I decided to write my party frock post a bit earlier this year. Apologies if you haven’t yet got your head around the big ‘C’, but if you have seasonal parties in the diary and you know you’ll be needing a frock, this blog will help you to get organised without any last minute panic buying. (Notice how I’ve avoided using the word so far?!)
And the great news is that designers have finally listened to our repeated requests for dresses with sleeves. Only a few years ago it required a real search to find something glamorous that didn’t expose the arms. (If you are happy to wear sleeveless, there are a gazillion to choose from so don’t worry. This post is for the thousands of women that aren’t).
This year we are spoilt for choice. A dress with sleeves means you’ll stay warm and avoid the added expense of a cover-up/shrug/jacket.
Just add sparkly shoes and jewellery and enjoy the night!
Finery Flockton Crossover Velvet Dress, Charcoal Grey £69
Velvet is still having a moment and what better fabric for a touch of luxurious glamour. And velvet is sooo cosy and comfortable! This style is great for accentuating a small waist and curves.
Damsel in a dress Sparkle Jersey Dress, Black/Silver £139
I love this sparkle dress and am quite tempted myself… This versatile shape is good for lots of body types, clinging in all the right places. I’d say its particularly great for straighter figure types with slim hips.
Gina Bacconi Paula Sequin Waist Dress, Navy £300 (also comes in beige)
This dress is simple, elegant and sophisticated. What more could you ask for in a dress? Strictly only for those with a waist to accentuate, due to the ‘attention grabbing’ sequin belt.
NEW BRAND! Wild Pony Statement Sleeve Mini Shift Dress, Red £73
This is a fun, swishy dress. Perfect for a straighter figure types (no defined waist). Great for showing off your pins.
Phase Eight Becca Diamante Trim Sheer Dress, Navy £120
I love the sheer sleeves on this Phase 8 number. No need for jewellery with the diamante trim around the neck and cuffs – except perhaps a nice sparkly earring.
Coast Gisella Ombre Mesh And Sequin Dress, Silver/Black £129
Full on sparkle alert! Sexy yet demure, a very clever design. This dress requires a strapless bra to maintain the clean lines of the bodice with the sheer overlay.
Mint Velvet Cape Dress, Black £149
A little black dress with some drama. This cape effect dress is SO different and flattering. Add some sparkle and heels and you are good to go.
Karen Millen Mini Pencil Dress, Red/Black £150
I couldn’t do a Christmas party blog (I used the word!) without including a red dress. This one is statement and needs nothing but a pair of black patent heels.
Wrap Lace Sleeve Jumpsuit £55
OK, it’s not a dress but a jumpsuit is a great alternative. I wrote a blog on how to wear jumpsuits which you can read here. The lace sleeves give this one a nice feminine feel.
Reiss Etta Wrap Front Long Sleeve Jumpsuit £195
And finally, yes, another jumpsuit. The colour caught my eye. Its luxurious, a bit different for winter and would work brilliantly with rose gold accessories.
Enjoy your party-wear shopping! Leave me a comment below and tell me which has caught your eye.
Thanks for this post, Helen. Luckily this year I’ve been working with a PT so sleeves are less of an issue for me 🙂
However, I love jumpsuits but at only 5′ tall but curvy (hourglass), I can never find any that fit! Do you have any recommendations, please? Would love a jumpsuit for Christmas parties!
Hi Sapna, well done on the PT! Debenhams has a few petite ones, although you are curvy you need the proportions to be right and you are more likely to find one that fits in a petite. Debenhams have Wallis, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Precis to choose from.