This time of year is always crazy busy, just navigating your way through the diary is enough to drive you to alcohol before 10am on a weekday! Let alone having to think about and plan what to wear for the many events or night's out you have in the coming weeks.
So, in effort to avoid the pull towards buying new elaborate party pieces that only make an appearance in the festive season, I have vowed to not buy anything new and re-use what I already have in my wardrobe. If you invest wisely in your wardrobe throughout the year, there should be plenty of style staples that can be pulled out time and time again and updated with accessories or pulled together in different ways that it looks fresh again.
Read my top tips below in what to invest in and how to pull the look together for an altogether stylish party season...tell me what your favourite piece is?
1. THE JACKET
I have to confess I love a good jacket! I have lots of them in my wardrobe that transcend any trend, any season and any style in the calender. From a black tux to a printed cropped jacket, a mannish blazer and an all over sequin number, I'm always on the lookout for one that's versatile for my wardrobe. In summer, pair over a t-shirt and come winter it’s the perfect party cover up. You can throw it over a shirt or statement top, alternatively, as I’ve done here, smarten up a basic slip vest and jeans. I like the way it nips in my waist and covers my arms no matter what I am wearing underneath.
2. THE JUMPSUIT
Jumpsuits have been my party-wear favourite for the past couple of years and it doesn't look like the trend is slowing down. So if you haven't 'jumped in' head first and invested in one yet, now is the time to do it, as you will get loads of wear out of it this party season and throughout the summer teamed with flat sandles and a denim jacket. Jumpsuits are universally flattering and I guarantee you'll find one to suit your body shape. Also – and this is a massive plus – wearing trousers in a room full of dresses makes me feel kick-ass. For this look I am wearing my @topshop boutique black belted jumpsuit with metallic accessories to style it up for evening.
3. THE FUR COAT
I got my faux fur coat from @riverisland about 10 years ago now and every year I bring it out in the winter. Every winter the catwalks and the high street bring out fur in volume so I never feel like I am out of style when I wear it. It is the warmest coat I own, so perfect for those freezing cold nights out and walks home! Plus it adds just something else to your outfit, it can be used to dress up any look such as leather leggings, boots and a white shirt, or can be thrown over a dress with thick black tights. I even layer mine up over my black leather biker jacket as below.
4. THE ACCESSORIES
A great pair of heel's, a fab clutch bag and a bit of sparkle round your neck never goes out of style! Clutch bags really help 'finish off' an outfit and I think you can be as daring as you want with adding that extra pop of colour to contrast your outfit, bringing it all together with matching tones or adding bling for the evening. Every women has a secret (or not so secret) obsession about shoes, and that feeling that you get when you buy a new pair will never get old! I love spicing up my outfits with my leopard print heel's @topshop or bringing out the glitter @reiss and sparkly numbers @kurtgeiger out when I want to dance the night away. A new necklace or earrings is a very inexpensive way of updating your outfits. The large necklace trend doesn't seem to be going away but it's all about balance. A big necklace, earrings and cuff will look too heavy and ruin your style, make sure it's all in moderation and you can't go wrong.
