THE ALTERNATIVE BLACK TIE PARTY LOOK

As much as I love glitter and embellishments, when it comes to black tie Christmas parties this year, it’s just so not about the sparkle. Maybe it’s a combination of growing up and also spending an extended amount of time in this terribly cold country that has made me realise that the best looks are the ones that don’t involve tripping over your hem, threaten nip slips or sequin burn – yes, that’s a real thing and I’ve had it. Oh, and also looking as if you didn’t actually try hard to look good. This outfit is really the thing to wear to a party if you’re as clumsy and accident-prone as me!

Luckily for us, this season’s focus on outwear as a trend in itself (thank you Demna Gvasalia) and I can keep my ‘yeti’ coat on without looking like I really am cold. Wearing a Spring/Summer 2017 Jane Carr bandana (it is the prettiest one I have ever seen and it comes in a pastel rainbow colour-way!) instead of jewellery, and throwing on some platforms for a little height, this is a look I have actually worn to a fashion event. And that is instead of you know, wearing this outfit just to take a picture for my blog (haha).

The more black tie events you go to, you’ll realise that it doesn’t require wearing a full length gown. Actually that kind of attire is reserved for white-tie invitations. Going all out is kind of a faux pas and hints that the last fancy party you went to was your prom. Considering how in London our fashion editors wear jeans in the front row, and having a haircut that looks as if you cut your own fringe is considered edgy, dressing down in an elegant and smart way is preferable to a ‘look at me dress’. It’s also one of the few occasions where it’s the boys who have to fuss about with a tuxedo, whilst we can still wear smart trousers and pretty tops and still fit the black tie dress code.