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.
ANINE BINGHenry shearling jacket€720.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stock
STELLA MCCARTNEYRuched stretch-jersey maxi dress€545.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx smallsmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
MANOLO BLAHNIKCapri crystal-embellished satin-trimmed velvet clutch
KHAITELoop metallic crinkled-leather sandals€546.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock36.5 - out of stock37 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock40.5 - out of stock41 - out of stock
“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.”
RÓHELace-trimmed silk-satin camisole€198.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size34 - out of stock36 - out of stock38 - out of stock40 - out of stock42 - out of stock44 - out of stock
SUZANNE KALAN18-karat gold diamond ring
STAUDOdin silk-blend satin maxi skirt€273.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size02 - out of stock4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock16 - out of stock
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.
VICTORIA BECKHAMAsymmetric draped crepe midi dress€395.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock16 - out of stock
BALENCIAGAPalazzo silver-tone crystal earrings
LOEWEFlamenco mini leather clutch
MANOLO BLAHNIKChaos 90 leather sandals€745.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size36 - out of stock36.537 - out of stock37.538 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - low stock39.5 - low stock40 - low stock40.541 - out of stock41.5 - out of stock42
“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.”
TOTEMESignature wool and cashmere-blend coat€714.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - out of stock
FAITHFULLVida stretch recycled-jersey maxi dress€186.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmediumlarge - out of stockx large - out of stockxx large - out of stock
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.”
STELLA MCCARTNEYChain-embellished ribbed cotton-blend jersey tank€245.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizexx small - out of stockx small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - out of stocklarge - out of stockx large - low stock
REPOSSISerti Sur Vide 18-karat rose gold diamond ring
RALPH LAUREN COLLECTIONMid-rise wide-leg jeans€510.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size24 - out of stock25 - out of stock26 - out of stock27 - out of stock28 - out of stock29 - out of stock30 - out of stock31 - low stock32 - out of stock
THE ROWEssentials Mirna crepe midi dress€1,400.00View Product DetailsSelect a Sizex small - out of stocksmall - out of stockmedium - low stocklargex large - out of stock
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.”
NIKOS KOULISOui 18-karat white gold, diamond and enamel earrings
SELF-PORTRAITEmbellished sequined bouclé-tweed mini dress€190.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size4 - out of stock6 - out of stock8 - out of stock10 - out of stock12 - out of stock14 - out of stock16 - out of stock
JIMMY CHOOZandra Embellished crinkled-leather clutch
MAISON MARGIELATabi metallic cracked-leather ballet flats€850.00View Product DetailsSelect a Size3536 - out of stock36.5 - out of stock37 - out of stock37.5 - out of stock38 - out of stock38.5 - out of stock39 - out of stock39.5 - out of stock40 - out of stock
