As we prepare to spend the latter part of the month rotating between XXL knitwear, Christmas jumpers and, let's be honest, cosy PJs and slippers, festive party season is still in full swing. That means a few more weeks of epic dresses, heels, statement jewellery and fab faux fur coats – and *lots* of champagne, obvs – before we can fully relax into loungewear. It really is the most wonderful time of year...
In the meantime, if you're in need of some good party dressing inspo, we've got you covered. Cosmo's seasoned shopping editors have put together some epic round-ups of the best, most sparkly and festive dresses out there, as well as sequin skirts, classic LBDs and the perfect knee-high boots to pair them with. That's your next outfit, sorted!
But if that's not enough to get your fashion juices flowing, why not look to some of the most stylish celebs for inspiration? As ever, Dakota Johnson should be the first port of call – and rather conveniently, her latest outfit is the *perfect* example of party season dressing.
Styled by Kate Young, Dakota seems to be channeling a 90s disco vibe in her full Gucci look. Her sparkly silver dress is mini without being toooo short (basically: office Xmas 'do approved!) and covered in gorgeous rhinestones that give a truly festive feel. The actress paired the dress with bare legs, strappy black heels, poker-straight hair and a smoky eye – so far, so classic – but the real stroke of genius comes courtesy of her jacket.
With its smart black tailored style on the outside and glitzy rhinestone lining on the inside, we literally don't think we've ever seen a more perfect party cover-up in our lives, tbh. Now, if only we had a few thousand ££ extra in the bank to cop it for ourselves...
No matter – her look can be easily replicated from the high street, or even your own wardrobe. Just pair a silver chainmail, sequin or diamanté dress with a longline black blazer and you're good to go.
Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, working across news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. She was previously Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health, and Acting Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, where she was named as a PPA 30 Under 30 award winner for her work on size inclusivity. An experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red and Italy Segreta.
