Christmas Party season is normally the time when I absolutely hate shopping. I’m not one for sequins, or sparkles, or bright colours, so that sequin Motel Rocks dress that Amber wore on Love Island and sold out instantly after – definitely not for me. To be honest, walking into the shops this time of year I actually find to be kind of a stressful experience. I feel a headache coming on as I start to panic, staring around at the racks until my vision starts to blur in a mess of sequins. On the rare occassion that I do make an exception for sequins, they are really delicate and small on the top, and certainly not ‘in your face’, which I think is the best way to describe most Christmas Party looks.
Instead I try and mix it up with other textures, looking towards (faux) fur, leather, lace, or velvet, things that still exude party glamour, but are definitely way less in your face. So, thinking about my Christmas Party outfits this year, I came up with 4 outfits using some of these textures that I thought you wouldn’t normally see in a festive party lookbook…
1.FESTIVE RED
Whenever it’s the festive season I always, always start with red. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen me obsessing over this dress which was actually my first designer (clothing) purchase that I made in New York! I made it when I was shopping at Century 21 – it’s a Boutique Moschino dress that was reduced from $950 to $200 so I could hardly resist buying myself this as an early Christmas present! Obviously it’s past season so I couldn’t find it online anywhere, but I’ve linked similars (from £5!!) below. As the dress is such a standout piece, I’ve paired it with simple black heels and this amazing beaded black back I actually got from Zara (it’s not online but I bought this on Oxford Street a few days ago). Paired it with my leopard coat mainly to keep me warm, as I do think the two look very bold together, but hey, that’s completely personal preference.
SHOP THE LOOK
2. WORK/PARTY TROUSERS
As you guys know I’ve recently become obsessed with day to night looks so when I saw these trousers that look like they could be work trousers, I had to dress them up and make them work for a night look. I’ve paired them with this lovely lace crop top and my favourite black heels to take the look from office to night.
SHOP THE LOOK
2. FAUX LEATHER & FUR
In terms of other textures, I always look to fur! I’m obsessed with faux fur coats in the winter and wear them all the time so it felt only natural I’d pair one with a party outfit. I’ve just combined some faux leather leggings with an on-trend ruffle crop and my favourite ruffle heels that you’ve probably seen in previous posts (can you tell I’m just a tad obsessed with ruffles?) I thought this was pretty different as you don’t normally see quite a ‘plain’ top on festive party lookbooks, but I love how they all look together.
SHOP THE LOOK
4. THE POLKA DOT DRESS
I’ve been looking for a polka dot wrap dress like this for literally my entire life. What I love about them is that obviously they’re summery – but you can genuinely make them work for winter as well, with tights or with knee high boots as I have here. This dress I actually got in New York as well – it’s from a store called Cotton Candy LA – but these dresses are everywhere so I’ve linked similars. I’ve threw my favourite white side-tie jumper on to see how you can make the look work for the daytime, as well.
SHOP THE LOOK
What festive party looks will you guys be wearing? Let me know below.
LOVE,
NINA
INSTAGRAM / BLOGLOVIN’ / TWITTER / TUMBLR
XO
Photos are by the lovely Catherine (third outfit) and Kelsey (other outfits) xoxo
Please note: All items from Missy Empire and Pandora were generously gifted to me, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
love the polka dot dress!
Author
Thanks lovely! Xx
I love all your picks! So adorable
I love the red dress so much! It looks so beautiful on you girl!
You look amazing in all of them! 2 or 3 is my favorite though.
Some very sexy looks!
Xx
Kali
http://www.lovelaughexplore.com
This was really interesting plus you look really great
Author
Thanks so much! Xxx
Such great looks! I love your shoe selection and that last look is my favorite!
Author
Thank you I’m glad you liked them! X
So much love for this post!! I love how different each outfit is 🙂
XX, Brittany
http://sincerelystyled.com
Author
Thank you lovely!!
Wow you gave us so many options to choose from! I love that you stayed away from showy and sparkle and gave us more simple looks that really
Just popped and I would wear all of them during the holidays seasons! Thanks girl 😍
Author
Aw thank you so much lovely – I’m so glad you liked them! Xx