Christmas is a time for giving and sharing. It's a time for family, friends, mince pies, roasts, presents under the tree, carol singing - and, of course, it's a time for festive cheer in the form of parties. And with the first doors of advent calendars being opened today (whether you've bagged yourself a chocolate delight or a beauty bonanza ) most of us have a Yuletide do on the horizon - meaning we've a chance to doll ourselves up, don our best sparkles and slip into an outfit that makes us feel fabulous.
With an abundance of high street stores tempting us with viral sparkly white dresses and glitzy cosy cardigans that'll bring comfort and glamour to any outfit, I paid a visit to New Look to see what its party collection had in store - and let me tell you, I wanted everything.
From sequins to velvet to metallics and gold, whatever your seasonal style is, whether you're bodycon or boho, ballgown or casual co-ord, I found a whole array of garments that'll add a bit of sparkle to your festive wardrobe. And if you've not got time to go into a shop, I've rounded up my ten best party looks (minus the shoes) that I found in my local store to inspire your next retail therapy trip and help you stock up ready for the holiday.
Now, of course, just as a precursor, my local New Look did not have everything on the website and so these picks are from what I could find. To see New Look's whole party range, including dresses, jumpsuits, and co-ords like these that I wish for but could not find, visit the website. Plus, from now until December 2 at 23:59, with the code PAYDAY25 you can get 25% off all New Look full price items (this is excluding sale items and third party brands).
You can probably tell from my face that I absolutely LOVED this dress. Being velvet, it didn't feel like the areas I'm most self conscious about were on show, it was really comfortable and flattered me - and the halterneck was actually supportive. Plus, the sequins gave the dress a subtle sparkle that meant it could be really dressed up with heels and some killer earrings or down (docs and an oversized jumper would do the trick).
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If you love a mini length, this cheeky number is sassy whilst adding some festive flair with the velvet. If you're not enamoured by sequins but still want to channel some Christmas spirit, this is such a cute dress. The square neckline is so flattering and I like that it's not completely bodycon, meaning you can still move about and eat without that uncomfortable tightness post-Christmas dinner because it's got some stretch. The feathers add some drama too - paired with some rhinestone earrings and sparkly silver shoes, this could make one hell of an outfit.
If you love a co-ord (like I love a co-rd), this sequin embellished shirt and trouser combination is a great balance of glamour and comfort. Made with a silky satin feel, it can be dressed up with some silver heels and bold earrings and red lippy, or dressed down with some trainers and an oversized jumper and coat. You don't have to wear it together, either. Pair the shirt with a silver midaxi satin skirt, or the trousers with a velvet top. Shirt: £26.99 from £35.99 Trousers: £35.99 from £39.99
Oversized shirts that ooze festive glamour a bit of you? This velvet long sleeved stunner is down from £29.99 to £17.99 and has a pair of wide leg trousers to match. Great tucked into a sequin skirt for party season (as is pictured) or with a pair of jeans for a more casual look. Being oversized, it's so comfortable and hangs really beautifully.
£17.99 down from£29.99
Paired with a dainty satin blouse or a sequin crop, this midaxi skirt is a real statement for your next party and it comes in a glitterball silver colour too. It's not too rigid and gives a really nice silhouette on women, like me, who have hips and a bum - which is always a personal struggle in skirts like this.
£29.69 down from £32.99
This satin skirt hung so beautifully on me and I can see why this type of garment is constantly a sellout. Lovely and soft, the waistband is elasticated but isn't too thick. While I paired the skirt with a glittery jumper (£29.99), it would look stunning with a delicate cami top or blouse or a graphic band tee.
£29.99
Paired with some black leather look straight trousers, a metallic silver skirt or matching sequin trousers, this shirt is a great option for those wanting to give off festive glamour without going too overboard, which is something I loved. With it being relatively slim fit but not uber tight, I felt comfortable in it plus, you don't get that scratchy feeling that often accompanies sequin-embellished items.
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For an outfit that's going to turn heads at the Christmas party, this glitter-explosion of an ensemble will do the trick. Sparkling from top to bottom, this suit - which comprises of a cropped jacket, cropped top and high waisted trousers - is made from metallic glittery polyester fabric. Being a lot more stretchy than it looks, it's pretty comfortable - meaning there's room for dance moves. If you're not too keen on showing your midriff, pair the trousers with a white blouse and heels for a more subtle look that still oozes drama.
Metallic is here to stay and this leather look silver skirt is such a great way to elevate an otherwise boring outfit. It's thick, stretchy and can work with both jumpers ( exhibit A pictured ) and sparkly tops making it great for any kind of Christmas gathering.
£25.99
And where there's silver metallic skirts, there are silver metallic trousers. And these ones are SO comfortable and easy to move around in - not to mention GORGEOUS. While I paired it with a jumper like this Cream Fluffy Wrap Jumper, they'd look incredible with a sheer top, sparkly blouse, band tee.
£32.99
This dress was quite possibly my favourite of the bunch - I'm not one for bodycon and love a more floaty number and I can take or leave sequins, so this party dress, for me, is the perfect balance between festive fun and bohemian bliss. While it is sold out online, there are plenty available in stores.
£53.99 down from £59.99