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 |
|
Alina Sequin Tuxedo Style Jacket, Hobbs £199 |
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)
5 comments
Fabulous post – I am just obsessed with sparkly stuff – I live in it once December comes around. Think I'm going to be getting that Next sweatshirt too, love the snowflakes.
Ah, thank you Emma x
I'm collecting the sweater tomorrow! I'd wear sparkle all year if I coukd. I love it! xxx
Great article and post! I Love Sparkly items, not only in december 🙂 Because of my pregnancy maybe this year a little less..
Thanks for the inspiration!
What an amazing column Lizzy & its must be so exciting to work on! I love the Tuxedo Jacket & the DKNY evening dress is stunning! Ax
Great article! I've just purchased three new jumpers and now you've got me thinking I'll have to buy another with some embellishment! Lovely picks. The feathered Matthew Williamson number is stunning! xxx
Just Emma