Although party season is well underway, there is still plenty of time to amp up the sequins and pull out the perfect outfit.
When it comes to shopping for a big occasion, it’s important to spend time beforehand styling up outfits at home. That way, you will feel less inclined to buy one-hit wonders and more likely to shop smarter and land on a versatile piece that can be styled multiple ways, night after night this festive season – ending in the perfect investment.
With that in mind, discover my edit of the five best occasion dress styles to get you in the festive mood. Expect sparkly and stylish numbers, dresses that will make you feel great alongside tips on how to nail the ever difficult ‘Black Tie’ theme.
The Classic LBD
First up; the LBD. If there was ever a timeless wardrobe hero, this is it. If you only have the budget for one new piece this party season, let me introduce you to the LBD. It’s a forever piece, sophisticated-yet-fun, always stylish and often in a minimal pared back design. Every woman should own one, and what I love about the LBD the most is how you can experiment with it – easily dressed up or down.
Not into sequins? The LBD is a sartorial must, as the perfect style for festive dinner dates as well as the ever-cliched office party. Plus, its often-classic design means that it can be reused year after year – simply by changing up accessories.
Bandeau Dresses
When the invite says ‘party’ but you’re not required to dress formal, enter the Bandeau. 2022 is surely the year to get glammed up and wear the ultimate party dress. Otherwise known as mini dresses, these designs are made for the dance floor. In one of these statement figure skimming dresses, fun is exactly what you’ll be having.
Not just for reserved for evening soirées, by adding faux fur cover up or a printed jacquard coat plus kitten heels, you’ll have yourself a head-turning outfit for a winter wedding.
Formal/Black Tie Dresses
When you need to elevate your evening look, step forward the formal dress option. Black tie dressing can be defined in three ways; formal, full length and feminine.
Some prior preparation beforehand will save any embarrassment after dark. Likely involving a sit-down dinner, it’s important to dress accordingly, namely in a floor length affair. Think red carpet worthy and you’re on the right track.
Rule of thumb: although the dress code says ‘black-tie’, dresses don’t explicitly need to be black, unless stated on the invite.
Blazer Dresses
Power dresses are back. For those of us that favour a structured silhouette, this in-between style of not-quite-a-dress and not-quite-a-blazer is the best of both worlds.
The ultimate day-to-night piece, it can be worn with a form fitting rollneck layered underneath alongside chunky loafers for desk days, then when cocktail hour arrives, simply add a pair of statement earrings and complete with heels.
Simple-yet-sleek, the blazer dress is the perfect fit. Not just for work occasions, it also presents itself as a great option for a festive date night. If you’re a fan of something slightly more dramatic, embrace colour or even an embellished iteration. Lastly, don’t be afraid to play with proportions, and for the more daring, size up for an oversized boxy silhouette. To finish, simply add impactful jewels.
Cocktail Dresses
Cocktail dressing is a fun, cooler, younger version of black-tie dressing. It’s the dress option to be turned to year after year for dates, drinks, and everything else in between. Often mini in proportion, cocktail dressing always brings a sense festive cheer. The glamorous fit means it can be worn with separates, perfect for experimenting with pieces such as an oversized minimal blazer, or alternatively some sparkly separates.
If a classic, more effortless silhouette is preferred you can alternatively try a more pared back design, styled with embellished accessories and heeled ankle boots to transform the simplest of dresses.
