Yes, It’s The Party Season!
Advent Sunday is on the 2nd December and it’s the traditional start of the festive period.
We know that means Business Christmas parties, the Office Christmas party, After-Work drinks parties and we only need the smallest excuse for a festive get-together.
And what will you wear?
What shall I wear for a night out?
This is the most frequently asked question I receive at this time of year!
Before we get into After-Dark dressing, let’s have a quick review of
Black Friday bargain hunting.
My Top 5 Tips On Black Friday & Sales Purchases
Be ruthless!
1. If you really love a piece and it loves you back, buy it.
2. If you were already going to buy a particular piece, check out the prices.
Discounted prices run throughout the year, not just on Black Friday.
3. If you find a piece that will enhance your current wardrobe and you’ll wear it to create a variety of looks, buy it.
4. If you’re not sure, don’t buy.
5. If no-one else has wanted to buy it, there’s a reason for it: don’t buy.
What To Wear For A Night Out During The Festive Season
The LBD v The ALBD
There’s no right and no wrong answer for this.
It’s what You feel comfortable in and how to wear black without it draining you
(there are tricks of the trade if it’s not an ideal colour for you)
For most party situations you can’t go wrong with a Little Black Dress.
If you prefer colour, wear it with confidence and stand out from the crowd.
The LBD
I’ve included a choice of budgets, shapes and sizes: something for everyone!
Some are on Black Friday offers so you need to be quick!
Strapless bow-embellished velvet dress, ALEXACHUNG, Net-a-porter
Tunic style wool crepe dress with bead encrusted collar, Goat
Lace crepe midi dress, LK Bennett
Embellished chiffon dress, Mascara, Navabi
Metallic weave bouclé dress, Alice + Olivia, Harvey Nichols
The Alternative LBD
For a night out, indulge your colour habit with a choice from seasonal pillar box reds and burgundies to this Winter’s trend colour, forest and ivy greens.
And Metallics are a now must-have for festive dressing.
I suggest wearing a single piece or wear metallics judiciously as style details.
When it comes to Style, you can satisfy your taste from Occasion & Tuxedo suiting, and from the popular Jumpsuit to practical Separates.
After-Work parties And No Time To Change?
Wear a Desk-to-Night dress and swop shoes and accessories.
(Add heels or Dress Flats and substitute quiet business jewellery for eye-catching pieces).
Flex that pair smart black trousers by adding a festive top or sparkly jacket.
Step out of a smart wool skirt and into a leather one.
Add a faux fur and you’re ready to go.
Embellished tulle dress, Alice + Olivia, net-a-porter
Bordeaux satin wrap skirt dress, Scarlett & Jo, Navabi
Ivy ruched velvet midi dress, Jigsaw
Dark petrol dress with satin detailing, Paul Smith
Metallic blouse with trumpet sleeves, Hobbs
Black faux leather skirt, Stella McCartney
Natural pleated top, Max Mara
Black and green lace top, LK Bennett
Festive accessories
When you have festive fabrics, less is more when it comes to accessories.
One or two pieces that finish an outfit is probably enough.
Sometimes the accessory can itself become the Style statement:
metallic drop earrings worn with a simple LBD.
CWC style tip: Avoid looking like a Christmas tree with sparkly accessories from head to toe!
Faux pearl and crystal earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane
Crystal embellished necklace, CA&LOU
Embellished cashmere scarf, Janavi
Black faux fur, Coast
Gold & Silver drop earrings, Isabel Marant
Pink glitter clutch, Jimmy Choo
Bow heel glitter slingbacks, Ganni
Jewelled T-bar shoes, Russell & Bromley
Black pom pom courts, Hobbs
The CWC Christmas Gift Voucher
Surprise a friend or family member with one of our Personal Styling Gift Vouchers.
Now available. Request here.