just a cami or vest layered underneath if needed.

• With a crisp white shirt. I mean, what doesn’t go with an oversized white shirt? I like keeping half of it untucked to keep the boxy feel but also to add a more undone vibe.

• With a tonal jumper. There’s something about keeping it tonal that gives it a little more ease. This is the more dressed-down version, but the boots keep it fancy. It would look great with a semi-sheer pair of tights too.

Want to see the outfits in action? Check out this video…

THE BAG THAT GOES WITH EVERYTHING

The Loeffler Randall Clutch* worn with my black suit, the Loulou Studio Cardigan* and Jeans* and Aeyde Mary-Janes*

I don’t own many clutches. As someone who leaves the house post-7 pm about twice a year, it’s not a category that gets much use from me. However, they are handy to have, and I’d recommend something plain to carry when your outfit is the statement and something a little more out there for when it’s the other way around. This Loeffler Randall Clutch* sits in the latter category and can add texture to a suit or polish to a simple jeans and a cardigan look. It truly goes with everything. Additional points for the fact that you can actually fit all your essentials in it, and there’s a strap that lives within the bag when you’re not using it.

Clio Peppiatt Bag*, Loeffler Randall Clutch*, Clio Peppiatt Shoulder Bag*, NEOUS Suede Clutch* (similar*) & Demellier Clutch* (similar*)

A VERSATILE RED JUMPER

The LESET Knitted Jumper*, worn with the Loeffler Randall Clutch*, brown knitted trousers* and the Toteme Flats*.

If you’re a regular around these parts, then you would have noticed how my red jumper is currently in very heavy rotation in my weekly ‘Wardrobe Diary’. The minute it comes out the wash, it’s back on my body. I propose that you screw the whole Christmas jumper thing, invest in a rich-jewel toned jumper that you love and therefore have one you can wear all winter long. A deep and muted red jumper* feels festive and can become your one-stop shop for more chilled gatherings. I’m thinking the family feast of leftovers, or having friends round for board games in the afternoon - that’s my kind of festive party right here (big up Catan lovers!!). It’s pure comfort, with the right amount of holiday sprinkle. Here’s how I’d style it for a more relaxed party invite…

Some ways I’d style a red jumper for a chilled gathering with friends, using what I already have in my wardrobe.

THE SHOE CAPSULE WARDROBE

Aeyde Uma Mary-Janes*, Aeyde Suede Slingback Sandals* & Toteme Leopard Print Flats*

Given that I’m not really ‘out on the town’ these days, the heels section of my wardrobe is pretty lean. But even when I was out and about, I’ve always relied on just a handful of heels to see me through party season. Usually just a black strap pair, a nude strap pair and my leopard print wedding day heels. These days it’s a little more flat-heavy…

• Black smart shoe. Whether it’s a Mary-Jane* or a loafer*, I find that having some kind of smart, sort of sharp, black shoe is very versatile and comes in handy for polishing up denim.

• Strap-heavy black heels. I’ve had some kind of pair of strap mid-heel shoes in my wardrobe for the best part of 15 years at this point. I’m not wild about closed-toe heels, so I wear an open-toe all year long and suffer the consequences. If you want to build it out a bit, try an animal print pair.

• Leopard print pointed flats. I now can’t imagine my wardobe without these. I wear them ALL THE TIME. But they are particuarly helpful for adding a bit more of a put-together edge to pretty casual outfits. A chilled party gathering essential.

So whethere you’re *out* out, or just having your mates over to devour a cheeseboard, hopefully this post has given you some ideas. Liked my style ramblings? You can subscribe to my weekly musings here...

Until next time!

Anna x