Christmas party outfits: Six showstopping looks to wear this season

From the glitzy gowns to the snazzy suits, we've got you covered

(Rex Features)

November is coming to an end, which means four weeks of festive fun are on the horizon.

But navigating the Christmas party circuit is about more than just avoiding small talk with colleagues and tracking down the mince pies. Thanks to a never ending lineup of champagne-fuelled celebrations, it’s one of the best times of the year to play dress up and don your finest glad rags.

Silly season calls for a sartorial verve like no other, and with less than four weeks to go till the big day itself, the shops are awash with a menagerie of sequins, silks and sparkles ready to galvanise even the most reluctant of party-goers.

So, what to wear? It’s a question that’s best answered with visuals, which is why we’ve compiled the six best party outfits, which come complete with every last jingle bell and whistle.

The green lantern

When it comes to the colour wheel, few contenders capture spirit of Christmas quite like glaring (I-may-blind-you-with-my-brightness) green. This lightweight satin gown by Ghost does just that. Top off the festive cheer with some nimble earrings, like these ones by London-based brand Lylie's, and a stellar sparkly clutch that matches your shoes, obviously. You might think this is a bit OTT for the office do, but during silly season, anything goes, at least where your wardrobe is concerned.

Ghost Hollie dress, £87.50, Lylie’s Tia coral hoops, £190, Dune Bryla metallic leather heeled courts, £56, The Vampire’s Wife tassel-embellished woven clutch, £310.

The 'skirt and a nice top' upgrade

Satin midi skirts ooze sophistication like nothing else, and this khaki number from Topshop is no different. Pair with some eye-catching jewels and a statement faux fur jacket to create a delightful clash of textures that will thrill and flatter in equal measure.

De La Vali Zita faux fur jacket, £495, Topshop satin bias midi skirt, £29, Isabel Marant shell drop hoop earrings, £60, Ganni pumps, £210.

The velvet underground

There's something about velvet. Sumptuous, indulgent and seductive, it's a fabric that instantly elevates its wearer, from mortal to majestic. Few do velvet garb better than The Vampire's Wife, the British label that's bringing a heady dose of gothic glamour to our winter wardrobes via elegant gowns and slick silhouettes. Offset the opulence of this deep purple number with a preppy headband and some rigid biker boots.

The Vampire's Wife midnight festival dress, £1,200, Bershka platform high-heel ankle boots, £49.99, Accessorize Luna beaded clutch bag, £32.50, Miu Miu crystal-embellished headband, £225.

The outfit that's all about the outerwear

A jumpsuit can work wonders on the party circuit. Not only does it champion comfort and allow for free movement that is perfect for colleague-dodging or interpretive dance, but it's also unbelievably flattering. But this look is upgraded by its final touches: the coat. Oh, the coat. This La Llama faux suede number is quite something and will keep you cosy while you're getting some fresh air in between dance routines.

Galvan Eclipse jumpsuit, £1,095, La Llama pink faux suede coat, £325, River Island brown leather leopard print court shoes, £60, & Other Stories spiral pendant necklace, £17.

The 'fix up look sharp' suit

(topshop)

Wearing a suit to a Christmas party is a bit like doing the macarena at a wedding: bold, transgressive and a bit anarchic. While sharp tailoring has been a firm fixture in the working woman's wardrobe since the dawn of time, it's still a look that's rarely seen at parties, with many opting for dresses or skirts instead. This metallic offering from Topshop holds no prisoners and will dazzle on dance floors when paired with a colourful clutch and some block high-heels.

Ganni hand beaded purse, £240, Office Have It transparent sandal heels, £62, Topshop satin suit jacket, £69, Topshop satin clean peg trousers, £46.

The Grecian goddess

Sashay through the crowd and turn every head as you go in this dirtied metallic slip dress from Zara. Add a splash of festive pizazz with a bright red accessory, or go the whole hog and saturate yourself in scarlet with our suggested shoe and handbag combo.

Shrimps Antonia ruby-crystal embellished bag, £475, H&M long earrings, £6.99, Mango knot velvet sandals, £35.99, Zara metallic-effect camisole dress, £39.99.