Four Ways to Wear a Party Dress

With the arrival of party season comes the need for some new additions to your occasion wear wardrobe. The problem? Many of us struggle to get many wears out of our favourite party pieces. It seems that we only get to parade our favourite pieces once or twice a year, without finding more appropriate times to wear them. Alternatively, we don’t want to appear at every event in the same dress, so how can we use clever styling to maximise the amount of wear of our party dresses?

Below, we have listed our favourite ways to style and reinvent our party wear for any occasion, from a more corporate take, to casual, to extra elevated for those events designed to turn heads. Read on for styling inspiration that will increase the wear you get out of your favourite pieces.

Corporate: Blazer and Heels

Perhaps the easiest and most expected styling option is the corporate take. Sling an oversized blazer or a blazer in a decadent fabric over your party dress, and wear a pair of pointed heel shoes to bring a sense of sharp style from head to toe.

The extra layer of the blazer protects you from the elements, and the sharp heels create a cohesive style when matched with sharp tailoring.

Cosy: Cardigan and Flats

If in need of an outer layer, but your event is not formal enough for tailoring, have you considered a more cosy take on an occasion look? Style your party dress with a chunky cardigan, tights, and loafers for a charming, layered look that welcomes the cold evenings.

Match plush fabrics like leather and knitwear for a subtle festive nod, or wear a cardigan over sequin separates for a multi-textured outfit certain to catch eyes.

Elevated: Tailored Coat and Boots

For when the invite tells you to dress up, step up in a statement coat and a pair of classic heeled boots. Faux fur introduces a new texture, with thick, plush protection from the elements. Alternatively, a longline tailored coat brings a more traditional and sophisticated sense of style to your look. Heeled boots round out an Autumn and Winter appropriate occasion look that can go from dinner dates to party nights.

All Out: Accessories and Statement Heels

For parties, wedding guest evenings, and occasions that require a more-is-more approach, go all-out with jewellery and statement heels.

A little bit of sparkle can take an otherwise sleek and simple party dress to a whole new level, so elevate your party dress by giving it the accessories it deserves. Be empowered to show off a little by stacking bangles, opting for glitzy earrings, and a statement necklace. Create a cohesive, sparkling ensemble by choosing shoes with embellished details.