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how to dress for party season

Your Party Season Style Guide Straight From The AW18 Catwalks

The AW18 catwalks were awash with party season inspiration. With this and the launch of our new Chain collection, a selection of two handbags with chain straps intertwined with the finest leather, here is our guide to party season style…

Super-Sized Sparkle
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Christopher Kane
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Paco Rabanne

Sparkle come the festive season is frankly inescapable. This season, however, modernise the look with a bolder aesthetic – whether that be a head to toe shimmering ensemble or large sequins which emulate a disco ball. Tailoring in particular is another wonderful way to add a contemporary twist to this most seasoned of trends. For your Christmas party, be brave and don a head-to-toe ensemble so that you glisten all night long.

 

how to dress for party season
credit: net-a-porter.com
Animal Print
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Marni

 

Animal print was a standout trend on the AW18 catwalks. In all its many possible forms, there was definitely a search for the exotic. The key here though is to be playful with texture which adds a modern dimension to these prints. An interesting skirt then can be particularly useful in this regard. Pair this with knitwear for a day in the office, before changing to a soft chiffon blouse for the evening. Despite the bold print, therefore, this is a versatile option for party season – offering a little wild touch to other basics day and night.  

Chain
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Chloe, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch

One of the biggest AW18 accessory trends is the chain handbag. Small and large handbags were all embellished with a chain strap – from the finest metalwork to chunkier options. Today, we are launching our own Chain collection – a selection of two handbags with brass chain handles intertwined with the finest Italian leather.

The difference between the two handbags (the Atessa and the Perano) is size. The larger Atessa is ideal to take you from day to night, offering a spacious, cotton-lined interior which will accommodate all of your daily necessities. The smaller Perano, however, will hold evening essentials, as its petite size ensures that it is a sleek addition to any party look. Each is handcrafted in the heart of Italy in the finest bridle leather. This means that they can be worn now and treasured forever, emerging party season after party season.

how to dress for party season
The Perano

Shop the Chain Collection here…

how to dress for party season
Fringe
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Givenchy
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue,co.uk - Proenza Schouler

Somewhat continuing the Western trend of the previous autumn/winter season, fringe appeared as another look on the catwalk set for party season. For a subtle nod to the trend, choose fringing which is tonal to your outfit. But, if you desire a party outfit which embodies full-blown glamour then shimmering fringing is perfect. As seen on the catwalk of Givenchy, Clare Waight Keller offered a masterclass in refined fringing as she reimagined the cliché 1920s flapper dress. Either way, a touch of fringe this party season will add an little extra interest to your night.

80s Luxe
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Saint Laurent

If there is one decade from which to take inspiration this party season it is the Eighties. From shoulder pads to busy floral prints in the brightest of colours, it is time to embrace the luxe style of the era. The essence of this trend: too much is never enough. So, with this in mind, a dress which embodies this excessive period should be paired with accessories which mirror this exuberance. A pom-pom heel and bright jewel earring, have never looked so at home than with a cocktail dress inspired by the 80s. If the occasion requires quite the dress, then for this party season adopt an ‘all or nothing approach’ and take inspiration from this memorable period.

how to dress for party season
credit: net-a-porter.com
Brown - The New Black
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Erdem, Chloe
how to dress this party season

Whilst the LBD is a practical and ubiquitous option when considering how to dress for party season, for AW18 brown is the hottest colourway. Seemingly not the most sophisticated of tones, the likes of Erdem and Christian Dior proved that, done correctly, brown could be equally as stunning as the classic midnight black. Texture and print elevate the colour to an elegant option for the evening – especially Erdem’s velvet ensemble should act as a prime source of inspiration. Finally, match this rich tone with a dark lipstick and defined eye for a beauty look which perfectly complements the captivating nature of brown this season.

how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Christian Dior
Plenty Of Pleats
how to dress for party season
credit: vogue.co.uk - Emilia Wickstead, Lanvin
how to dress for party season
how to dress for party season
credit: net-a-porter.com

Lastly, pleats made a big statement on the AW18 catwalks. This then fits perfectly as a feminine and easy styling option for this party season. Nevertheless, in order to guarantee that a pleated skirt seems appropriate for any Christmas party, choose a silver example and pair it with a velvet top in a suitably festive tone. Finish this with fine, ladylike details for a complete ensemble. And lastly, add the Atessa chain handbag for an extra trend which is equally feminine….