Tis the Season of Crushed Velvet & Sequins
Mid November. Where the hell has the year gone?
The one plus side to the fact that Christmas is so close that you can no longer avoid Mariah Carey and co on the radio is that it’s party season! And party season is the perfect excuse to try out wearing something out of your comfort zone. Think about it; you’ll probably never wear it again and everyone in the office will be so drunk they won’t remember it the next day ...
I’m usually one to play it safe but my inner magpie can’t resist the lure of a sequin at this time of year. As my own office party will be a very casual affair (think hiking boots & waterproofs!) I’ve got absolutely no excuse whatsoever to purchase a single item on this blog. Oh how I wish that weren’t the case! I’ve got plenty of sequins, crushed velvet and metallics for days!
So here it is; my high street wishlist – party edition.
Look #1
I have a love/hate relationship with Zara. One week it breaks the bank, the next I leave the store (frustratingly) empty handed. But while I love their basics and a large amount of the trend-led pieces, I can’t abide their website. What modern retailer can survive with such terrible user experience on their site?! One that has gifted us with this stunning sequined party-dress-of-dreams, that’s who.
A dress like this needs very little by way of styling so I’ve simply teamed it with these rather lovely and incredibly comfy-looking block heels from Boohoo. I like the idea of pulling the turquoise from the dress but obviously you could pair it down with a black shoe instead – and luckily enough these come in both colours. Cracking price point at £22 and you’ll definitely dance the night away in those superb low heels.
Look #2
Crushed velvet. It was huge last party season and there’s no chance of it going anywhere this year. I’ve given in to the Millennial pink vibes and picked out this pair of loose fit trousers from one of my fave high street retailers, Mango.
A statement trouser needs an understated top so the two don’t battle. Clashing fabrics is all well and good for fashion editorials but when you’re actually wearing an item it’s a whole other story. Throw on a simple cami top like this one from Shein, get your hair in a messy bun and top it off with some statement earrings. These new in ones at Primark are absolutely ideal – shoulder-skimming to elongate the neck, with a bit of sparkle and carrying through the pink tones of the trousers. Keep footwear simple with this one; a barely there gold heeled sandal is perfect, like these from Missguided. If you’re anything close to my height, you’ll never see the shoes with those trousers dragging on the floor anyway!
Style tip: Get the most out of the trousers by teaming them with a chunky knit and white kicks on Boxing Day for the ultimate in lazy day chic.
Look #3
Not for the faint hearted, crushed velvet makes it’s second appearance with these incredible silver grey sock boots from Forever 21. Talk about making a statement!
I’d love to team these with a pair of light wash mom jeans and a slogan sweatshirt for a Saturday afternoon in the pub but you can just as easily dress them up AND be super comfortable on your Christmas Do by styling them with this versatile black metallic plissé jumpsuit from New Look.
Yes I’ve gone there. Metallic on metallic. This is probably a bit of a risky choice on the surface but the whole outfit comes in at around £50. Plus, plissé is super flattering on a food baby belly so when you inevitably end up finishing Hannah from Accounts’ dessert then at least you are safe in the knowledge that you’ve got an elasticated waist line and all the pleats in the world to keep it covered up while you dance it off to a bit of Slade!
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a pair of earrings that look like you swiped them from your Christmas tree as you ran out the door for your taxi so I’d throw on these silver bead tassels from ASOS and sweep your hair back into a low ponytail. Add a strong red lip and you’re ready to go!
And that’s it.
My 3 statement Christmas party looks that are sure to have everyone in the office talking about you for weeks afterwards … and not because you got cosy under the mistletoe!
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