Why you already own the perfect party outfit
ChRISTMAS is the bullet train of the seasons. Despite there always being around 365 days in a year, without fail I am shocked by the speed with which it hurtles towards us.
It’s not only the present-buying, the turkey-stuffing or the Googling of new sprout recipes kids might actually eat; worst and most dreaded of all is the wardrobe required to conquer The Party Season.
Well, I’ve got news for you. Dressing for the party circuit need not be a blind-panic rush into a sequin bodycon dress. In fact, there’s no need to tramp around the shops at all, wading through a sea of sparkle in search of that dressy number you tell yourself you’ll wear more than once.
This year, you will be better off shopping your own closet, because Christmas 2018 is all about the return of two classics: the little black dress and the tuxedo.
This is a relief on two fronts: first, because most of us can’t afford a brand-new party look, and second, because I can’t stomach the thought of unworn items (of which I, embarrassingly, have many) going to landfill.
Reliably flattering and enduringly classy, the tuxedo and the little black dress are the two chicest things you can wear this season.
But take note: you do need to ingeniously restyle them to make you feel as if you’re wearing something brand-new and up to date.
ThE best thing about both? They are blank canvases on which to paint; add as much colour or dazzle as you dare. It’s all about ‘accessorisation’, as king of the little-black-anything Karl Lagerfeld puts it.
he spends a whole two days before every Chanel show accessorising more than 80 models. Ropes of pearls and oodles of brooches revitalise Mademoiselle Coco’s classics.
So, ransack your jewellery box for sumptuous pearls and wear your brooches in starburst constellations.
Alternatively, if you don’t want to dial up the razzledazzle, wear a single knock-out accessory. It could be just one glittering hairpin in a chignon, or giant earrings like the doorknocker-sized pearl and crystal chandeliers from J.Crew (£65,
jcrew.com), or emerald and gold statement danglers (£250, carouseljewels.com).
If you prefer to be ultraunderstated, opt for a black velvet ribbon choker with a single crystal hoop (now £30, Dannijo at theoutnet.com).
But if that’s too tame, let’s talk colour. You don’t want to wear a white shirt with your black tux and be mistaken for the waiter, so dig out a jewelcoloured top — the more eyepopping the better.
Use Mango’s plunging crimson blouse (£49.99, mango.
com) and Uterque’s fuchsia satin shirt (£120, uterque.com) as inspiration.
If you are looking to invest, try a tuxedo in white, the colour of hope and new beginnings, and — behold! — your complexion will be instantly rejuvenated. The best is the wool hopsack tuxedo by Arket (blazer, £175, trousers, £115, arket.com).
And don’t hold back on footwear! If you own a pair of sparkly heels, there is no better time to crack them out.
If they look anything like the strappy, metallic, lilac numbers coming soon to Zara (£39.99,
zara.com), so much the better. And if you are in the market for a new pair of festive heels, go for richly hued velvet or anything clasped with crystal. Find the slenderest toe you can.
As for the 2018 little black dress face-lift: it starts with your legs. Tights are back (even if, for most of us, they never went away) and there’s a glorious array out there.
The styles to go for are ultrasheer polka dots, such as Calzedonia’s argyle versions (now £7.70, calzedonia.com), Wolford’s patterned Annie tights (£21, wolfordshop.co.uk) or, my favourites, rhinestone opaques (£17, calzedonia.com).
OK, that’s the Christmas sartorial obstacle course sorted . . . Enjoy!