Party dressing | sequins and sparkle at Christmas

It's party season!  Which means sequins, velvet, festive jumpers and generally all things sparkly!  So I have been taking a look at what is in the shops for not only fabulous party outfits and Christmas Day dresses but also shapewear - what is actually comfortable to wear underneath - so two blogs today. 

For the first time ever, this year I decided to embrace the sequin.   I realised I didn't have any in my wardrobe at all and a friend said she had way too many sequins in her wardrobe and couldn't possibly justify buying any more - then promptly bought a skirt - and I thought oh no I don't have any!  So with FOMO hitting me I decided I needed some sequins.

​This black sequin shift dress is from Roman Originals and at just £65 it is a fantastic price too (currently with 20% off so even better at £50).  If you are looking for sequins and sparkle then this one is perfect.  It is cut in a relaxed shift shape so it skims rather than hugs - it has short cap sleeves and a flattering V back.  I am wearing it here with my burgundy patent shoes and matching handbag from Karen Millen - all previous season, they were my party accessories for my 50th birthday dress.  I think is looks fabulous teamed with the deep burgundy.

Then I tried a sequin pencil skirt also from Roman - Blue All-Over Sequin Skirt and paired it with the Sleeveless Back Detail Satin Top.  What I love about this skirt is that I can mix and match it for dressing up or dressing down.  There is a new term for wearing sparkles at any time - Daylight Disco - so in the lead up to Christmas or any time really, don't feel restricted, embrace the sequin.  I will wear this with a cashmere jumper and I will pair the satin top with coated jeans.  I have paired it here with suede boots as I love the comfort of being able to walk and not get cold toes but it would look amazing with some heels!

The dress below is past season Boden but they have lots of lovely little black dresses, a few of my favourites include Marie Devore Dress, Rosanna Embroidered Dress or the Ferne Jersey Midi Dress.  And the shoes are from Van Dal, they are the Juneau Court Shoe in Black Prism and are super-comfortable with a lovely sparkle to make them extra special. I added an animal print belt (very old from Boden) but my sister has just started a small online business - Betsy & Rose - selling gorgeous and affordable accessories and she has some fabulous animal print belts in at just £12 each!  No website yet but secure online payments - all info on her Instagram here.

​My bag is again very old!  it is from New Look and I do think that they offer really good value evening bags - I love this one - Black Shimmer Black Shoulder Bag at just £15.99.

My other 'go to' outfit for the Christmas party season includes coated or waxed jeans or pleather leggings - they are called so many different things.  I tried a super flattering pair on in Winser London last week.  They fitted me so well!  They were more of a tailored trouser - they are expensive at £159 - but if it is something you will wear again and again like I do - then worth looking at - Winser London Faux Leather Trouser.  Or do look at my previous post where I share my selection of the best pleather trousers - How to wear leather or coated jeans at any age.

I think that coated jeans with a silk blouse or cashmere jumper is the next step up from 'jeans and a nice top' and should be in everyone's wardrobe!

Whilst I was visiting the Kings Road recently I called into the big Zara in Duke of York Square and they have loads of sequins and party outfits.  I was also really impressed with the online selection from Wallis too.  Like this one below - black metallic tie detail jumper dress - except I removed the tie and wore my Gucci belt.   The boots are from River Island, I searched online for burgundy boots and these were the best ones as they fitted on the calf and were only £65.

Attending the Maven Connex Blogger Conference on Sunday

​Will you be buying a new party outfit?  I have a pre-Christmas get-together coming up with my girlfriends and husbands at the very posh Lygon Arms in Broadway so I think something sparkly is needed for dinner that night.  But then we are heading off for a few days in the sun.  We have been invited to La Gomera an island in the Canary Islands to wave our friend off who is doing the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Row Challenge - still not sure what I will need to pack - anyone been to the Canary Islands in December and can advise?

Love from
Michelle xx

Disclaimer:  the Roman dress and skirt/top and the Van Dal shoes were gifted to me, however, I was under no obligation to write about them, the opinions are all my own.  May contain affiliate links.

​Other blogs you may have missed and find useful:

​The best shapewear for your party outfit!
How to wear leather trousers or coated jeans at any age
My pick of the best winter boot styles
Style Inspiration - 1 wrap skirt. 3 outfits - all seasons

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