6 party wear trends you need to know about

The Sequinned Flares

Anyone can rock a beaded camisole or jazzy jumper. If you really want to get noticed this festive season let us introduce you to the sequinned super flares. Michael Halpern must be hailed for reigniting this Seventies disco-diva fire. And let’s be honest: when you need to make a speedy transition from desk to dance floor, what could be easier than pulling on these bad boys with an oversized jumper and ankle boots? This punchy pair definitely won’t stand you up.

The Feather Finish

No one wants to look like Big Bird out on the town, but there’s something alluring about a hint of plumage finessing a hemline or sprouting from a shoe. And it’s also one of those embellishments that can be worn day or night, dressed up or down. During the recent shows, Lauren Santo Domingo wore this elegant Prada top with a pair of jeans, while autumn/winter’s tweedy feather-trimmed skirts updated the office pencil. So avoid a full feathered bolero and take flight with just a hint of this trim.

The Hair Hero

No time for a blowout? Instead of succumbing to a standard pony, distract and dazzle with a fancy hair accoutrement. Go graphic with jewelled bobby pins, contemporary with a molten clip, or designer with a logo comb. Banish that salon addiction — there’s merry help at hand for your mane.

The Foot Fetish

Once the sole domain of backpackers and grandads, the socks and sandals combo has become the surprise sartorial hit of the party season. Simply take a pair of velvety ankle strap sandals and team them with some statement socks — think sparkly Lurex, ruffled and even embellished. Alternatively, go all-in-one: brands from Fendi to Nicholas Kirkwood have fallen head over heels for this practical pairing and conveniently united them — so you buy your socks and stilettos combo ready-made.

The Mini Bag

Clutches are all good and well when you have a bar to lean on, but when you are negotiating a house party or office drinks, said chic envelope will inevitably leave you dry or hungry as you are forced to choose between booze or food. What you really need is a hands-free mini bag. Less glitzy than the cocktail pochette, these shrunken delights will leave you well equipped to effortlessly juggle both canapés and champagne. Cheers to that.

The Midi Marvel

Shelve the knee-length sheath. Mothball the mini. Dress hemlines have shifted and they’re now hovering about the mid-calf — aka the midi. Now meet the season’s new party dress: cutting an hourglass figure she’s far from body-con and therefore fabulously figure-flattering, while sexy flashes of skin, courtesy of cut-outs about the décolletage and upper arms, allay any fear of frumpiness. Wear with scrunch leather boots or sandals and sheer black tights — preferably seamed (Agent Provocateur-style) or dotted with spots. De-vine.