Twinkle Tips: How to House party this Christmas Feat. OOTD
“I don’t have anything to wear” -the most dreaded sentence in fashion history. If it’s piles of chic that are preventing you from living your best holiday life ‘tis season, fear not, we’re here to help. Let’s get you nice and cosy with some style strategies that will have you looking and feeling your Sunday Mass best for the upcoming celebratory house calls.
Keep it Modest but Fun
A house party calls for some unsaid house rules. Whether it’s a friendly one feat, familiar faces or a mingle-do that’s all about meeting someone new, you want to go for an OOTD that will leave a lovely impression without coming off as self-obsessed or showy. You can be fun while keeping things a little reserved and still make an effort.
And while your venue might be a familiar space or a spanking new place, the usual meal and drinks style gig calls for outfits that echo warm glamour against the frosty, winter wonderland. So don’t just regale the off-shoulder to a summer tryst.
Opt for some fun fringe in a Bardot style top, a flattering empire line blouse or a calf-length satin prairie dress in a checkered pattern. For a comfortable stint at the dance floor, go for a platform heel or a wedge shoe.
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Christmas Colours – Red, White, Black Or Green
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Embrace Christmas colours and make a statement in bright jewel tones. Go for an outfit that would glimmer and gleam underneath Christmas lights, with a colour palette that is sure to turn heads.
You can opt for a silky drop waist dress or one in luxurious fabric and abstract details. A long-sleeved silhouette will have you set for the winter chill as you groove the night away.
Team up the look with heels and a faux fur coat for an outfit that says PARTY in bold.
Accessorise for the Occasion
While you’ve got the perfect party look pat-down, you want to don accessories that make for good conversation starters – Whether you’re in for drama, finesse, subtlety or shine, elevate your fit with some well-placed pieces.
No matter where you’re heading -a fancy get-together or a low-key soiree, don’t skim on the sequins and fun. Don’t be afraid to let your jewellery do the talking. Add a pretty pave statement necklace or chandelier earrings to your ensemble for a touch of sparkle.
Pretty from the waist up, but your toe game is lacking in lustre? Hail the festivities without going OTT in a pair of show stopping shoes. Opt for a classic style in decadent textures like velvet or suede, to stay stylish all season long.
Go for a hands-free handbag that’s fitting for all manner of Christmas dos in a neutral palette or metallic tones. Keep in mind that your arm candy needs to be large enough to house all your essentials while complementing your party-ready wardrobe to the T. A strappy number long enough to drape over your shoulder when it’s time to hit the dance floor, would do wonders for your moves.
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The Updated Christmas Sweater
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Wanna look trés adorbs? While we’re partial to holiday knits or two, come December, profess your love for the quintessential Christmas sweater with a cheery colour co-ord. From kitsch fashionable and everything in between, embroidered motifs and graphic cheer are all the rage.
At the same time, we’re mindful of the one-hit-wonders wilting away in the wardrobe so instead of novelty, opt for longevity and style. Pick an investment piece in a luxe knit.
Go for a muted version of Christmassy colours in featuring luxe sparkles, sequin embellishments and warm whimsical prints with playful characters and look-at-me slogans.
Party Pair Ups
1. Casual
If your invitation reads casual, keep it comfy but smart in a pair of jeans and a warm, jewel-coloured top. Another great contender for a casual house party is the playsuit that will be both comfortable and stylish. Go for statement accessories to add an edge and highlight the party element of your fit.
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2. Smart Casual
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A smart casual dress code is perfect for a holiday catch-up to relax, gossip and bond over a few glasses of wine. A chic blouse will lend a party-appropriate look, whereas a pair of jeans will have you feeling comfy as you chill your way to dinner and dancing. Additionally, you could wear silky separates or bring tonal dressing into the mix by matching your shoes to your dress for the evening.
3. Semi-Formal
Dressing for a look that is semi-formal, you want to be putting in a little effort to keep up with the celebratory mood. What’s key is keeping a balance between comfy and chic. The most put-together casual party looks to mix elements of both. For this, we believe in the power of the ever-classic trousers or a jumpsuit with an alt-vibe. Pair this with a sprinkle of some serious sparkles for a softer approach. Go for fabrics, prints or colours in velvet and chiffon. Think pretty when it comes to print.
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4. Formal
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For a sophisticated and stylish entry, you want to be looking smart but not business-like. Go with soft silhouettes and clean lines. Up the party ante with a mix of classic and neutral tones with a pop of colour for accent. A classically made suit also makes for great evening wear. If you’re thinking fun femme with personality, inject bits of careful colour or embellishment. You really can’t go wrong with sequins in December but if you’re not a fan, choose velvet from head to toe.
5. Festive
Big party occasions can be the gateway to your glamorous side in something that glistens. At the same time, you want to make it look like you’re going out, but not “all-out.”
Choose something with a hint of dazzle. Your pick of party-glam can feature anything -from sequins and glitter to silk or satin, luxurious fabrics like velvet or details like emblazoned beads can usher in that festive fashion flair. Panels with sheer accents can look great but while being modest. Pair a floor-length dress or vivid jumpsuit featuring interesting details or elegant cuts with fancy flats for a festive ensemble. Amp up the oomph with a statement red lip.
The Golden Rule: Wear Layers
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Diving into December style is no easy feat, but layers definitely help. That time of the year when everyone seems to be a little more extra about dressing up, layering lends a sense of chic to basic pieces. But the key is looking stylish, not bulky. Using transitional pieces and light layers, swath yourself in playful textures, peekaboo-colour tones or festive accessories for an ensemble that looks interesting.
A mixed-up look with a pair of patent leather boots and an autumn cardigan would look just as good with a slip dress, a contrasting merino knit cardigan and a pair of heels. Add some fine jewellery to the mix for a soft glance of tinkle on your ear and you’ll be good to go. Additionally, this style strategy works well when you’re indoors and want to be flexible with your style in terms of your winter mood board.
So there you have it, whether you’re a balaclava away from bliss or a blizzard, we have you prepared for one heck of a house party in our head-turning style strategy or hassle-free dressing!