Glitzy Party Wear: from High Street to High End

My second article for Aspire Magazine is out in print this week and is all about designer party wear. (Aspire is a monthly publication delivered to 27,000 addresses in Skipton and surrounding areas.)

Here is a different version, edited for my blog…

Glitz and sparkle go hand in hand with this most
festive time of year. From the bold spectacle of fireworks to the subtle, (and sometimes not so subtle) glitter of Christmas decorations, the world seems that little
bit brighter throughout November and December.

This season the designers lit up the runway with
their creations. 
Aspirational? Yes. 
Stunning? No doubt. 
Attainable? Realistically not for most. 

So, among the designer offerings that I wrote about in the magazine are similar pieces from the High Street proving it is possible to achieve that designer look on a more realistic budget.
From full-on sequins to delicate, discrete embellishment, there is something for everyone this season.

Don’t be afraid to shine.

Sweaters

Sweaters with a sequinned motif are a perfect option
for casual sparkle. Very wearable with jeans and killer heels for a night out
or with boyfriend jeans and ballerinas for a night in. Some could be taken to
the office with a pencil skirt.  Markus
Lupfer’s Chandelier sequinned cotton sweater and Henry Holland’s Giddy Up
sweatshirt err on the side of quirky while J Crew’s jersey embellished
sweatshirt errs on the side of caution. 
(For British readers and Strictly fans, Zoe Ball often wears Markus Lupfer on It Takes Two)

Markus Lupfer £315

House of Holland £165

I have just ordered this snowflake sweater.  Well everyone needs a Christmas jumper right?

Snowflake Sweater, Next, £26

J Crew £100

Biba Sequin Front Sweater, House of Fraser £69

Steph Sequin Jumper, Phase Eight £79

Separates

Saint Laurent has a show stopping black sequined
silk cape and Maison Martin Margiela an exquisite cropped wool-blend jacket,
embellished with iridescent silver pailettes cut from recycled CDs. Each of
these could be layered over a simple black dress, tailored trousers or dark jeans
to add glitz when required.

Saint Laurent £2920

Maison Martin Margiela £2950

Lanvin’s off white sequined jersey tee is a
lighter, gentle way to embrace sparkle whereas Haney’s vintage inspired gold
sequins epitomises the richness of the season.

Lanvin £1485

Haney £1435

Isabel Marant’s pale green and burnished gold sequined
wrap is an edgy party skirt in contrast to Alice + Olivia’s which is soft,
sweet and inspired by the ballet. A simple black top would work beautifully
with both as would a slim cashmere sweater.

Isabel Marant £1290

Alice + Olivia £375

Gold Sequin Mini Skirt £25

Dresses

Nothing says party though like a fully sequined. And while this Givenchy iridescent bodycon dress
would require a lot of body confidence, their silk crepe emerald dress is
rather more forgiving, having a blouson top and fitted skirt.

Givenchy £3875

Angelfire Sparkle Tunic Dress, French Connection £195

Gold Sequin Bodycon Dress £60

Givenchy £5290

Galina Full Length Green Sequin Dress, Phase Eight £395

Donna Karan offers a full length black sequined gown
befitting any red carpet. The stretch jersey makes it as comfortable as is
stunning.

Donna Karan £2475

I have seen this Hobbs gown and this picture does not do it justice. It’s stunning. It is a stretch fabric with velvety sequins. The cut is simple and timeless.

Justina Maxi, Hobbs £249

Flapper inspired styles were seen at Anna Sui and
Matthew Williamson. Beautifully feminine and exquisitely made. The 1920s is one of my favourite style eras. The matt and
metallic scalloped tulle layers of Sui’s dress and the purple feathered hem on
Williamson’s royal blue creation are surely perfect for that party shimmy.

Anna Sui £585

Rise Elizabeth Dress, John Lewis £48

Matthew Williamson £3595

Handbags

As well as offering some of the most coveted
footwear, Jimmy Choo excels in standout evening bags. The leather and glitter
finished acrylic Cleo would add Christmas glitz to even the simplest of outfits
and the cross-body Ruby adds a touch of cool with its double sided blue and
silver sequins.

Jimmy Choo £595

Gold Boxy Clutch, Next £24

Jimmy Choo £450

Zip Top Clutch, Boden £69

Embellished Clutch, Boden £99

Party Season?

Cannot wait.

Love Liz x

(Photo Credit: All designer images taken from Net-a-Porter)