My 20 Party Rules (Step Away from the Sequins!) How to Dress Like an Adult with SHANE WATSON
The Christmas party season is officially here, now all we have to do is find something to wear. And yes, we know this challenge gets harder every year.
Once it was something short and black, with a sparkly thing in your hair. Now the list of do’s and don’ts for festive clothes is longer than your shopping list for Christmas lunch. These are my most important do’s and don’ts…
Think about how warm you will be
The most glamorous element of your look shouldn’t be something that’s too warm to wear in a crowded room. Covered in sequins, jackets with feathers, beads, things with fringe…it can all cause problems.
DO wear your shoes
Those new suede platform sandals should be comfortable. You bought those small heel mules precisely because they are just the right height for all-night wear, but have you actually tried them in a while? Have you worn them at home all night?
If they are a bit on the tight side, wear thick socks until they fit like a glove.
Kate Moss’ all-black look works so well because she’s wearing red lipstick and lots of jewelry
Get a blow-dry
You can get started and maybe your blow-drying technique at home is pretty much professional, but after 50, the best thing you can do for your party look is to go to the hairdresser. A great blow-dry should look great three days later, so it pays off.
DO mix your textures
Velvet with satin or silk. Matching with lace. Jacquard with silk. Wear a lurex top under a tuxedo with satin lapels or velvet shoes with sheer tights and a flowing viscose dress.
Wear something nice under a jacket
Shirts work provided they are silky soft, but it is nicer to wear a blouse with a tie belt or a lace-trimmed layered top.
DO bling up
There is a lot of black in the shops for Christmas and it can look beautiful, but if you go that route be prepared for the bling with earrings, a pearl on a choker, red lips and nail polish. Black from head to toe is only for daughters.
Wear party tights
Put your opaque aside and carefully put on a pair of 20 denier black tights (remove the rings first) or perhaps a pair of polka dot tights.
Wear your best underwear
It may sound a bit like a French fashion editor and you may be more concerned with tummy control and comfort. Fair enough, I’m just saying that you’ll feel better if you have a quality foundation. They add to the sense of occasion.
Show off your lace bra
A glimpse of pretty bra lace at the neck of a button-down jacket can be charming.
DO color block
I’m a fan of a richly colored velvet jacket for an easy party hack, but a suit is smarter, bolder and having a moment.
Olivia Wilde adds a pop of color to her blue velvet suit with a pair of pink pointy shoes
Choose a strong color or black with gold and silver
This is not the time for teal or cream or an understated maroon. Furthermore, everything you wear at night should be shiny, shiny and tactile.
DO NOT wear regular shoes
Great shoes bring the ‘party’ to regular smart-casual clothing. You can wear last year’s dress with new silver slingbacks or pointy mules. And it’s amazing how any old tuxedo pants are transformed by a shiny ankle boot or a suede platform.
DO NOT be tempted by the look that only lasts two weeks
I’m a fan of some silver and gold at Christmas, partly because you can wear them at other times of the year, but not so much of red sequins.
DO NOT wear something you have never worn before
Same as the shoe rule: you don’t know what it feels like. Also, don’t wear something you haven’t tried on in a few years, even if it’s your velvet dress that never lets you down.
At night you may not be able to lift the glass because your arms are too tight.
Don’t wear anything tight
At this time of year, the temptation is to force yourself into an hourglass jacket that you can barely put on. We are seduced by clothes that are shiny, dainty or dramatic (how about a coat!).
We forget that we’re going to spot sausages on cocktail sticks leaning against the stove.
Make like Pamela Anderson and ditch your opaque for patterned tights
DO NOT put your makeup in the vanity mirror of the car
Or maybe yes, if that light is better than the light in your bathroom. The biggest enemy of over-50s in party mode is too heavy and unevenly applied foundation.
If you walk into a room and think everyone looks chalky and orange, then unfortunately you might want to double-check your own face.
DO NOT wear OTT party earrings and a necklace
It’s one or the other.
DO NOT wear a high neck
It is not forbidden. it just looks a little too covered up this time of year; and warm.
DO NOT carry a bag unless it has a statement outfit
So small and silver or gold on a chain.
DO NOT skimp on mascara
Happy festive season!