SANTA ISN'T THE ONLY ONE putting on a suit. But with a list of
party invites as long as St. Nick's curly beard, figuring out what
to wear can be a hairy task. Like the perfect gift, the right
outfit requires the right intelligence: knowing the setting, the
guests and, most of all, yourself.
Slim-fitting trousers may seem like a good idea--until you're
stuck with a too-tight waistband after an eight-course meal.
(Beware popping buttons.) The invitation may say smart casual, but
if you've never seen your host or his friends in anything
resembling a pair of khakis, you might want to rethink the Mr.
Rogers sweater. And if you're not used to wearing figure-hugging
bodycon numbers, no amount of Spanx will make you feel comfortable
in one. So why spend a perfectly enjoyable night distracted by
anything other than the good conversations happening next to
you?
Here's our guide to dressing confidently--and comfortably--this
season, no matter what your style.
FOR HER
Why not bring the party with you this season? While there's
plenty of sparkle, sheen and metallic out there, there's no need to
go overboard. Think instead in terms of pieces; shine should really
only cover one part of the body.
You won't need much else if you wear Givenchy's gold sequined
cutout maxi ( GBP4,375), Burberry's draped bronze skirt ( GBP450;
both net-a-porter.com ) or Marni's super-luxe feathered skirt (
GBP1,560; marni.com ). Pair with a simple cashmere top and
Louboutin's Belle boots ( GBP645; christianlouboutin.com ).
But you don't need sequins to sparkle. In Gucci's elegant
floor-length black silk dress ( GBP3,210; gucci.com ), you'll look
like you just stepped off the red-carpet. For other party pieces
that really pop, try Saint Laurent's mod Gold Guns ( GBP2,000;
selfridges.com ) or Miu Miu's crystal-embellished Cady dress (
GBP4,130; net-a-porter.com ). Or invest in a fail-safe dress, like
Roland Mouret's paneled midi ( GBP895; brownsfashion.com ) or
Jaeger's all-over lace dress ( GBP220; jaeger.co.uk ), that will
work hard for the money--and put you at your ease in the
process.
Tina Gaudoin
FOR HIM
Greet the season of excessive libations, appetizers and casual
banter in style. Though black-tie events may be few and far
between, when they do come around, dress to impress. If you don't
own a slim-fitting black suit, invest in one now. Try Lanvin's (
jacket, GBP1,350, trousers, GBP410; mrporter.com ). Remember: Every
man looks best in black and white. Throw a sophisticated tie, like
Kris Van Assche's jacquard print ( GBP120; thecorner.com ), over a
white Saint Laurent shirt ( GBP280; ysl.com ) for a touch of
whimsy. Then put on your derbys ( Jimmy Choo, GBP495; mrporter.com
) and hit the town.
For the more frequent and more casual cocktail, tree-trimming,
office and any-excuse-for-a-party parties, dressing down is
encouraged. How down? Leave your suit and your sweatpants at home,
and aim for that sweet spot of fashionably relaxed. When in doubt,
stick to the classics. Pull on a pair of simple, slim-cut jeans
like East Dane's 3x1s ( GBP188; eastdane.com ) or Frame Denim's
Vinoodhs ( GBP235), with a crew-neck sweater ( Polo Ralph Lauren,
GBP370), a white T-shirt ( James Perse, GBP45, all mrporter.com )
and white leather sneakers like Common Projects' Original Achilles
( GBP268; farfetch.com ). If you're going caroling, dress it up
with a cozy overcoat, like Theory's wool version in camel ( GBP795;
mrporter.com ). Even if you sing off key, no one will notice. Joy
to the world, indeed.
Yale Breslin
Access Investor Kit for Ralph Lauren Corp.
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