IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BROWN THOMAS
It is quite literally the sparkliest season in years …
It is party season, we have full permission to get dressed up and this December, that means going all out – it is quite literally the sparkliest season in years. All the designers, from Dolce & Gabbana to Carolina Herrera, to Richard Quinn and Alexander McQueen have showed that sparkle and shine have been given a sophisticated makeover. Lustrous satins, lurex, and lamé look like liquid gold when you walk, dance or shoulder-shimmy at your place at the bar. Accessorising is everything! Adding glitzy heels and a sparkling clutch instantly elevates your ensemble to party-ready: glamour is delivered via a rhinestone-studded bag, a scarf, shoes, jewellery – And if you’re not wearing all-over sequins and shimmer (though this is the season to do it) you’ll be looking to subtler, sparkly details to quietly speak volumes about your party style. And don’t bother wearing heels: even Cinderella didn’t make it past midnight in those! Instead try a Mary Jane block-heel style or ballet pumps in a range of pretty metallics.
If your party default is all black, then translating that impulse to a black tuxedo this season is a decidedly classy move. From oversized blazer and pants to a neat midriff-baring number with sharply tailored trousers, the tuxedo comes in all guises. Keep accessories to a minimum to emphasise the cool nonchalance of your outfit. For men, if you need something top-of-the-line yet classic, go to Tom Ford and Paul Smith. Tom Ford’s iconic O’Connor black two-piece tuxedo, €3,850, is the ideal suit for your formal festive RSVPs and beyond.
Hugo Boss’ velvet bow tie, €104.95, will add the finishing touch to your look. A smart-casual alternative is Paul Smith’s fine merino wool black polo-style sweater, €255, teamed with tailored trousers.
Prefer to dress like the life of the party? Alexander McQueen has built a modern menswear label by updating and tweaking everyday pieces to feel new and now like his black and white Luminous floral-print blazer, pictured above.
For a stylish lady tux look, mix and match Givenchy’s long-line wool jacket, €1,674, with Stella McCartney’s high-rise wide-leg pleated trousers, €594. Team with this Michael Michael Kors minimalist black Mila chain bag, €250 for the less-is-more approach to formal dressing. Invest in a smart, black evening coat: Alexander McQueen’s single–breasted cashmere-mix version, €1,794, will never go out of style.
Valentino’s Black Tie Collection double-breasted cropped blazer, €1,440, and coordinating silk maxi skirt with a floor-pooling train, €1,740, is a total knock out!
Or up the ante on a formal black-tie dress code with Carolina Herrera’s playful, striped mini dress, €3,090. Cut from luxurious satin, it has a corseted bodice and its voluminous A-line skirt is lined in tulle.
Whether it’s crimson, scarlet or vermilion, a red dress is the festive alternative to the LBD. You’ll always make a big first impression wearing one of Roland Mouret’s ultra-feminine dresses, €1,190 or Dolce & Gabanna’s deep V-neck silk maxi showstopper, €2,010.
Never underestimate the power of top-to-toe sequins: the sartorial equivalent of popping open a magnum of champagne. How to make the look feel grown-up? Firstly, make sure the sequins are densely packed, so the fabric is weighty. More flattering than a form fitting pencil skirt is a swishy sequinned skirt, or wide-legged trousers, which shimmy as you move. Wear these with a luxurious sweater, a camisole top, a simple black silk T-shirt or tuxedo jacket.
Rabanne’s hand-made sequin-embellished chain mini skirt, €1,790, looks as good paired with a simple knit as with the coordinating top and Christian Louboutin’s Degraqueen crystal heels, €1,195, for the ultimate shining party look.
Dazzling shoes and accessories can add just enough sparkle, the beige and silver J Marc mini shoulder bag, €450, by Marc Jacobs has a lovely, unfussy silhouette.
From deep, feathered cuffs on statement dresses, to stealthy feather trims on otherwise minimalist items and all manner of feathered accessories, feathers are this season’s answer to ruffles and tulle. A subtle way to ruffle the feathers trend is with a trim, an excellent way to add a playful element to your outfit. Swish through the festive season in Australian designer Rebecca Vallance’s blue Nicolette mini, €640, it’s the perfect party dress.
Drenched in tiny sequins, this one-shoulder dress has swishy feathers along the edge of the voluminous sleeve. Style with statement metallic heels and a clutch. Fellow Australian, Rachel Gilbert’s glamorous cami midi dress, €1,317, is decorated with silver sequins and trimmed with jet-black feathers. Style for festive parties with shimmering drop earrings.
Alternatively, if sequins aren’t your thing, look to Richard Quinn’s black Lila feather and crystal-appliqué silk cocktail dress, €1,782: it’s bold and glamorous and looks beautiful in motion.
The only accessory this dress needs is a spritz of Byredo’s Bal D’Afrique eau de parfum, €155 for 50ml.
Shop in store at Brown Thomas or online at www.brownthomas.com.
