I'm a Classicist, My Colleague Is Trend-Driven—These Are Our Party Picks for the Season

Party season is officially upon us, bringing excitement as well as a degree of pressure to ready our wardrobes. As someone who gravitates towards classic and timeless pieces, festive season is when I look for subtle ways to elevate my outfits without straying too far from my core style. I love the idea of understated elegance, which for me, means working with pieces that are refined, versatile and enduring. I focus more on subtle upgrades rather than bold statements—enhancing those staples I already know and love through texture, a hint of sparkle or luxe fabrics. I want to feel festive, but I also want to feel like myself, and Mango is one place I can always count on to meet the brief, and then some.

For years, my party wardrobe has been rooted in the same timeless formula: tailored jackets, sleek trousers, versatile heels, and a few understated accessories that stand out in their simplicity. And whilst I might add a touch of seasonal glamour with accessories or fabric choices, I stay true to my classic aesthetic, even when it comes to party dressing. The trick, I've found, is to lean on pieces that don't feel overly trendy and can work for any occasion in my end-of-year calendar, from a chic cocktail party to an intimate dinner. This approach keeps my wardrobe cohesive and ensures I can wear these pieces well past December. But that doesn't mean I won't add a little flair—perhaps a metallic detail or a jewel-toned piece that still feels aligned with my style. That's where Mango comes in.

When it comes to building a classic capsule wardrobe that I know will stand the test of time, Mango has long been one of my go-to brands. Known for its quality and effortlessly chic staples, Mango has perfected the art of mixing timeless and trend-forward styles. I can think of several pieces that have become year-round staples in my wardrobe, like the tailored wool coats and well-cut blazers. These items don't just get pulled out every festive season—they're mainstays I rely on all the time for their versatility and quality. The neutral blouses, understated sweaters and sleek black trousers have also become essentials in my wardrobe, and each year, I find myself adding a few more pieces that seamlessly work with what I already own.

So when it came time to look for party pieces that felt aligned with my personal style, Mango was naturally one of the first places I turned to. I was immediately drawn to the brand's Selection range—a slightly elevated edit created with higher-quality materials and the finish you'd expect from a designer brand. I shouldn't be surprised—I was so impressed by the previous drop from Selection that I added almost everything to my wish list.

What I love about Selection is that it offers both fashion-forward, trend-led pieces as well as luxe, timeless staples—meaning that it also has a lot to offer my colleague Rebecca Rhys-Evans, senior fashion and beauty editor for branded content. Rebecca has a completely different approach to dressing from me. Whilst I always opt for minimalist, pared-back pieces, her style makes her more open to trend-driven items, and she loves experimenting with her looks.

So with that, scroll to see how we each tackle party dressing for the upcoming festive season with The Selection.

Style Notes: My first outfit centres around the Wool Jacket With Satin Lapels (£120)—a beautifully tailored blazer with just enough shine to make it feel festive. Paired with black, oversized, pleated trousers, it creates a sophisticated yet effortless look, perfect for a refined dinner party or evening event. I added a simple belt with a silver buckle to define my waist and elevate the look, whilst the mesh chain bag introduced some delicate texture that feels celebratory yet subtle. To add a hint of drama, I included burgundy tulle gloves and sculptural pointed wedges. The result? Upscale elegance with a modern edge.

Style Notes: Here, I've leaned into seasonal textures with the Coat With Fur-Effect Lapels (£140)—a cosy yet sophisticated faux-fur coat that can be styled in multiple ways for the winter months. I layered it over a boxy white button-down with scarf-style detailing to add a more tailored edge, and chose the Rhinestone Straight Jeans (£100) to introduce a bit of sparkle in a way that doesn't feel overdone. To complete the look, I grabbed the Shiny Finish Cream Chain Bag (£36) and added matching tonal accessories with chunky bracelets and gold hoops. This outfit strikes a balance between casual and a little glitzy, making it perfect for more low-key Christmas events.

Style Notes: It's true—I am slightly trend-driven and experimental with my style, as Humaa has noted. But this doesn't necessarily mean I opt for wild contrasting prints or a particularly vibrant colour palette. Instead, it's more that I'll take note of Y2K cuts (call me nostalgic, okay!) or pieces with a little more drama. Here, we have a fairly relaxed look, aside from the skirt. With a slip underneath, no one would bat an eyelid, but worn as is, it's so sheer and see-through that you'd be forgiven for doing a double take. Nearly-naked skirts have been unmissable lately, and I think party season will really be their moment to shine. Mango's Semi-Transparent Skirt (£50) is perfect for a timeless look with a slightly daring point of difference, paired with a tailored black wool coat, pointed slingbacks and a clutch. For me, it's the perfect blend of cool and chic. Just don't forget to wear good underwear!

Style Notes: The Draped Neck Cream Satin Dress (£80) reminds me of that episode in Sex and the City—you know, the one with the "naked" dress. If you're comfortable wearing such a mini style, it's the perfect New Year's Eve number, and if you want a little more coverage, you could use it as a base layer as I have here, adding a jacket or knit over the top. I've gone for this moto-style cropped leather-look jacket, which feels very noughties (the sunglasses and mini bag add to this in abundance). You may get cold, but you'll look great.

With Selection, Mango has shown its ability to cater to both classic and trend-driven tastes, proving that festive-party dressing can be flexible, stylish and fun, regardless of your aesthetic. Whether you're like me and want to create a more modest, elegant look with a hint of glamour, or if your style leans more towards the bold and modern like Rebecca, Mango has everything we need to feel party-ready. This season, no matter your vibe, you're bound to find something in Selection that will make you look and feel your best.