I work from home five days per week, cycling through nearly identical lounge sets, so I sometimes find myself longing for excuses to dress up. Naturally, I welcome party season with open arms. Even if that ‘party’ is simply a wine night at a friend’s flat, you better believe I’m pulling out all the stops.
But my idea of dressing up doesn’t mean wobbling around in sky-high heels and packing on swathes of sequins. This might be partywear goals for many, but the beauty of fashion is that you can pick and choose what works for you. I favour elevated pieces that make an impression but still feel in tune with my style—a little black dress, for example, or a silk top and tailored trousers. It might be boring to some, but I opt for timeless elegance over show-stopping drama nine times out of ten. So, when you catch me sipping mulled cider at a festive soirée, I will likely be wearing something understated with just a hint of sparkle or embellishment.
With this in mind, the following elegant party outfits are right up my street—and if you’re anything like me, I bet you’ll want to re-create them too.
See the Elegant Party Outfits I’m Planning On Copying This Season:
1. Faux Fur + LBD + Statement Earrings
Style Notes: Wearing a black dress to a holiday party may not be the most inspired idea, but it’s a fail-safe option that guarantees sophistication. If you want to elevate it further, toss on a faux fur jacket for a touch of glamour and add some interest with a pair of chunky earrings.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Annabelle Silk Dress
The brown floral print brings something different.
MANGO
Coat With Fur-Effect Lapels
All you need to beat the December chill.
Missoma
Ripple Oversized Stud Earrings
The perfect finishing touch.
2. Organza Top + Tailored Trousers + Red Lip
Style Notes: The ‘jeans and a nice top’ formula is popular for a reason, but for smarter dress codes, simply swap your denim for tailored trousers and choose a blouse in a fancy fabrication like organza or satin.
Shop the Look:
Monsoon
Vera Sleeveless Organza Pussybow Top Pink
This is Chloe’s exact blouse—isn’t it stunning?
& Other Stories
Tailored Tapered Trousers
Not just for party season.
Charlotte Tilbury
Matte Revolution
3. Feather-Trim Dress + Platforms
Style Notes: A fluttery, feathery dress can be the epitome of elegance if the silhouette is simple and there isn’t too much going on. Having more fabric than feather visible is a good rule of thumb.
Shop the Look:
Taller Marmo
Piccolo Ubud Feather-Trimmed Minidress
Ellie’s burgundy version is (unsurprisingly) sold out, but you can’t go wrong with classic black.
A very reasonable price for a bag you can wear with every party outfit.
By Anthropologie
By Anthropologie Knot Platform Heels
Thanks to the thick platform, your foot won’t sit at too steep an angle.
4. Fine Knit + Sparkly Skirt + Embellished Heels
Style Notes: No need to leave your knitwear at home. A fine, fitted style with an interesting design detail—such as a cut-out or crystal embellishment—will look cosy and chic with a shimmery skirt.
Shop the Look:
SELF-PORTRAIT
Cropped Crystal-Embellished Knitted Sweater
This will really catch the light.
One of the best party pieces on the high street right now.
MANOLO BLAHNIK
Hangisimu 70 Embellished Satin Mules
Heels you’ll cherish for years to come.
5. Off-the-Shoulder Dress + Strappy Heels
Style Notes: An off-shoulder silhouette is a perfect example of how something minor can make an item evening-appropriate: a Bardot neckline, a floor-grazing hem or a low heel are subtle details that lend an air of refinement to a look.
Shop the Look:
ODD MUSE
The Ultimate Muse Bow Mini Dress
This has officially made it onto my wish list.
MÉTIER
+ Fernando Jorge Ease Embellished Glossed-Leather Clutch
Cream and gold is a seriously classy combination.
ASOS DESIGN
Asos Design Halsey Barely There Heeled Sandals in Black
6. Velvet Suit + Two-Tone Pumps
Style Notes: Not everyone enjoys wearing dresses, which is where suiting saves the day. A velvet two-piece is a wise investment that will serve you every winter—and you can change up the shoes to keep it feeling fresh.
Shop the Look:
reiss
Yasmin Petite Cotton Velvet Blazer in Burgundy
reiss
Yasmin Petite Cotton Velvet Flared Trousers in Burgundy
AQUAZZURA
So Nude 50 Leather Slingback Sandals
A classic heel you’ll get tons of wear out of.
7. Silk Maxi Dress + Trench Coat
Style Notes: Experiment with high-low dressing by teaming an everyday item like a trench coat with an elegant satin dress. The result? An effortless ‘just threw it on’ pairing that will earn you compliments wherever the night takes you.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Jeany Silk Dress
We’re ending on a high with this 100% silk beauty.
& Other Stories
Single-Breasted Trench Coat
This has a slightly dressier feel than the average trench.
Daisy London Jewellery
Fine Snake Chain Necklace Sterling Silver
The kind of necklace you’ll reach for every day.
