party mode on!
Sarah Baird
Do you love or dread the party season?
Why is it when the invitations have barely arrived, we’re looking into a perfectly good wardrobe deciding we have absolutely nothing to wear?
The festive period has a knack of convincing us that clothes we happily wear all year are suddenly not quite enough, sending us in search of something new, usually sparkly, often far less comfortable than we’d normally tolerate and often bought in a last-minute rush.
And those party panic buys don’t always earn a valuable place in your wardrobe. Oxfam/YouGov found 29% of people who bought a new festive party outfit had worn it once, while 40% wore it two or three times at most. In fact, research from environmental charity WRAP estimates around a quarter of the average UK wardrobe hasn’t been worn in the previous year.
So perhaps your perfect party outfit isn’t in the shops at all? It could already be hanging in your wardrobe. A great style tip is to stop seeing your wardrobe as a collection of finished outfits and start considering your clothes differently. Change up your shoes, mix your textures, add jewellery or take something from day to evening and suddenly your familiar can feel new again.
That plain black pencil skirt? Add a crisp white shirt, luxe sheer tights, kitten heels and berry lipstick. Simple black trousers? Try them with a satin cami and velvet jacket. Give your favourite blazer an evening makeover with statement jewellery. Sometimes you don’t need a new outfit, you simply need new ways of wearing one you already love.
If you do want something new, try making preloved your first stop. Party wear is perfect preloved territory as so much has barely been worn. Your budget for a high street dress could find you a special one-off piece, unique bag or striking vintage jewellery.
For really special events like a New Year ball or black-tie event where you want to go all out, renting is a brilliant option, with show-stopping pieces delivered to your door.
Or why not skip the high street, late-night scrolling and endless online orders and gather the girls, bring your own clothes and accessories, pour the cocktails and let the clothes swap commence? Friends’ barely worn dresses might be perfect on you, while your jewellery could make her outfit and you all get the joy of something different without the spend, stress or another parcel at your door.
Remember, party style shouldn’t be pressure or wearing something that doesn’t feel like you. It’s feeling fabulous, confident and yourself, whether your outfit is already in your wardrobe, new to you, rented or borrowed. Taking away the pressure to buy the obvious party outfit makes possibilities feel much more interesting and sorting your looks early means you’ll skip the panic buying and focus on what matters – having fun!
This season, when you’re considering what to wear, the style direction is rich and sophisticated. Think jewel colours – deep navy, oxblood, emerald and purple; velvet, satin, lace, brocade and beading; and elevated tailoring that can be styled well into 2027. Beyond the traditional party dress, a tuxedo is always a polished choice in black, midnight navy or mulberry velvet with satin lapels and wide leg trousers. Wear with a silk cami, or, if you’re feeling confident, simply a bra beneath, and add a jewelled brooch, pearl necklaces or statement earrings. Glamorous, yes. Costume, no. And, as our mums always warned us, don’t forget your coat, with a warm wool or cosy faux fur coat adding instant elegance to your entrance.
Once your outfit is nailed, play around with the rest of your look. This time of year is a great excuse to go a little more glam than your current comfort zone, whether that’s a change of lipstick, smoky or metallic eyes, lashes, fabulous curls or a sleek ponytail. Often simply changing up your hair, makeup or accessories is all it takes to make clothes you already own feel special again.
And that same thinking can follow you into 2027. So when adding to your wardrobe, choose pieces that complement what you already own, work well with several outfits and still excite you well after the Christmas decorations are back in the loft. Perhaps try making your New Year resolution to buy less on impulse, choose pieces you genuinely love and make every addition work harder. It could be the very resolution you keep.
Whatever your festive season plans are, I wish for great people around you, lots of fun, gorgeous outfits, memorable parties and many moments that are special for you.
Sarah Baird | The Sassy Edits
Midlife style, confidence
& conversations.
Instagram: @thesassyedit_
Facebook: The Sassy Edits
Email: hello@thesassyedits.com
