Here are a few dress styles to rock your Christmas parties and get you in the groove for festive fun, by KALYANI WAKHARE
‘Tis the time of the year we all enjoy – warm weather, holidays, parties, barbeque invitations, festivities and of course, Christmas sales! I always take this opportunity to stock up my wardrobe with quality pieces for which you don’t have to pay full price, especially dresses. Also, they are the pieces from your wardrobe that work overtime in December!
If you are investing in dresses, take a look at these five styles that are sure to make a striking impression at the party.
- Sequin and metallic
A sure-shot partywear option, is this one! Of course, when it’s a bling dress it is bound to take centrestage, so go easy on the accessories. Either choose neutral sandals and clutch bags or if you are game to grab all the attention, pair up bold red sandals with a red pout! If you thought this dress trend’s only for the evenings you are almost right, although a light metallic knit could be worn during the day with flat sandals and a tan handbag for a chic, dressed-down look. For those who prefer to keep it simple, go for sequin embellishments on a sheer dress, or just wear metallic heels on a plain dress.
- 2.  Printed dress
Move over, florals! It’s time to think polka dots, watercolour washes and even ethnic prints. I sometimes feel overdosed on floral prints by the time Spring comes to an end! Polka dots can be a refreshing change. Classic black and white, or white dots on a pastel background are equally trendy. Play up the dress with contrasting accessories such as red with black and white, and turquoise with pastel pinks and corals! Watercolour prints are nice and subtle for a daytime office Christmas party. Pair this with minimal accessories like neutral sandals and a pearl necklace for elegant, sophisticated glamour. Opt for bolder and more vibrant hues in paisley or ikat print if you think that works better for you. Personally I love a bright blue or fiery orange with these prints, and would recommend wearing black or grey sandals with a matching clutch bag. Remember when in doubt black accessories always work!
- 3.  LBD
Now, if you like the more tried and tested formula for party dressing, think no further than the LBD (Little Black Dress). I am a strong believer in this one and think it can suit absolutely anyone, irrespective of age, body type and personality. After all, black is well known to hide your flaws and flatter your body shape. The key lies in finding the best shape, cut and material. A knee length shift dress with a smart cut is an absolutely stylish option, worn best with animal prints or metallic accessories to add that glamorous touch! About metal, if you weren’t impressed with the metallic dress, try a gold belt with an LBD, its trendy and adds just the right amount of bling to your partywear.
- 4.  Sheer and lace
Another elegant party dress option is lace. Black and lace, can there even be anything more attractive than this combination? Red or emerald can be exciting too, especially if you want to be the highlight of the party! Combine this with black patent leather sandals and a satin clutch to look like a movie star. Sporting an outfit in sheer material will make you look like a demure princess, especially if you choose powder blue or pastel pink. Sheer material like chiffons have a soft, beautiful fall that is in contrast to a stiffer fabric with sharp cuts. It is therefore, essential to choose a more relaxed fit for a graceful look. Pointy toe heels and snakeskin bags can be a good choice with sheer for an edgy look.
- Block colour
This one’s perhaps the easiest to shop for and is stylish too. There is absolutely no dearth of smart dresses in solid colours like cobalt blue, tangerine, bottle green, deep red…..I could go on and on! The fun lies in picking a lovely summer colour (one that best flatters your skin tone) and playing with fun accessories. Statement necklaces work perfectly with solid colours. You could also experiment with some unique separates like a printed clutch bag and embellished peep-toe heels. Alternately you could add a belt in a contrast colour to the dress, and co-ordinate your heels with the belt.
So hope you enjoy this party season to the fullest and have fun with these suggestions to create your dream party outfit.
