It's official: party season is coming. And if your diary is quickly filling up with cocktail parties, festive drinks and New Year's Eve celebrations, there's probably one thing front of mind—what on earth am I going to wear? While there are always the reliable party go-tos that many of us have tucked in our wardrobes, there's something about the festive party season that feels a little extra special, and therefore deserving of a new outfit. So what better time to see what fashion insiders are planning on wearing to their parties over the coming weeks? After extensive scrolling on Instagram and endless conversations with my fellow fashion enthusiasts, I think I've figured out the trends you're likely to see.
Many of them won't come as a total surprise, in fact, they're actually incredibly timeless and even versatile. Silver and embellishment, for example, always pop up at parties, but especially during the festive period. Instagram's best-dressed are also picking up on the resurgence of interest in the Nineties, so expect to see plenty of mini skirts and sheer styles that feel fresh but also deserving of a place in your capsule wardrobe. And for the minimalists, there's the sleek option of a tailored look, which this season is nodding to the Eighties with power silhouettes complete with padded shoulders.
Whatever your party vibe, let this edit serve as inspiration to give your going-out wardrobe a well-deserved reset.
SEE THE BEST PARTY TRENDS FOR 2024 AND BEYOND:
1. Sheer
Style Notes: Let's start with something bold: sheer. The barely-there look may not be cold weather friendly, but it's sure to make a statement at your next gathering. Lean into the Nineties vibe that has inspired its resurgence by opting for lace styles like Emili's, or for sweeping slip dresses styled with strappy heels.
Shop the Look:
MANGO
Mesh Dress With Rhinestone Detail
Rhinestone mesh? Oh, yes.
ZIMMERMANN
Crush Off-The-Shoulder Tie-Detailed Gathered Stretch-Mesh Maxi Dress
If you want to nod to the sheer trend but keep it a tad more sophisticated, this semi-sheer dress is a great option.
ZARA
Asymmetric Semi-Sheer Cape
This sweeping top is giving epic Seventies vibes. Pair yours with leather or sequinned trousers.
OSÉREE
Scalloped Stretch-Lace Straight-Leg Pants
Go all out and pair the bodysuit with these matching trousers.
Reformation
Eli Oversized Sheer Shirt
A minimalist's approach to sheer.
OSÉREE
One-Shoulder Draped Stretch-Lace Bodysuit
This lace bodysuit is a showstopper.
2. Elevated Sparkle
Style Notes: It wouldn't be party season without a little sparkle, and this season the offerings are seriously elevated. I'll be taking my styling cue from Liv's play with contrasts by pairing sparkling pieces with cosy knits. Seriously chic.
Shop the Look:
ZARA
Zw Collection Short Sequinned Dress
Mint Velvet
Cream Sequin Bow Jacket
H&M
Embellished Organza Skirt
Wear with a big cosy jumper to achieve Liv's look.
ROTATE BIRGER CHRISTENSEN
Open-Back Sequin Midi Dress
Throw a leather jacket over the top for a rock 'n' roll look.
GANNI
Brown Sequins Blouse
I'm obsessed with this Scandi take on embellishment.
ZARA
Sequinned Midi Skirt
3. Power Tailoring
Style Notes: Dresses not your thing? Go sleek and sophisticated with a tailored look. This season, it's all about the power silhouette—think padded shoulders, cinched waists and elevated details like satin trims.
Shop the Look:
Blazé Milano
Resolute Everyday double-breasted silk-trimmed wool-crepe blazer
Yes, it's an investment, but this is a piece that'll truly stand the test of time.
Ghost
Celine Satin Wide Leg Trouser
Satin trousers are perfect for evening wear.
ME+EM
Regular-Length Forever Tux Trouser Suit
You can't go wrong with a tux.
Tap into one of this season's hottest colours with this merlot velvet blazer.
Veronica Beard
Lebone Velvet Pant
The perfect match for the Mango blazer.
DESTREE
Amoako cropped faille jacket
I'm obsessed with this fresh take on the 50s silhouette.
4. Red Hot
Style Notes: It's the colour that everyone is embracing this season, and it happens to be particularly well suited to party looks, too. From black tie-worthy gowns to dancefloor-ready heels, there are plenty of ways to introduce red into your party wardrobe.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Iridessa Dress
This wet-look sequinned dress is simply stunning.
& Other Stories
Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress
I love how this is styled with the matching cardigan.
VERONICA BEARD
Koa Sequined Stretch-Tulle Midi Skirt
Yes to this whole outfit.
& Other Stories
Tailored Waisted Blazer
Power tailoring and red, all in one.
ALIGNE
Alina Bow Peplum Satin Top
aeyde
Saba buckled patent-leather slingback pumps
5. High Hemlines
Style Notes: This party season, the higher the hemline, the better. From mini skirts to mini dresses, 'tis the season to get your pins out (and you can always go for tights, like Camille, if the winter night is particularly brisk).
Shop the Look:
MANGO
Short Dress With Corset Neckline
Simple, yet so effective.
Reformation
Avielle Velvet Dress
The exposed back makes this even better.
A feathered number that is more than party-ready.
Just wait until you see the back...
RETROFÊTE
Nadine Bow and Crystal-Embellished Cutout Satin Mini Dress
The peekaboo cut-outs at the waist is such a fun touch.
ALIGNE
Fern Bow Satin Mini Dress
6. Silver
Style Notes: Red may be trending, but given that the festive season is approaching, it's no surprise that silver is, too. Make a statement in a floor-sweeping maxi, or use silver pieces to make your favourite black styles party-ready.
Shop the Look:
MANGO
Strapless Sequined Dress
Save for your next black tie affair.
By Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Metallic Faux-Leather Mini Skirt
So cool. Pair yours with knee-high boots and a black top.
Autograph
Sequin Tassel Knee Length Slip Skirt
No one would believe this is a high street piece.
LE MONDE BERYL
Metallic cracked-leather Mary Jane flats
Nod to the trend with these metallic Mary Janes.
MANGO
Metallic Strapless Top
Wear with black jeans and pointed toe heels.
ALIGNE
Michelle Sparkle V-Neck Knitted Cardigan
I'd wear this entire look.
7. Party Boots
Style Notes: Forget the six inch stilettos. This season, fashion insiders are switching their heels for knee-high boots, which work particularly well with the trending mini skirts and dresses. If you want to dress down a sparkly skirt, opt for a flat riding boot. If you want to glam-up an ensemble, a heeled, pointed-toe style is the way to go.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Gaelle Knee Boot
TOTEME
The Wide Shaft leopard-print calf hair knee boots
You could wear these any time, day or night.
Whistles
Black Albie Croc Knee High Boot
These boots are ideal for adding a touch of texture to your party outfit.
Sezane
Apolline Thigh High Boots
MANGO
Cowboy Leather Boots
Western boots are really trending at the moment.
PARIS TEXAS
Anja 70 Python-Effect Leather Knee-High Boots
Pair with a mini skirt for a dancefloor-ready outfit.
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