Festive season is upon us, and, on cue, the shops are heaving with sparkle, sequins, and all things shimmery. With that party season whim comes the usual trap of getting swept up in the festive madness and buying a sparkly piece that will sit in your wardrobe until next Christmas.
But this year’s party season mood is shifting. Instead of leaning into one-night-only sparkle, it’s about choosing pieces with staying power that you’ll reach for post-festivities. Items that feel festive now, but will easily slot into your everyday wardrobe later, too. And, luckily, festive fashion this season feels more elevated, wearable and versatile.
Pieces have a festive flavour, but it’s no longer about decking yourself out head to toe in sequins. One of the easiest alternatives to full-on sparkle? Metallics. Slightly on the softer side, a metallic piece will easily slide into your wardrobe paired with knits, satin, or denim long after you take the decorations down. Try a metallic knit with jeans and heels, or champagne-hued silk trousers with a blouse for party season.
Silk and satin are the ideal fabrics for the festive season, instantly elevating and adding a glamorous feel without a speckle of sequins. And you need not worry, it won’t be a one-season thing, with satin slip dresses already dominating the catwalks for spring 2026.
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To make it work for the festive season, choose a satin slip dress in a deep, rich tone – chocolate is a colour of the moment, but you could try black, navy, burgundy or olive. When trimmed with delicate lace, it adds a further dressier edge and brings it into the spring trend, too.
Velvet is another festive favourite, and for good reason – plush, elevated, cosy and wearable. It’s inherently classic: if you invest now, it will become a trusted winter hero for years to come. Velvet and tailoring are the ultimate match, offering equal comfort and structure. Opt for deep, moody jewel tones, and choose a slightly oversized or relaxed blazer with wide-leg trousers for a more modern feel for the tactile fabric.
The fastest and most effective route to party chic is a faux fur topper. It’s an easy, glam throw-on that instantly adds texture and dresses up even a simple top-and-jeans outfit. For added drama, opt for a maxi style or go cropped and wear over everything from tailored trousers to dresses and skirts.
If easy-peasy festive dressing is your thing, then the most effortless party outfit formula is a nice top and jeans. Basically, a dressy top, tempered with jeans – simple, but it looks like you’ve made an effort, even when you don’t feel like dressing up. When looking for the right top, try dressier knits, sheer textures, embellished blouses, hot-fix or satin blouses.
If you want to dial up the drama even further, upgrade your denim with embellishment: this season, jeans come decked out in sequins, rhinestones and studs. Embellished jeans give the same level of comfort but with an after-dark feel. Keep your top half chic and fuss-free.
If you do decide to opt for some shimmer, focus on just one piece. To give the sequin piece a modern, fresh feel, pair it with an understated opposite. A crisp white shirt with a fun off-the-shoulder detail, or a sharp tuxedo jacket, will add refinement to all the texture and shine.
