party season
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How to dress for the party season

It’s that time of year when the Christmas parties are fast approaching and the thorny question of what to wear rears its ugly head. So, here are our tips for How to dress for the party season.

woman in silver v neck long sleeved dress

How to dress for the party season

It’s not always that easy to decide on what to wear and how formal/ dressed up/ casual to be. It’s a thin line between boring and over the top !

Here are just a few ideas of outfits to give you some inspiration for the festive season, and to take you from the office Christmas party through to New Year’s Eve !

Dress it up!

Bewitch in black

I’m a great fan of dresses and you can’t go wrong with a LBD. You can choose how much to dress it up or down, and you can even make some last minute changes when you arrive at the party!

For example, pop a statement necklace or some dressy earrings in your bag and when you arrive at the party if you feel underdressed just add some jewellery.

You can dress it up with a sparkly clutch and some heels too!

dress for the party season

My first option is a very simple black dress (above, from ‘The Kooples’ (last season), which you can choose to accessorise as much or as little as you like.

dress for the party season

My second pick (from ‘Sandro‘ a couple of seasons ago), already has a jewelled belt built in, so keep the rest of your accessories minimal.

Glitter in gold

dress for the party season

If you can’t wear gold at the Christmas party, when can you ? So , my next pick is this muted metallic dress (from ‘Michael Kors, again a few seasons ago), which has a hint of gold.

Rebel in red

dress for the party season

Red is always a good option for this time of year, and the dress above in simple red silk (‘Whistles‘ – last season) can also be dressed up or down. If you want to wear this in the day, just throw a black jumper over the top and pair with some boots for a dressed down version!

Opt for separates

dress for the party season

If you’re not a fan of party dresses, and/or the party takes place during the daytime, you may feel more comfortable choosing glamorous separates.

You can pair an elegant pair of dressy trousers, or a dressy skirt with a glamorous silk, lace or sparkly top.

I recommend black, wide leg trousers or a lace, pencil skirt as this classic silhouette is very flattering and glamorous, and you can then dress up or down with a sparkly top or a simple silk shirt.

Similarly, a dressy skirt with a simple black top has the same impact.

Dress up your jeans

If all of the above are too dressy for your taste, you can even choose to glam up your favorite jeans.

In this case, I would opt for sophisticated dark blue or black jeans and follow the tips above for black trousers.

It’s all in the details

A simple matter of updating your accessories can also transform your look. Here are a few ideas you might like to try.

Shoes

red and brown peep toe heeled sandals

Dress up your outfit with a great pair of heels – the simpler your oufit, the more you can experiment with heels. (for example, pairing bright red stilletos with a LBD).

Bags

A statement clutch, such as the one above will instantly make your outfit more dressy.

 Statement jewellery

A statement neckace or earrings will transform a simple daytime look to a more glamorous evening look

Make-Up

This is also the time you can have fun with your make-up, especially for an evening event. Try a gold eyeshadow and/or a bright, red lip.

I hope you find these tips helpful and that you have a fun, festive period and have a look here for more of our style features.

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Happy Holidays!

130 Comments

  1. Desires In Style says:

    Amazing Outfits, especially the metallic dress!!
    😉

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much 🙂

  2. MexFashion says:

    Wow such a great outfits…you looking very beautiful…all the pics you looking so well….have a great time….thank you…

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much

  3. great advices, love your website !:)

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much xx

  4. Great tips for dressing up for a party. The statement jewels are a must. I must say you look ravishing in every pic!! Would love if you can link up to http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2016/12/05/hollywood-glam-christmas-makeup-looks/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Rania! x

  5. These are some inspiring ideas hun, you look gorgeous! 🙂 xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jasna xx

  6. Siffat Haider says:

    Oh my goodness Julia, you look so glamorous in the first picture! Loving these tips!
    xo
    Siffat
    http://icingandglitter.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Siffat xo

  7. Gorgeous photo! I loved reading this post.

    X Merel
    http://www.andathousandwords.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Merel x

  8. Love all of this holiday party inspiration! That tulle maxi skirt is gorgeous! I’m also loving the metallic dress!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Jill! xo

  9. Sweet Poppy says:

    I love all opcions! <3

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Poppy xo

  10. I love all of these looks you out together! You look gorgeous in red!!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Courtney x

  11. Filipa Jackson says:

    Oh these are lovely darling, I particularly love that red dress

    Filipa xxx
    PlayingWithApparel.com | Instagram

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Filipa xxx

  12. Camila says:

    Julia, these are all great options for the party season. I love how they all look on you! Have a wonderful week gorgeous 🙂

    Camila,

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Camila! Hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂

  13. Marta says:

    Amazing tips!
    xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Marta xx

  14. Great tips!! Stunning looks!!
    Adi xx
    fancycorrectitude.com
    instagram.com/fancycorrectitude

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Adi xx

  15. Great great tips. I love the brand Kurt Geiger and bought a lot of their shoes and bags back in the day in London. I also love the idea of bringing statement earrings with you in case you feel underdressed. Genius idea!

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I love Kurt Geiger, and statement earrings are so easy to pop in your bag…. just in case! xo

  16. Sharon says:

    The LBD is such an elegant find! I wear it very often because I need an outfit that I can wear from church right to the festivities of Christmas haha, so I need something stylish and modest, yet still festive

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Yes, a LBD is great as it can easily be dressed up or down and so can take you straight from church to the Christmas party! If it’s a bit low cut for church, just pop a jumper over the top!

  17. this looks awesome 🙂 thanks for sharing!

    http://www.pinkoolaid.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Angel 🙂

  18. Chic outfits!
    Have a nice week-end!
    Gil Zetbase
    http://gilzetbase.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Gil x

  19. I just got back from a Christmas party where the attire was Bohemian Chic; I had to do a little research, but I pulled it off successfully. I love dressing up jeans. Add a pair of pumps and a silk shirt, and I’m ready to party.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Sounds fun! I love a boho chic look! xo

  20. Julia, you put together such lovely holiday looks!!! Bewitch in black is what I like to do 😉

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Joti! You will look stunning in black 🙂

  21. You look so stunning dear Julia. The best photos of you!
    Chic, stylish and very feminine! Absolutely love!!!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Zana xo

  22. Priscilla says:

    Great post my dear, I will dive into glitter this year.

    xoxo

    Priscilla

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Priscilla xoxo

  23. Ankita Bardhan says:

    Beautiful looks! The gold dress has to be my fav, has the perfect amount of sparkle for a party look without being OTT !

    xx
    Makeup, Style and Sugar
    https://simpliannie.wordpress.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Ankita! A little bit of sparkle is a good idea! xx

  24. Thanks for the tips, I especially agree that it’s all in the details.

    xo
    http://www.carinavardie.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Carina xoxo

  25. u look beautiful in all the outfits julia i think i am going to go with a LBD this year!
    http://www.thestyletune.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Chichi! A LBD is always a good idea!

  26. love all of the advise, thank you for sharing with us 🙂

    http://www.londonstylegirl.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Emma 🙂

  27. Your dress choosing style is so good and looking beautiful in all the outfits….

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much

  28. Hello Julia!!
    Beautiful post. I love the black dress with the jewelry belt. The statement necklaces are awesome and the red stiletto wow ;))
    Have a nice weekend
    Xx
    Eva
    http://www.themermaidfashion.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Eva! The red stiletto grabs the attention, doesn’t it?

  29. Darlene says:

    JULIA!!! YOU’RE SOOOOOOO STUNNING in these photos! looks like a fun shoot too
    Hope you’re having a great weekend so far, I can’t believe christmas season is upon us.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Darlene! I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas either! xoxo

  30. You look gorgeous Julia! And I love your make-up too. So ready for the holidays! Happy weekend xo, sharon

    http://www.stylelullaby.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Sharon! I can’t wait for the holidays! xo

  31. These are all great ideas for the party season. I haven’t decided what I’m gonna wear to our annual family Christmas dinner as yet so thanks for these ideas.
    Everything and all the outfits look beautiful!

    Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Ann-Marie xoxo

  32. Love everything about this post! So cute!
    Love, Hadasah Love
    http://www.styletolove.com | Instagram @hadasahlove

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Hadasah xx

  33. Kelsey Bang says:

    what gorgeous photos! your party style is fantastic!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Kelsey x

  34. You look absolutely gorgeous in all these holiday outfits, I adore them all, as well as your makeup! This has got to be the best time of year when it comes to dressing and getting glammed up, so much fun! Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a great weekend ahead!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Jalisa! It’s definitely a fun time of year! xo

  35. Girl you killed it with this post! So many good ideas for dressing for the holidays. I love anything with a hint of gold and I’m a sucker for red too! You can also never go wrong with a festive black dress!

    xoxo Rina
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Rina! I love gold at this time of year! xo

  36. These tips are all really helpful Julia, and I especially love the black dress you’re wearing with a jewelled belt built into it. You look stunning! I love glamorous separates, one of the looks you recommended, and I’ll be wearing an embroidered bomber jacket with dark denim to look my best but feel comfortable this festive season!

    It’s a pleasure to visit your blog. Keep up the good work!

    Saba xx

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Saba! An embroidered bomber jacket will look great with dark denim! I think the dress with the jewelled belt is my favourite too! xx

  37. Didier says:

    Gorgeous! You’re so lucky! There aren’t so many option for guys really ha.

    -Didier

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      So true Didier! It’s also much harder to find gifts for guys!

  38. The pics of you are SO pretty! Love your holiday looks, babe!

    Happy Weekend, babe!!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Vanessa! Have a lovely weekend xoxo

  39. Kelly says:

    Love these party ideas, you are so fun!

    XOXO

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Kelly xoxo

  40. Carly says:

    All great options for holiday parties! I usually stick to classy red dress like the one you featured but I just bought a black jumpsuit (first one ever), so I might pair it with some red heels and be a bit more creative this year. Thanks for the tips!

    Happy Friday!
    Carly

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thanks Carly! I think a black jumpsuit would look fantastic with red heels! xo

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Merci!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Rebeca xo

  41. Natallia says:

    Salut! J’ai aime ton post! Et surtout le make-up il est super!
    Merci pour ton passage chez moi! 🙂
    Have a nice day,
    Natallia

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Merci Natallia! 🙂

  42. Wow! Thanks for sharing this, I find your blog post very informative. I never expect jeans could be also worn as outfit for Party, so amazing! I love the statement jewelry, so fabulous!

    Love, Katrina

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Katrina! I love statement jewellery xo

  43. I love the red dress on you! Looking gorgeous. I love the idea of separates too for the holiday parties
    Dora

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Dora! I think separates are a good idea too!

  44. Very good advice for the Holidays! Love all of your choices, you look so pretty in all of them. I love the grey maxi ball skirt!
    How fabulous are you in the Couples LDB!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Elle! I love a good LBD! xx

  45. jackie says:

    Very cute party dressing ideas… Loving the red and gold looks

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Jackie x

  46. Carina says:

    Great post!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you x

  47. Amy Arnold says:

    Gorgeous dresses and such great ideas for holiday dressing.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Amy Ann xoxo

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Eleine xo

  48. Still trying to figure out if to go for gold or glitter, haha. Love both of them, so the decision will be pretty hard. Have a lovely week! <3

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Both would look absolutely amazing on you, Andreea! xx

  49. I agree, dressing up a simple dress (especially a LBD) with a great pair of heels is so fun… I also love finding the perfect necklace. Yay for the holiday season and an excuse to dress up more!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      I agree – I love dressing up!! So happy it’s December xoxo

  50. I love the tips!
    Dora

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Dora x

  51. Patinka says:

    beautiful holiday looks!
    xoxo
    Patinka

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Patinka xoxo

  52. I love dressing up for the holiday season, too- love these tips, lady!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Ashley! It’s such fun dressing up for parties!

  53. Denise Kokinis says:

    So loving all of these ideas! I love that first black one and that mixed one with the gold is gorgeous on you! Such great accessories to match as well.

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Denise! x

  54. What an awesome post Julia! These are such great tips and you looks amazing in all these looks. Dying over that Stella and dot necklace too. 🙂

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Kathrine! Stella & Dot have some really pretty statement necklaces! 🙂

  55. Great tips and ideas for holiday dressing. I am always a sucker for a fab LBD. It is classic and timeless and will probably get a lot of use. I also feel the same about statement necklaces because I am an accessories girl I know that i will always reach for one to add some glam to my outfit.
    LaToya
    http://www.toyastales.blogspot.com

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much! I agree – you can’t go wrong with a LBD and you can easily dress it down after the party season with some boots and a jumper! xo

  56. Barbara Sara says:

    Love your post 🙂

    Barbara x

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Barbara 🙂

  57. Wow!! Really beautiful outfits dear 😉
    http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Ania xo

  58. You look stunning on these photos my dear! Great post and very nice advices 🙂

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Aw, thank you so much Alice 🙂

  59. Love this post girly! So informative and right!

    Funmi x

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you Funmi x

  60. I love these pictures! Wonderful outfits, especially the dresses!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Darina x

  61. Violette says:

    Great party’s ideas! Thanks for sharing!

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Violette xo

  62. kenza says:

    Aaaah this is my favorite time of the year !! 🙂

    Already know what I’m gonna wear for masquarade ball, christmas eve and New year eve (a hint : black, silver and black/gold). Can’t wait !!!

    Ps : you’re second dress is gooooorgeous, I’m so in love with it.

    Kenza

    1. The Velvet Runway says:

      Thank you so much Kenza! You’re really well organised! A masquerade ball sounds such fun and I’m sure you will look stunning!

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