The time has come for your annual Christmas party, from the smorgasbord of small talk over hor d’ouvres to having one too many bubbles and accidentally confessing your undying love and affection for your office crush, Christmas parties can be a pot-pourri of potential mulled wine induced disaster moments.
Yet, you cannot deny that it is apt for a killer outfit.
No matter how bad you feel the next morning, albeit questioning whether inhaling 20 smoked salmon blinis was really worth it, at least you know that all of your bad decisions and awkward moments were served up with a slice of sparkling sartorial elegance.
Source - Cotton Bro Pexels
T’was the night before your work Christmas party, and we are all aware of the familiar feeling of looking at your wardrobe and thinking you have simply nothing to wear. To avoid looking as if a Christmas cracker has coughed up on you, our helpful team here at Lillicoco thought we would give you some tips and tricks on how to nail that Christmas party outfit. Simply put, a sequin-covered hangover won’t feel as bad if you felt and looked like an ethereal angel the night before.
Embrace satin, sequins and feathers
Although the old adagé states that ‘less is more’, this certainly shouldn’t be the case for your Christmas party ensemble. Forget the LBD, as this is the time of year to embrace luxurious fabrics of satin, silk, and velvet in crisp jewel tones like forest emeralds, delicious teal, sumptuous purple and pomegranate red.
According to fashion magazines and bloggers, maximalism is coming back in a bigger and bolder entrance than ever before. We can see this in the fashion and jewellery calender through out the past year, from the Met Gala’s Camp: Notes on Fashion exhibition to Balenciaga’s much-anticipated collection with H&M, the beauty of excess is taking centre stage. So, why not have fun with it and embrace it in all of its entirety?
Source - Inga Seliverstova Pexels
The high street is currently exploding with a homage to the 1980s and 1920s with bias cut satin slips, juxtaposed with pouffe sleeves and taffeta bows. Sequin peplum skirts in bright acid tones of fuschia, orange, lime, magenta, as well as the classic black, silver and navy are being created by designers and brands all over the globe. You simply cannot be scared of over-dressing, in fact, welcome it with open arms as it is the apt time of year to do so.
Pack prepared
You never know what apocalyptic scenario may occur at your Christmas party. Whether it is a mulled wine and mince pie catastrophe on your ivory satin slip or sequin snag on a rogue-placed hollybush, you certainly want to know that there are trendy back up options you can relish in.
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From a simple trusty red lipstick to a pack of low denier tights, fold up flat shoes and a statement Christmas knit (to throw over the mulled wine stain!), there are plenty of handy pieces you can stash away in your clutch. Although it is important to pack light, it is also equally important to make sure that you fully prepared when disaster strikes!
Always, always, always prioritise comfort
The previously timeless saying of ‘Beauty is Pain’ is starting to collect dust. Suffering and beauty have long gone hand in hand, but more and more people are starting to realise that they don’t need to push themselves and suffer for the sake of looking great, and your Christmas party outfit shouldn’t be an exception.
If your bejewelled Manolo Blahniks makes you reach for multiple packets of Compeed blister plasters or your corset style dress is impairing your ability to breathe, perhaps you should rethink your outfit. After all, discomfort doesn’t exactly equate to confidence, and owning your style is one of the best accessories you can have!
Add a touch of twinkle
Not only is confidence one of the best accessories you can carry, but sparkle is too. Whether you want a 90’s inspired diamanté bag or you envision yourself dripping in Diamonds, twinkle and sparkle are simply ubiquitous with Christmas celebrations.
Source - Taina Bernard Pexels
Channel your inner glitterball and stack a delicious mix of gems on your fingers, from scarlet Garnets to magenta Rubies, tantalising Turquoises and effervescent Emeralds. The diverse display of an incandescent collection will make you shine (both personally and literally!).
Below are our picks of glittering rings on our site that are ready and waiting to dance until dawn:
Georgian 16ct Gold Pearl, Emerald, Ruby Cluster Ring
Vintage Garnet Pearl Cluster Ring
18ct Gold Platinum Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
18ct Gold Diamond Cluster Ring
Foiled Georgian Garnet Paste Ring
Make sure to add a statement necklace too to your Christmas party outfit. Suspending beautifully down your neck, statement riviere necklaces and lavalier pendants complement low cut necklines and pouffed sleeves a-plenty!
Antique Paste Collar Necklace
15ct Gold Amethyst Riviere Necklace
Antique Gold Opaline Paste Fringe Necklace
Georgian Amethyst Pearl Pendant
9ct Gold Aquamarine Paste Lavalier Pendant
Last but not least, a sweet pair of dancing shimmering earrings will complete your look. You have two choices, clash or complement your outfit. Clashing tones will add a touch of exuberant energy, vitality and fun to your look, like Aquamarine earrings and a zesty Orange dress. Or, choose tonal by pairing berry-red Garnets with a deep purple dress.
We also love Cut Steel earrings too. Exclusive to the Goergian era, cut steel earrings are a great complement to an LBD!
Antique Purple Garnet Paste Drop Earrings
Georgian Queen Anne Green Paste Earrings
Georgian Cut Steel Double Disc Earrings
9ct Gold Victorian Paste Drop Earrings
If you are going to partying all night, or you want to invest in pieces that will last until dawn a few times over - then make sure you are choosing high-quality Gold, Sterling Silver and Platinum and also choosing gems that won’t wear easily. The hardest gemstones are Diamonds, Sapphires and Rubies, closely followed by Emeralds, Alexandrite, Topaz, Spinel, Zircon, Garnet and Aquamarine.
If there is one thing that we are certain about, stick to your look whether understated elegance or twinkling tinsel. No matter your style, looking and feeling good will definitely make everyone around you gasp in awe!
If you are looking for that perfect twinkle, come to us at Lillicoco! We have an array of sparkling antique creations that will make you glow all night. To find out more about our pieces, simply contact us at enquiries@lillicoco.com!