How To Master Party Dressing, According To 4 Style Insiders
From megawatt glamour to understated elegance – nail your after-dark wardrobe with these fail-safe styling tricks
Coco Bassey, digital marketing strategist
“Chic, modern and playful, with a focus on flattering silhouettes and high-quality fabrics” is how New York-based digital marketing strategist Coco Bassey describes her ideal party outfit. “I’m definitely a minimalist, but I love touches of maximalism to add a personal touch – crystal and sequin accents, bold jewelry, a statement lipstick… My perfect party look has to have one of those,” she adds.
“I always love high-quality silk; it’s a chic and subtle way to bring some shine to a holiday outfit. But, of course, I’d never turn down beautiful beaded crystals and sequins – this is the one time of year that going ‘over the top’ is never out of place,” says Bassey, who has styles by Retrofête, The Attico and Magda Butrym on her party wish list.
“A lot of people associate dressing up with discomfort. You don’t need to wear those five-inch heels you can’t walk in, and you don’t need to be in a tight, tiny dress that’ll have you tugging at your hemline all night. Pick a feature you love about your own body and accentuate it tastefully — you’ll be a lot happier and have way more fun at the party if you’re comfortable, rather than constantly fidgeting in an outfit that you’ve forced yourself into.
“I’ve been obsessed with rich, deep red tones all year – and they look especially incredible in the fall through the holiday season. This Khaite dress is a very simple silhouette – it has all the comfort of a T-shirt, with the elegance of eveningwear, thanks to its luxe silk-gazar material.”
Sophia Roe, stylist and content creator
“Elegant but minimal, with a focus on striking details” neatly sums up Danish stylist and content creator Sophia Roe’s approach to party dressing. “I like to play with textures instead of colors or prints, and pair them with standout accessories,” she says, adding that a black slip dress, finished with a bangle and her hair pulled back in a tight bun, is her go-to when getting ready for an event in a hurry.
“I have occasionwear in my wardrobe, but these are usually pieces that can easily transform from day to night by changing my accessories. I’ve seen a lot of chocolate-brown and earth-toned dresses this season, which I think are a great alternative to black,” says Roe, who is drawn to cooler tones at this time of year.
“The Row for accessories and Toteme or Saint Laurent for dresses” are Roe’s favorite brands for partywear. “Anything sleek, sophisticated and timeless,” she adds. “I like to pair a new dress with a vintage coat or shoes – it adds personality to an outfit. The same rule applies if you happen to own a special piece of jewelry with a personal story.”
Roe’s top advice for party dressing this season? “Keep it simple but impactful. Focus on one standout piece – whether it’s shoes, jewelry or a clutch. Let the fabrics and cuts speak for themselves.”
Ng Laiza, photographer and ceramicist
“When it comes to my ideal party outfit, I gravitate towards a minimalist aesthetic with a color palette focused on black, white and beige tones,” says Hong Kong-based ceramicist and photographer Ng Laiza. “I find that these hues exude elegance and timelessness, allowing for versatile and sophisticated looks that can be easily elevated with classic black pieces or gold accessories.
“I prefer clean lines and understated elegance over bold and intricate designs. When it comes to finishes, I appreciate subtle embellishments and textures that add depth and interest to an outfit without overpowering the overall aesthetic.
“This season, I will be looking to The Row, Helmut Lang and Vince for my partywear needs. These brands offer chic and sophisticated pieces that align with my minimalist style preferences and focus on quality craftsmanship.”
Bambi Northwood-Blyth, model and content creator
Party season is model and content creator Bambi Northwood-Blyth’s favorite time of year, and she considers it the perfect excuse to embrace a little sparkle. “I love silver for the holidays; I find it super-versatile and easy to pair with so many colors,” she says. “I have always loved a mini dress, and this silver Self-Portrait dress with an embellished bow is a favorite silhouette. For parties, I like to add a statement earring, a clutch or a shimmery eye.”
When choosing accessories, Northwood-Blyth looks to Bottega Veneta, Laura Lombardi, Alighieri and Bleue Burnham for eye-catching jewels, and Toteme and Jimmy Choo for bags and shoes. “Let the outfit do the talking, and don’t overdo it with the glam or too many loud things. I like to pick one statement item and then try on different earrings, shoes and jackets to see what works.”