The Bazaar guide to festive party dressing

You’ve likely already got a red dress hanging at the back of your wardrobe, patiently awaiting its annual moment in the spotlight. A pair of sparkly stilettos too, perhaps. And a sequin skirt, last seen on New Year’s Eve, is pretty much a given. But this festive season, isn’t it time for something new?

Of course, shimmer and sparkle is still very much on the cards once December rolls around and the invites come flying in, but this season there are so many brilliant new party pieces – from designers both established and emerging – that are too good not to add to your rotation.

So, how to do festive dressing now? Well, we've got that covered. From formal dresses for cocktails and canapés to dazzling trophy pieces made for the dancefloor, see all the outfit inspiration you’ll need ahead of party season here.

The Bazaar guide to festive party outfits

Cocktail hour

Cocktail o'clock no longer calls for something tight and thigh-skimming. instead, take a laid-back approach in Chloé's new brand of bohemia, or let Valentino's shoulder-skimming earrings elevate a simple flowing dress. When it comes to your bag, opt for something with a strap so you aren't juggling your Champagne flute all evening, and ensure your shoes are as comfortable as they are chic (Malone Souliers' suede pumps tick both boxes).

Alice + Olivia

Now 50% Off

£270 at Harvey Nichols

Valentino Garavani

£340 at Harvey Nichols

Chloé

£3,900 at Harvey Nichols

Malone Souliers

Now 40% Off

£330 at Harvey Nichols

Needle & Thread

Now 53% Off

£295 at Harvey Nichols

Family gatherings

Cosy family gatherings call for a look that that marries elegance with an easy, louche feel. Ganni's tea dresses will take you from pub trips to sofa nights with ease, while Rejina Pyo's shoulder-sloping signature silhouette is sure to be worn well into the new year. As for the dressed-up flat? Aquazzura has mastered the art of practical elegance with its low-heeled pumps.

Ganni

Now 63% Off

£95 at Harvey Nichols

Aquazzura

Now 40% Off

£370 at Harvey Nichols

Dancefloor moments

Dancing is always on the cards at some point in December. Whether you're planning a party every weekend or saving yourself for one big celebration, the time calls for a fresh new outfit. Consider ditching the old faithfuls in favour of silvery metallics and colour-pop brights. Here, the likes of Coperni and Solace London really shine, while Rabanne's iconic 1969 bag is every bit as scene-stealing as it was fifty years ago.

Coperni

Now 60% Off

£276 at Harvey Nichols

Rabanne

£1,210 at Harvey Nichols

PH5

£325 at Harvey Nichols

Coperni

Now 60% Off

£220 at Harvey Nichols

Solace London

Now 50% Off

£235 at Harvey Nichols

The big day

What to wear on Christmas Day? The main event has a history of undoing even the chicest of dressers: do you go comfortable, or chic? Will that silhouette-sculpting dress feel like a bad choice once dessert is served? And can you sneakily get away with keeping those shearling slippers on? The answer of course, depends on your traditions, but if in doubt, go for a middle ground of timeless pieces that feel festive, not fussy. And if all else fails? Slip on a pair of statement earrings.

Simone Rocha

Now 50% Off

£147 at Harvey Nichols

Rabanne

Now 60% Off

£372 at Harvey Nichols

Completedworks

£265 at Harvey Nichols

Bernadette

£515 at Harvey Nichols

Christian Louboutin

£950 at Harvey Nichols

The late night

Whatever your plans might be, New Year's Eve is always a call for celebration. Now's your opportunity to go all out with statement-making pieces and plenty of shimmer. Frost Stella McCartney's show-stopping high-low hemline with a pair of chandelier earrings, or let the colour of your dress do all the talking and opt for David Koma's fiery red latticework gown. Sometimes, more really is more.