Our shopping editor Tara Morris has a simple message for us this Christmas: “You are the bauble and you’re ready to party.” That means dresses decked out in head-to-toe sequins or fabrics threaded with sparkle and shine – all of which is a bit alarming for those of us who’ve been cultivating minimalist wardrobes all year. Fortunately, many of the dresses in store this season have long sleeves and an elegant shape that makes them surprisingly easy to wear.
The golden Rixo dress, below, or Zara’s sequinned midi in a diamond pattern are pretty sparkly, but sleeves and a midi length give them a sophisticated 1920s feel. Just keep your accessories simple (and, with the Rixo dress, black) and let the dress shine.
Even the little black dresses that Tara has selected have interesting details: the black Scanlon & Theodore has an unusual halterneck that shows off your back, while the Alice McCall has tiny polka dots and the puffed sleeves that are everywhere right now. Althought it’s difficult to see in the flat-lay shot below, the white Zara dress hangs with delicate cobweb threads (it’s definitely worth clicking through to see the dress on a model).
Silk slips are also a good party option, as well as being versatile. The Marks & Spencer red slip can be worn with a t-shirt underneath for a ’90s feel or with a jumper when the weather cools, and will look great with flats for a barbecue. “I also love the PAPER London dress, which is a bit Maje or Sandro,” adds Tara. “The beautiful shape means you’ll stand out without making a statement.”
If you don’t want to commit to investing in sequins, rental sites such as GlamCorner are great for dressed-up dresses you can wear to Christmas parties (we love this Acler dress), or try your local op shop. I picked up an amazing Oroton gold glo-mesh bag the other day for $30, which makes me happy every time I look at it.
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