The festive season is upon us now and I am having great fun jetting between Melbourne and Sydney dressing women for their upcoming events. For many of us that means attending a series of cocktail parties and dinners leading up to and on Christmas. Then there is new years eve and the various other events held during the holiday season. The dilemma is what to wear when the occasion is quite formal and/or work related. This is a huge post as I wanted to put together a variety of  fun and glamorous looks for the party season.
From maxi’s to pants, strapless to lace, black to bold, the ideas are endless. You’ll notice the ‘gold and sparkling’ theme throughout this post. Don’t be afraid to wear gold or sequins. Â After all it is party time, so razzle and dazzle and do it in style. Allow me to show you how. Enjoy.
This Matecevski gown would make a real statement. Go with bold colours and full maxi dress this season.
Doing the Pant thing:
As I mentioned am loving gold this season. Sparkle in these glittery pants and white jacket, both from H&M, for a snazzy party look. Make it pop with red shoes and accessories.
A statement blouse such as this stunning Donna Karan black and gold drape top found on Stylebop looks great with red pants and gold shoes.
The Maxi Skirt:
You know me, I can’t go past the maxi skirt and especially a layered one, aka Spanish style. Be daring with a wild layered skirt (this one from Marni found on net-a-porter). Add a fitted wrap top and dazzling boots for a slightly boho look.
Wonderful bright coloured maxi skirt worn with simple camisole or bustier are a fresh summery party look. Add some bold jewels to complete this standout style. Both skirts found on net-a-porter.  White bustier from Freda found on Matches.
I don’t often see women wearing a long wrap skirt. Not only are they flattering on most body shapes, they are also elegant. Wear one with an embellished camisole and tuxedo jacket for a simple stylish look. Lanvin skirt found on Matches. Tuxedo jacket from Jane Norman.
The Midi/Pencil skirt:
Go the sequin midi skirt for a party.
Of course not everyone wishes to wear long. These two skirts with some sparkle and shine are a lovely alternative rather than going for a plain skirt. Again I say be a little daring with some colour, patterns and jewels. Studded blouse and bronze A-line skirt from Zimmerman. Red sparkle skirt found on net-a-porter.
More sparkle. Badgley Mischka’s flapper style skirt. Stunning.
The Party Dress:
Love an A-Line dress for a party. Go for interesting necklines and lace fabrics rather than plain. Both the pink Maticevski and black lace embroidered Temperley dresses say fun, feminine and stylish.
The strapless dress is a sexy, feminine look. Knee or mid length are ideal for a party especially if it’s a work affair. Again rather than plain, find ones with interesting fabrics such as these two featured. The midi length Temperley dress is a flattering, elegant style.
If colour is not your thing, you can’t go wrong with the little black party dress. I suggest however go for a style that has some interesting detail on it such as this frill hemmed Alannah Hill dress or Ostrich feather dress found on Polyvore. Add bold coloured shoes and accessories to take the black from dull to party.
Dolce and Gabbana know how to do lace very well. Stunning party dress.
The Maxi Dress:
Gold all the way. Christmas party or New Years Eve, dazzle in a black and gold number. This one is from Diane Von Furstenberg. I’ve noticed quite a lot of gold in the shops, so again be daring and add some in your party style. Mix it up with contrast coloured shoes and accessories for the wow factor.
As with the layered maxi skirt above, for something different choose a multi layered maxi dress for a soft feminine touch that will stand out. This stunning Marc Jacobs strapless dress is found on net-a-porter. And as you can see, contrast shoes and accessories do make it pop.
Another wonderful party style is the block coloured maxi dress. Bright, flowing and easy to dance in, there are some stunning ones out in the shops such as this one from Saloni  found on net-a-porter.
I hope you have found some lovely inspiration from this party post. There are so many dazzling ways to dress for the festive season, I found it hard to stop where I did.
Most accessories were sourced from SoniaM Designs, Suzanna Dai, Megan Park.
Shoes from The Outnet, Farfetch, Shopstyle, Midas.
Handbags from Shopstyle, Mimco, Antik Batik, Polyvore.
If you would like to know about a particular item that is not listed above or where you can get something similar, please email me with any queries on stylebygessica@gmail.com. Â Love to help you with your party look.
Speaking of Christmas, why not gift a special friend, loved one or colleague with a styling session. Email me with your enquiry, I can arrange a gift voucher. I am available for personal one on one styling sessions in any major city in Australia (conditions apply). All other places, the styling sessions are held online.Â
I am also available for personal or small group shopping trips in Melbourne. Plan a trip to Melbourne where I will take you to the appropriate shops that will suit you and your needs.Â
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Happy Partying
Gessica X