Whether it’s your annual work Christmas party, a big New Years Eve blow-out or just a night on the tiles with your bff’s, tis’ definitely the season to go all out with your party attire. Both the high street and high end are full of the razzle dazzle trend we love (or love to hate, perhaps) so there are a plethora of options to shop.
I’ve spoken before about how I struggle with the concept of dressing to go “out-out” (read about it here). I’m nearly always in jeans and am not really into pouring myself into anything body-con these days. Over time I’ve learned the best attitude to adopt when dressing for any occasion, whether it be a festive outing or going for brunch, is to just do you. If I want to wear jeans, a slogan tee and quirky boots on a night out, so be it. Or if I feel like being a little extra with some glitz and glam, that’s fine too. I don’t like to pigeon hole myself into a certain style or label because I honestly just go with whatever I’m into at the time and what feels good!
Working in Brown Thomas, I’m fortunate enough to have some of the freshest designer labels at my fingertips (if only I could have them all in my wardrobe too!). Sticking to my own style ethos whilst still bringing the wow factor, I’ve put together three of my favourite party looks from three of our coolest Young Contemporary brands. Alice + Olivia has graced level 2 for some time now, whilst Rixo London and Ganni are fresh in store this season. They are all packing a punch this party season and I can’t wait to show you what I’ve chosen!
Ganni is a super cool and fresh brand hailing from Denmark. As we all know by now, those Scandi’s always ace the style game and the first Spring Summer ’18 drop from Ganni is no exception. Boasting effortless, versatile pieces in a variety of bold prints, I was literally skipping as I ripped open the boxes from our first delivery. Sitting at a very reasonable price point, Ganni is definitely worth trying on for size this festive season… and probably every season following this, let’s be honest!
What I love about this floral printed top and skirt combo is how well it fares in the old cost per wear test. Both pieces are totally transeasonal and so easy to dress up or down. Worn together you have a striking, yet comfortable, occasion wear ensemble, but pair the top with vintage straight leg jeans or the skirt with a t-shirt and biker jacket and you’ve transformed them for day wear.
Now onto one of my favourite and most lusted after brands of 2017, Rixo London. These gals have vintage inspired styling down to a fine art! Most of their pieces are 100% silk and all the prints are hand painted too. Their quirky, bold take on party dressing is right up my street and I just love the features of this dress. A plunging neckline, double split skirt with a floral, oriental, space age print… It shouldn’t work, but it does! Carefully balanced against a black background, with a demure pleated skirt and billowing long sleeves, all the elements combine to create the dreamiest of dresses.
I already own a beautiful star print Rixo blouse (check it out here) and have gotten great wear out of it. The ease with which it can be worn casually with denim and sneakers or jazzed up with statement trousers and an embellished heel is phenomenal. Like me, you might be inclined to think a statement dress such as the style I’m wearing here would be a one-off piece. But I now don’t believe it is. Layer a roll neck underneath and throw on some Converse sneakers and you’ve transformed your gown for everyday!
Now for the final and possibly boldest look from Alice + Olivia. The little number was born to be worn sashaying across the dancefloor! Born and bred in New York in the early noughties, the bold prints and detailed designs never fail to bring a flash of colour and life to the shop floor! As a long time fan of the swingin’ Sixties, when this dress arrived in store, it was love at first sight. I think my exact words were “I want to wear this dress all day, every day for the rest of my life”. Clearly I have a flair for the dramatic when it comes to clothes!
To really capitalise on those Sixties vibes, I layered a roll neck underneath (so practical, my Grandma would be proud) and accessorised with a baker boy cap and some super shiny sock boots. If you’re not willing to get the legs out in the middle of winter, a sparkly tight or even just some black opaques would look amazing with this mini also. This dress will take you right through to summer when less layers are needed too. Work it back with sandals and a denim jacket for your next sun soaked getaway!
Photos by Kiera Murphy
So that’s my party dressing for this season all wrapped up! Time to kick back and enjoy the festivities. I’d love to hear if you have a favourite look and also what you are going to be rocking throughout the festive season! Leave it in the comments below.
Until next time,
Sinead
*Big thank-you to Brown Thomas Galway for allowing me to style some looks to share and to the very accommodating team in the Radisson Galway for being so kind as to let Kiera and I take over with our little shoot!
