The season for holiday soirées is upon us and whilst the time is one for making merry and sharing joy with your loved ones, it also implies an undying list of things to check off your to-do list. For those playing host for the year-end parties, the tabled menu of the evening is of certain priority. Those on the guestlist might be trying to fulfil the one formidable task they have at hand: gift-giving. But lingering at the back of everyone’s minds? The dress code.
With some invites, a clear, specific theme might be given to you, but at most other occasions, the festive mood should be more than enough to guide you along. High-octane ensembles are often the most sought after, be it a show of sequins or extravagant lace. After all, these festive parties are nothing else but the surefire way to leave an indelible impression on everyone else joining you for the evening. And for those heading to those year-end company galas, the term dress to impress has never rung truer.
To ensure that you’ll be heading out the door looking fresh from head to toe, there is surely no other place to turn to than our highly-favoured celebrities—who are almost always at the top of their game when it comes to their sartorial choices. Be it the red carpet, the private party invites or even their regular snap for the ‘Gram, they’re the ones to emulate when you’re going all out for a luxe wardrobe day. Perhaps start your search with the recent year-end holiday event thrown by Moët & Chandon—where Jessica Chastain pulled up in a sequinned mini and blazer set from Prabal Gurung, all ready to party into the night. For a look of sleek glamour, Tessa Mae Thompson’s Giorgio Armani red carpet look that effortlessly sculpted her body lines might be of consideration.
Ahead of the holiday season, we’ve gathered some of the best party-worthy frocks, inspired by the glinting looks our A-listers and It girls are bringing to town—and where to cop them all, below.
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Sequins galore
Some say this tried-and-tested look is the only way to ring in this merry season. The high-shine affair of a dress completely embellished in sequins is one reliable course to take should you wish to amp up on the festive flair this year. Take cues from Jessica Chastain and pair it with a matching blazer or overcoat option to double the glam.
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Proenza Schouler sequinned knitted dress, $2,435
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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Sleek and silky
At times, one might require a dress that will secure nods from all fronts—especially the host who’s demanding a black-tie dress code. A sophisticated, flooring number might be one that you’ll be hunting down for—but no one’s ever said that such elegance can’t also come with its own fair share of fun. Tessa Mae Thompson’s red carpet moment earlier this year for the premiere of Thor: Love & Thunder might just be the perfect encapsulation of both—when she stepped out in a sleek, metallic dress with an asymmetric cutout that flattered her naked torso. With the reflective nature of her fabric choice, you can emulate her look by keeping the accessories minimal for an allure like no other.
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Stella McCartney satin maxi dress, $3,870
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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Jonathan Simkhai draped satin gown, $1,497
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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Mesh it up
The naked dress has been the bold favourite for the party crowd—and there is no one better than Emily Ratajkowski to turn to when it comes to owning the look. Here, she opts for a set of silky-nude undergarments under her netted Tory Burch gown, making a case for the femme fatale. If you’ve got it in you, the risqué see-through look is one that will not only turn heads, but might be the perfect pick if you’re planning to head out for a round two with the squad.
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Legs for days
Should you be on the lookout for something a little more wearable all through the year—then the mini dress might just be further up your alley. A dress option that will easily fit into your everyday wardrobe rotation should you wish it so, the mini dress holds appeal for the multitude of ways you can style the piece. Either dress it down with a pair of sneakers or take it a few notches up with a pair of platform heels, decadent accessories and a snatched make-up pull à la Jennie here.
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Victoria Beckham crepe mini dress, $1,099
Available at Net-A-Porter.
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The (not so) little black dress
When in doubt, head straight for the LBD. Its timeless appeal since its introduction into the market by none other Coco Chanel herself is devastatingly clear—highly-favoured by all for its classic form of elegance. Silhouettes aside, everyone’s version of the LBD is slightly different but when dressed up with the right accessories, you’ll definitely be walking in feeling like a star. If you’re asking us, Dua Lipa’s halter neck take on the little black dress is chic, sexy and irrefutably divine.
