3 Alternatives to the Party Dress this Festive Season

The Christmas lights on Oxford Street are on, it’s officially the festive season from this point forward. You’ve got that work Christmas lunch thing, that class parents Christmas drinks thing, that friends annual festive house-party thing, oh and then the black-tie ball thing all standing between you and copious amounts of Quality Street, the Queen’s Speech and a day’s worth of Prosecco. Fancy styling it out through each and every one of those without having to drag that tired LBD out the back of the wardrobe?  Here’s how:

For that Christmas lunch with friends/work/family or an evening of Christmas CarolsMunthe Jules Blouse – Aubergine (£179); Day Birger et Mikkelsen Day Plongy Leather Leggings – Black (£420); Harris Wharf London Boxy Coat – Burgundy (£280); Liebeskind Suzuka Happy Fringe Bag – Copper (£179)

 This outfit delivers on sophistication and classic festive chic with the shimmering rose-gold hued bag providing the necessary glitz that is the essential component of any Christmas look.  The gorgeous Jules blouse from Munthe with its high neck and ruffled trims, long sleeves and body skimming shape in rich aubergine feels like a dream to wear and does grown-up seasonal sexy when paired with these fabulous leather leggings.  At £420 the leggings are somewhat of an investment piece, but during Autumn and Winter can become your go-to trouser of choice for daytime – paired with slouchy cashmere and your favourite boots or trainers – and evenings – with heels. This Harris Wharf London Boxy Coat in Burgundy gets a special mention.  Perfect for autumn/winter layering and in a stunning shade of dark Burgundy, this 100% wool single-breasted coat is made in Turin and is super hard to get hold of because it’s been so hot-off the shelves.  Get it while you can!

For that Christmas drinks night-out with the girlsCustommade Ritta Top – Anthracite Black (£119); DL1961 Florence Skinny Ankle Jeans – Nero Black (£180)

If you don’t want to bust the budget on the leather leggings then these figure sculpting coated skinny jeans from DL1961 are a brilliant alternative and again work for daytime and evening alike.  Worn here with heels and this pretty short-sleeved Custommade top with metallic pink pattern, it’s the perfect look for cocktails out with the girls or that festive drinks ‘do’.Des Petits Hauts Prudence Faux Fur Coat – Pink (£299)

…oh and if you throw on this simply stunning and unbelievably soft faux fur coat, you can make sure you don’t feel the winter chill as you wait for your Uber home!

For that formal black-tie Christmas Ball

Custommade Elizabeth Blazer – Anthracite Black (£185); Custommade Elala Trousers – Anthracite Black (£135); Custommade Prille Top – Black (£160); Liebeskind Suzuka Happy Fringe Bag – Anthracite Silver Grey (£179)

This stylish and smart alternative to a cocktail dress for a black tie do gets me every time – a take on the tux, I just love the look of this Custommade Blazer and Trousers with shiny lapel and panel detail.  The jacket and trousers are sold separately but if you were to buy the whole enchilada just think about the possibilities of how you could work them into different looks: the jacket would add glitz to a black jeans, top and heels outfit; the trousers with a fitted jumper and sequinned trainers or smart brogues.All clothes featured here are available in-store or online at Feather & Stitch.  With special thanks to boutique owner Fiona Sanderson for helping me style and put together these great festive looks.  Grab your eggnog and let’s get on it!

Feather & Stitch, 16 King Street, Richmond.  Online store at: http://www.featherandstitch.com