How to dress to impress for Christmas festivities

10 December 2018
By Fashion Quarterly

As social engagements begin to fill your festive calendar, look for luxurious pieces to make your celebrations extra special.

With your calendar filling up faster than a Christmas stocking, it can be stressful trying to decide what to wear to each soiree you’ve RSVP’d to. Luckily, Simply You has found the perfect party pieces to invest in as an early present.

From summer whites that will look chic at any time of the day, to racy reds and luxurious black, here’s how to wear the latest colour trends and how to accessorise accordingly.


All white


A white dress is a smart choice because it will always look fresh. The key to styling it this season is to incorporate metallic accents and accessories to make your outfit shine.

Currently, strappy heels provide the best flash of silver and gold, which bring with them a ’70s disco vibe – perfect for events where there is the potential for a dance floor. With the party on your feet, pare-back your other accents – a polished pair of earrings is all you need to complete your ensemble.

Shop the look
Left: Dress, $699, by Trelise Cooper. Earrings, $89, by Four Corners. Heels, $650, by Yvonne Bennetti. Centre: Dress, $300, by Verge. Earrings, from $605, by Meadowlark. Heels, $650, by Yvonne Bennetti. Right: Dress, $999, by Trelise Cooper. Earrings, $500, by Zoe & Morgan. Heels, $210, by Merchant 1948. JAB Monet fabric, from Seneca.


Christmas red


Update the season’s go-to shade with unexpected ensembles from a pantsuit to a skirt and jacket combination. Black and red are a striking duo that ensures the look is not too theme-y.

Drop earrings and gold or black heels also elevate the look. A simple up-do for the hair is best to show off these statement accessories.

Shop the look
Left:
Jumpsuit, $479, by Ingrid Starnes. Earrings, $446, by Zoe & Morgan. Heels, $210, by Mi Piaci. Centre: Top, $995, by Liz Mitchell. Pants, $449, by Kate Sylvester. Earrings, $500, by Zoe & Morgan. Heels, $650, by Yvonne Bennetti. Right: Jacket, $679, and skirt, $429, by Kate Sylvester. Top, $199, by World. Earrings, $1099, by Meadowlark. Black Edition Lombardo Vermillion fabric, from Seneca.


Luxurious black


Black is going to be one of the biggest fashion colours for 2019, so why not get one step ahead and wear it while we count down to the new year! Strappy heels and streamlined garments create a modern look that is surprisingly easy to pull off.

Our top tip is to choose lustrous materials that add an element of effortless glamour. Pair with black accent jewellery to create a bit of drama.

Shop the look
Left: Shirt, $289, and pants, $379, by World. Earrings, $89, by Four Corners. Ring, $299, by Silk & Steel. Heels, $239, by Sol Sana. Right: Dress, $2799, by Adrienne Winkelmann. Earrings, $341, by Zoe & Morgan. Heels, $239, by Sol Sana. Threads Billow fabric (in background), from Warwick Fabrics.

See Simply You’s full festive fashion guide in the latest issue.


Photography: Mike Rooke
Styling: Louise Hilsz
Hair: Chay Roberts.
Makeup: Sarika Patel.
Hair & makeup assistant: Liana Fonua.
Models: Seen and Jessica from Clyne, Erin from Unique.

Share:

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover
Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Sign up to the Fashion Quarterly newsletter.

*Ts&Cs apply.
Find out more at fq.co.nz/fq-newsletter