Whatever the occasion, whether its a family dinner at home, a zoom party, or heading out for dinner or drinks – we all want to look glam without looking like we have tried too hard. As we get older this can difficult to achieve – as we want to be comfortable and warm as well as stylish. We want to make the best of our figures, hiding areas we are not so keen on while still dressing to impress. This can seem like a daunting list and we may feel it’s easier to just stick to a couple of favourite outfits that we roll out for every occasion. If you still love your old outfits then that’s great. However if you would like to update or refresh your look then read on. All of the outfit combinations chosen below make a nod to this season’s fashions while still sticking to classic and wearable shapes and styles.
A guaranteed way to make an effort without having to go all out in a cocktail dress is to include a sprinkling of shimmer. This year sequin fabrics and metallics are both very “in” and there are plenty of options to chose from. (The great thing about having a few of these pieces in your wardrobe is that you also adapt them for spring/summer by combining them with more summery items and lighter fabrics.)
Over the festive period and New Year I tried out a number of looks and came up with a few outfit combinations that really worked for me, and hopefully they can work for you too. Chances are you may already have some similar items in your wardrobes. However if you don’t, I’ve linked a number of places to find some similar items to mine. Xmas and New Year sales can be a great time to shop for these sorts of pieces and you might be able to grab some bargains (as I did just before Xmas).
For simplicity I have used a small range of accessories which work well with majority of the outfits. Most outfits feature a Diamante necklace (mine is vintage) but I’ve linked something similar below. In most of the images I’m wearing a pair of pale gold and diamante heels from Dune that work well with both gold and silver outfits. I also stuck to my trusty black opaque tights which make me feel more confident. If you are feeling braver than me and want to show off your legs, then you could wear flesh coloured, or sheer black tights.
Outfit 1. The little silver dress
Why does this outfit work?
I bought this dress in the H & M sale just before Xmas. I love it because its stretchy, not too short and has some ruching which means it hugs my figure without being too tight. The colour is easy to wear as it has a black undertone creating a subtle sheen like gun-metal rather than a true silver. As it has long sleeves its also fairly warm. If you wanted to tone down the look you could always use a cami or high necked black top to conceal the decolletage.
Re-create this outfit
- Velour Dress – H & M (a steal at £5.00!)
- Similar pale gold and diamante Shoes, Dune or Kurt Geiger
- Similar Diamante necklace (and earring set), Wish
Outfit 2. Sparkly top and pleated midi skirt(s)
Why does this outfit work?
This outfit features two other very affordable items from H & M. I fell in love with the lilac top on the same shopping trip in mid December just before London entered tier 4. I was a bit uncertain how to style it, but I found it came to life when I paired it with this gold/nude toned pleated midi skirt. I also found it went quite well with this bronze pleated midi skirt which has a subtle gold thread running through it. Again this outfit is comfortable and fairly covered up, but at the same time the square neck of the top and the metallic fabrics give the outfit just the right hint of festive or holiday glamour.
Re-create this outfit
- Puff sleeve top: H and M (lilac sold out but black and grey still available)
- Midi skirt: My H & M skirt is not available but Shein has a very similar version to my nude/gold pleated skirt. There is also a gold version on sale at Reiss.
Outfit 3 : The little gold dress
Why does this outfit work?
This dress has a gentle drape with a knot at the front which skims rather than hugs the body. This a very forgiving silhouette and will suit most figures. It also covers some of the the areas we tend to be more self about conscious like the upper arms, tummy and thighs. The gold is subtle with an undertone of black, so is glam rather than looking too flashy. Its also soft and comfortable, so an ideal choice for a night out or in.
Re-create this outfit :
My dress is from Apricot and sadly no longer available – though I’ve linked this black and gold polka dot one that I think has potential. Here are a few other gorgeous options:
- A very similar style of dress but in gold sequin from Monsoon
- This dress from Silk Fred is in a similar style but in silver
- JD Williams has a similar gold dress but in maxi length
- Here is a bronze just below the knee option by Studio 8 via John Lewis
Outfit 4. Long sleeve sequin top and short flared skirts
Why does this outfit work?
This outfit follows the helpful “rule” that if you want to wear something more revealing on the bottom half you should be more covered up on top – hence creating balance. (For more tips like this see my post – Five key ways to look amazing every day)
These two similar looks combine a long sleeve black sequin top with a short flared skirt. One skirt is animal print which creates interest by adding another texture to the outfit, the other is another metallic item. This silver skirt is very cinched in at the waist which balances the looser sleeves of the sequin top. I feel that both options bring a bit of party glamour, but are not over the top, especially worn with opaque tights.
Re-create this outfit:
- Long sleeve black sequin top: this Oasis version is very similar, there is also a nice M&S option (with 3/4 length sleeves)
- Zebra print skirt: My skirt is unusual as the zebra print is on a camel rather than white background. This animal print skirt from Shein would work well. If you are looking for zebra than this one in the Reiss sale looks good.
- Silver skirt: I can’t remember where my skirt is from, I’ve had it ages. This one from Oasis looks like a good option, or if you want more of skater style then Amazon has a version available.
Outfit 5. Black sequin vest, jacket and skinny jeans
Why does this outfit work?
This outfit works well with and without a jacket. As the first look is monochrome it keeps the outfit simple while adding interest by pairing the shimmer of the vest and jacket with the plain black skinny jeans. This outfit would work well with and without the jacket which immediately creates a more dressy impression. Both the vest and the jacket were UK Charity shop finds. I don’t think I paid more than £5 each. The great thing about sequin items is that people often donate them when the festivities are over so they are often very affordable and in great condition.
I’ve also paired this outfit with a cream blazer I bought from Zara this Autumn and hope to get more wear out of when we start to leave the house properly again! This outfit would work very well for a daytime occasion as well as an evening one.
Re-create this outfit :
- You can get black skinny jeans everywhere of course. There is an art to finding demin that fits well, so I won’t get into that here. I randomly bought this inexpensive pair at a supermarket when I was probably supposed to be looking for other items 😉
- Black sequin vest : I love the v neck on this version from H & M
- Black sequin jacket : Krisp currently has a fairly similar one to mine on sale.
- Cream blazer : My Zara version is not available online. Reiss have one in a similar style and its on sale. I also like the detailing on this one from Miss Selfridge.
Outfit 6. Sequin vest, indigo flares and mesh shoes
Why does this outfit work?
I feel very at home in this outfit, its hard to go wrong with indigo denim and a black top and black blazer as a combination. The sequin vest and blazer are as before, but I’ve paired them with a pair of very high waisted indigo jeans from River Island with a gentle flare. I am also wearing another vintage/charity shop find, a pair of Bottega Veneta dupes with a mesh front and gold chain detail. I like this outfit as the sequins add glamour while the shoes add edge to what is a very classic silhouette.
Re-create this outfit:
- Black sequin vest : As before, similar style from H & M
- Black sequin jacket : As before, similar style from Krisp
- Indigo high waisted flared jeans : these ones from M & S look like a good option.
- Mesh front court shoes: I could only find the Bottega version online. However this outfit would work well with any mid or high heeled black shoes, in patent for example. If you happen to be interested in the mesh shoe micro trend – then Whowhatwear has a post about it. Mesh items are on trend for 2021 and I would not be surprised if other versions come up in Zara in their spring/summer collections.
Outfit 7. Faux fur coat, sequin vest and indigo flares
If you wanted to dress this outfit down, or keep warm on the way to your occasion, you could wear it with a faux fur coat or jacket. I think this 3/4 length faux fur coat goes really well with the jeans as they both have a slightly seventies vibe.
Recreate this outfit :
- Vest, blazer, jeans and shoes as before
- Deep camel Faux fur coat : my version was a Xmas present and its from Next in size medium. I love it as its so soft and warm.
