It's not even Winter yet but somewhere in your inbox there's already a "save the date" for the Christmas party. And lets be honest, in the back of your mind, a small voice is asking the same question it asks every year: what on earth am I going to wear?
Good news. You've got time, and this year you don't have to buy anything to look brilliant. Here's how to plan your party season outfit, whichever kind of party you're heading to.
Wear what you love, not what you think you should wear
Party dressing has been moving in a lovely direction lately. Fewer head-to-toe glitter rules, more "wear something that feels like you, just turned up a notch." That's freeing, because it means the best outfit isn't the trendiest one. It's the one you'll relax in.
So before you start scrolling, ask yourself three quick questions:
- Where is it? A pub function room and a hotel ballroom need very different energy.
- What time is it? Daytime lunches suit a lighter touch. Evening parties can take the drama.
- Who'll be there? Your team, your boss, clients? That decides how bold you go.
Once you know those three things, the rest gets much easier.
Five looks worth trying this season
1. The velvet moment. Velvet is a December classic for a reason. A velvet midi dress, a velvet blazer over a slip skirt, or velvet trousers with a silky top all say "festive" without saying "Christmas jumper." It also photographs beautifully, which matters when the party photos land in the group chat.
2. One sparkly piece, styled down. Sequins are still very much a party favourite, and the trick is giving them something calm to sit next to. Try a sequin top with tailored black trousers, or a sparkly skirt with a soft knit. You get the shimmer without feeling like a disco ball.
3. Colour, properly. Emerald, ruby red, deep plum and midnight blue look rich under party lighting. If black is your default, a bolder shade might be the easiest way to feel new without changing your style at all. A colour-drenched look (all one shade, head to toe) looks particularly polished.
4. The trouser suit. If dresses aren't your thing, a well-cut trouser suit in a rich fabric looks sharp, feels comfortable and works for the sit-down dinner, the dancing and the taxi queue afterwards.
5. The little black dress, made festive. Never underestimate a great black dress. Choose one with an interesting neckline, a bit of texture or a statement sleeve, and it does all the work for you.
A few things people always wish they'd known
- Sit down in it before you commit. If it rides up, digs in or gapes when you sit, the dinner will be a long one.
- Think about the temperature. Venues swing between sauna and igloo. A wrap or blazer you can pop on or off saves the evening.
- Check the dress code twice. "Festive cocktail" and "black tie" are not the same thing. If in doubt, ask a colleague.
- Plan for the walk home. British December weather doesn't care about your outfit. Bring a proper coat and comfortable shoes for the journey, even if you change into heels when you arrive.
- Sequins and bags don't always get on. A snagged bag strap is a small tragedy. Something with a smooth finish is safer.
Why not hire it?
Here's the honest truth about party outfits: they're expensive for what they are. You spend a small fortune on a beautiful dress, wear it once, and by next December you're convinced everyone will remember it.
Hiring changes the maths completely. You get to wear the dress you'd normally admire from afar, whether that's velvet, sequins or a bold jewel tone, for a fraction of the retail price. You wear it, you enjoy it, and you send it back. No wardrobe guilt, no "I've already worn this to the last three things," and no credit card regret in January.
It also means you can do something different every year. Elegant this Christmas, sparkly the next, with no storage required.
Have a look through the Christmas Party collection on Hirestreet and pick something you love. December dates go quickly, and the best pieces tend to be first to disappear, so get it whilst you can!
Then all that's left is deciding whether you're a canapé person or a dance floor person. (Why not both?)
Have a fantastic party Christmas Do and a very Happy Christmas.