Christmas Party Looks

The most important thing to remember this Christmas is Glamour! Glamour! Glamour!

Fashion this season is all about retro elegance, designers across the board have paid homage to lady like chic and in doing so have opened the door to a much more polished, grown up look. Making the most of your figure and showing it off to its full advantage, whatever your shape or size, is what its all about.

All eras have been covered from the flapper style of the 30’s to the secretarial style of the 50’s and the bohemian trend of the 60’s. Whether it be a beautiful evening dress, a sexy bejewelled camisole, a faux fur stole or a checked pencil skirt; there really is something out there to flatter every figure.

Turquoise and purple remain the colours to be seen in, hems are generally low, ribbon trims and slim belts are defining waistlines and sparkle and glitz are a must. Simplicity is the key, makeup and hair should look soft and natural and accessories should be understated not in your face, this Christmas just let your outfit do the talking….

Below we have pulled together the key Christmas trends and looks to get you sailing through this party season looking effortlessly stylish.

Boho

Suits: Tall, and boyish frames
Avoid: Plus size and large breasted ladies

The bohemian trend has been polished up for the party season and is a continuation of what was the hottest look of the summer. Gone are the staple day wear of cowboy boots and poncho, in there place is a look which oozes laid back sophistication. Flowing and long this amazing Chloe inspired beaded strapless dress from Monsoon is in this seasons hot colour. Look out for similar styles in blues, greens, pinks and purples. The key is natural elegance, long and fluid, the beading adds an ethnic feel, try wearing some chunky wooden beads or ethnic inspired jewellery to enhance the overall look, there is a fabulous selection in John Lewis at the moment and like wise in Topshop. Choose simple strappy heels or wooden wedges to finish off.

Aristocrat

Suits: All shapes and sizes
Avoid: Too many clashes

Eclectic elegance is best way to describe the Aristocrat trend. Its all about mixing it up; chiffon, lace, satin, prints, faux fur, tweed; virtually anything goes and its an easy trend to manipulate. A fur stole and some chandelier earrings will instantly update your long party dress from last Christmas and achieve the look without costing a fortune.
A simple black dress like this chiffon tea dress from Topshop or a fifties strapless A-line prom dress are perfect, subtle colour can be picked up through your jewellery and the faux fur of the tippet is a real contrast to the chiffon will also evan out a bottom heavy frame. Funky tights are great but generally best left to the teenagers; simple black opaques’ with gorgeous heels will keep your outfit looking elegant. Think high society!

Bejewelled

Suits: All shapes and sizes
Avoid; Sequin overload

One of the main trends to come off the Fall 2004 catwalks was jewels sparkles and glitz.
Whether in the form of a beaded tops jackets and cardigans, jewelled skirts or sequined capes, embellishment has been universal, enhancing the retro vintage feel of the season.
This beaded flapper style dress from Kookai is a great example, team it with jeans for a paired down look or invest in some colourful tights, which again is a huge trend for winter. Alternatively there are loads of sequined camisoles and tops around which would look great with wide leg trousers and a pretty cardigan to cover up.

You can also just use accessories to get the look. Skinny sequin scarves are available across the high street and can add stylish sparkle to any outfit. Colourful brooches on cardigans and lapels, thin beads and bracelets and even jewelled shoes (there are some great ones at New Look) can also create the same effect. It is by far the easiest of trends to recreate and the mantra ‘less is more’ is certainly worth remembering. Lady like glamour for all in an instant.

Lady Like/Sexy Secretary

Suits: Boyish, hourglass and tall frames
Avoid: Not a good shape for petite or pear shaped ladies

Curves are back! The fifties revival at Prada has been a huge influence on the high street with pencil skirts in tweed and checks literally everywhere. Although not the easiest shape to pull off, a pencil skirt generally looks best on a boyish frame. Try not to choose one in a thick fabric, as this will make you look larger.
A better option is a curve hugging skirt with a flip out hem and either a skinny or really wide belt. This jacket and skirt suit from Oasis’s ‘New Vintage’ range is based on the Fifties silhouette made famous by Chanel and is great for the hourglass figure. Team with a pussy bow shirt or silk camisole and finish off with seamed tights and some round toed heels as seen at Marc Jacobs for super sexy sophistication.

Studio 54

Suits: Mostly all shapes and sizes
Avoid: Be more careful if you are a larger lady

Masculine tailoring reminiscent of Bianca Jagger in her studio 54 days ’ has seen a steady resurgence. Sleek simple sophistication is the key to the look which is accessible to all sizes, there a loads of suits on the high street but try and find a cut that flatters your shape and stick to chic black or cream for ultimate impact.

We love this sequined jacket and black tuxedo pants from Monsoon. It’s a great look for petite, tall and boyish figures alike. Wearing head to toe in one colour will help to elongate a petite frame, the wide ribbon belt helps to give more definition to the waist, worn with wide legged trousers its also great for taller ladies. Accessorize with some black pointed court shoes or kitten heels, a simple clutch bag, little or no jewellery and a dry martini!