Dress to impress this party season with Harvey Nichols

As the invites roll in this party season, make sure you are armed with dazzling outfits fit for any Christmas occasion. For expert styling advice, we caught up with Ellie Bickerton, Private Shopper at Harvey Nichols, Leeds, to guide you through the seasons latest trends and ensure you survive the Christmas holidays in style! Take it away Ellie…

Christmas Day

If you can’t dress up on one of the most special days of the year, then when can you? Go Christmas decoration-esque with this pink sequin number from British brand Rixo, known for their vintage-inspired one-off pieces that give us a lesson in how to dress up for daytime.

If you dare to go bold then use the occasion to invest in a pair of statement heels, with a pair of slippers handy for plating up Christmas Dinner of course. Gold accessories are a winning combination around Christmas time and the gold leather sandals form Jimmy Choo paired with a simple gold hoop instantly add to the look.

If you already have an existing sparkly number in your wardrobe, add a pair of black tights and sock boots for a cosier but still glamorous look. The ‘Yes Darling’ boots from Aquazura are perfect, with a crystal-embellished disco ball heel which also, surprisingly, makes them comfier to walk, or stand, in all day with the stiletto heel illusion.

Work Christmas Party

Planning on going from desk to dancefloor this party season? Save space, time and outfits by choosing something that can be easily dressed up after work finishes. A pair of leather trousers always does the trick, smart enough to wear to the office all day especially when teamed with a classic white shirt. Choosing a reasonably sized, embellished bag will mean it can be used all day and simply swap the over-shoulder strap for a clutch to make it more dressy.

Take the look from day to night by swapping the shirt for the In The Mood For Love Coco top. Dripping in silver sequins, this eye-catching design is shaped to a loose silhouette that’s finished with a chic knot-embellished low back. Add a pair of embellished heeled sandals from Aquazzura to tie in with the tone of the trousers, and you’re good to go.

Festive Drinks with Friends

Whether the plan is to out for drinks, or out out, turn heads in a pair of sequin trousers Comfy enough to sit having drinks with friends, but you’ll also be ready to party into the night. Pair with a simple white t-shirt to tone down the look, underneath this stunning blazer double-breasted Saint Laurent blazer with satin lapels, a perfect investment piece which will elevate any look this party season.

Finish the look with silver-tone accessories. The Opyum black leather ankle boots, also Saint Laurent, needs zero introduction, with a statement logo heel and pointed toe. Add the Balenciaga Le Cagole bag in a crinked metallic silver finish, complete with a heart-shaped mirror that’s perfect for touch ups, for a glamorous addition.

And what Christmas outfit is complete without a swipe of red lipstick? Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution in Love Liberty is the ideal shade.

Festive Day Out

Whatever the festive plan, there is no outfit that looks more wholesome than winter whites in my opinion. Keep cosy in a cream knit and the Cosmic jumper from Zimmermann is perfect, spun with a swirling take on cable-knit patters and topped with a cosy high neckline. Style with a pair of leather leggings to dress the knit up whilst keeping warm.

When it comes to layers, I would always recommend investing in a piece of outerwear at the start of the A/W season that will see you through every year. Moncler is a go-to brand using classic silhouettes in lightweight fabrics with practical features.

Add a pair of classic Chelsea boots, in a slightly chunkier silhouette like the Fendi Force style and a cross-body bag from Saint Laurent to ensure maximum security and style.

New Years Eve

When asked for New Year’s Eve outfit inspiration, there is one brand that springs to mind and that is A-lister approved brand Mach & Mach. Nothing screams seeing the New Year in more than their crystal-embellished designs, featuring diamonte bow sleeves and belt in a head-turning bright pink.

I’d always recommend wearing hair in an up-do to showcase all the details in the dress without any distractions and also keeps you looking glamorous as you see in the New Year, no matter how long you celebrate for.

Pair with a pair of statement heels which although look striking, would elevate a more casual outfit throughout the entire festive period and into the next year. The satin pumps from Mach & Mach will look perfect added to the typical ‘jeans a nice top’.