How To Master Modern Party Dressing, According To 4 Style Insiders

My style signatures: “My festive outfits always start with a feeling or a mood. Maybe a color I’m drawn to, a fabric or trim. I’m loving tuxedo styles at the moment, like this satin-trimmed wool-crepe blazer, with a strong lip or an exaggerated smoky eye. My party style is always maximalist. Maybe the statement is the dress, so I will deliberately style the look with no jewelry. Other times, the earrings are the moment.”

Where I find inspiration: “I love the process of putting an outfit together based around an idea or mood I have in my mind. I take inspiration from the host, the venue, maybe even the guest list. Getting dressed for an occasion is such a creative act and a form of self-expression. As a mother of three little ones, I love a chance to be more playful with my style and embrace some high glamour.”

My go-to designers: “I’ve worn Ilkyaz Ozel’s pieces for many years and I always feel empowered in her designs. I adore her sequin-embellished gowns and love how this sheer, sequined mesh top looks styled with pants and a clutch. My default is often black, but I love wearing color for the right event. I’m obsessed with this Valentino Garavani pink silk-taffeta jacket, maybe styled with straight-leg pants or even denim.”

The finishing touches: “My top styling tip is to plan the look with your hair and makeup in mind. Sometimes you need a little tension with the outfit. I also always consider the bag. I’ll carry a top-handle bag or clutch for a sit-down dinner, and a small shoulder bag, like my Valentino Garavani embroidered velvet ‘DeVain’, if I’m standing and holding a drink.”

My style signatures: “When it comes to party dressing, I would say I’m the poster child of minimalism, no matter the occasion. I always prefer something very fluid or sculptural with an interesting detail. I love silk, chiffon or, for something completely different, structured leather. I tend to invest in neutrals but, every now and then, opt for a strong color if the occasion calls.”

A top tip for party dressing: “My advice would be to wear something you can move in – nothing too tight or fussy. If you’re unsure where to start, begin with a more neutral outfit and play with jewelry and accessories – a good bag or earrings can go a long way. You don’t need to forfeit your style or point of view just because you’re dressing for a special occasion. Inevitably, I always feel my best when I feel like myself.”

My go-to designers: “I love the silk dresses and long coats from Róhe this season. I’ll also be turning to Tove, Heirlome, Christopher Esber for special party pieces; The Row, Jude and Manolo Blahnik for heels; Fane, Le Sundial and Liffner for party bags; and Sophie Bille Brahe, Sophie Buhai and Simone Rocha for statement earrings.”

My style signatures: “I lean towards maximalism for parties, though I’m particular about cohesion. I don’t necessarily subscribe to taking one thing off before leaving the house; sometimes the extra detail is what makes the outfit. I gravitate towards a statement dress or jacket, adding playful accessories if the balance is right. I love theatricality, particularly in the evening.”

A top tip for party dressing: “The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to embrace embellishment and texture. I have a weakness for ornate fabrics and designs, particularly velvet, embroidery and deep jewel tones. I love when something has a timeless character, reminiscent of an archival find.”

The finishing touches: “As for accessories, I always come back to large statement earrings. I’m also enjoying tassel clutches at the moment, and I love a book clutch à la Olympia Le-Tan for a little wit. Finally, nothing says holiday dressing quite like a perfect pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps.”

My go-to pieces: “These outfits (pictured) reflect my guiding principles for occasion dressing, from embracing color to finding cohesion in elaborate combinations. The Khaite ‘York’ jacket makes a case for maximalism sans color. It’s a timeless yet visually exciting piece that I would wear from day to night. The Dôen fringed dress is a statement, but I love how the book clutch adds to its character.”

My style signatures: “I am nothing if not a maximalist through and through. More, more, more is a mantra, not a lifestyle choice. Plus, ’tis the season for good cheer! Color, texture, pattern, metallics – these are the things that make me happy in a holiday look. I unapologetically indulge in sequins, glass beads and overall embellished textures – feathers and fur (faux) are also not to be discounted!”

My top tip for party season: “STAND OUT! Be loud and bold and shiny… Look like an ornament in whatever way that speaks to you. I go heavy on jewelry and razzle dazzle.”

My go-to pieces: “I live in New York, so my festive outfits have the bitter cold to consider – that said, I regularly ignore it. I love a mini dress and sheer black tights, and I subscribe to the doctrine of sparkle supremacy. I want to look like a disco ball during the holiday season.”

The finishing touches: “I am a sucker for a Saint Laurent stiletto. Will I feel it the next morning? Yes. Is it worth it? Also yes. My go-to accessory? GIANT earrings.”