Party Time: How To Find Your Era-Defining Style

If you listen very carefully you might just hear the jingle bells in the distance because Christmas is coming.

party dressing christmas 1980s 1970s 1960s 1950s

by Lucy Morris |
Updated on

It might be something to do with the drop in temperature or the fact that Halloween and Bonfire Night is behind us, but it's officially party season.

With Christmas a mere month away we're finding ourselves asking, what does this mean for our wardrobe? First, panic and a cold sweat, of course. But, followed in a close second by discovering the shortcut to looking fabulous this season is by channelling an era that defines your autumn winter 18 personal style.

Perhaps you've been inspired by the resurgence of 80s glam or the deep flares of Studio 54 flares. Maybe, ALEXACHUNG's modern revamping of the 1960s is more you. Whatever the sartorial question, the answer to all your winter party dilemmas is to dress by era. And, here's how to do it.

Gallery

Dress By Era

Marc Jacobs, Plaid Strap Midi Dress, £4581 of 20

Marc Jacobs, Plaid Strap Midi Dress, £458

Channel the 1990sMoments like Marc Jacobs legendary grunge collection for Perry Ellis, which he happened to reissue just in time for Christmas (see above) and slipdress clad Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell clutching each other as they hopped between parties not only defined the 90s but our current wardrobe's milieu.

Converse, Black Chuck 79 High Sneakers, £85, Ssense2 of 20

Converse, Black Chuck 79 High Sneakers, £85, Ssense

Raey, V-Neck Silk-Satin Midi Slip Dress, £180, Matchesfashion.com3 of 20

Raey, V-Neck Silk-Satin Midi Slip Dress, £180, Matchesfashion.com

Nike, Air Max 97 Trainers, £145, Office4 of 20

Nike, Air Max 97 Trainers, £145, Office

Isabel Marant, Pandor Ruched Printed Silk-Blend Lame Mini Dress, £960, Net-A-Porter5 of 20

Isabel Marant, Pandor Ruched Printed Silk-Blend Lame Mini Dress, £960, Net-A-Porter

Channel the 1980sThe unapologetic excess of the 1980s feels refreshing for winter 2018. Plus the unabashed use of sequins and high-shine fabrics is ideal for party season.

Miu Miu, 40 Glitter Cowboy Boots, £930, Browns6 of 20

Miu Miu, 40 Glitter Cowboy Boots, £930, Browns

All Saints, Hali Tiger Dress, £150,407 of 20

All Saints, Hali Tiger Dress, £150,40

Topshop, Bingo Western Boots, £958 of 20

Topshop, Bingo Western Boots, £95

Hebe, The White Bianca Suit, £6679 of 20

Hebe, The White Bianca Suit, £667

Channel the 1970sThe celluloid style of Mia Farrow's wide-eyed beauty in the 1974 telling of The Great Gatsby and Studio 54's unabashed glamour may seem worlds away, but that's the magic of this diverse decade.

Terry de Havilland, Margaux Silver White Wedges, £29910 of 20

Terry de Havilland, Margaux Silver White Wedges, £299

Ghost, Su Dress, £16511 of 20

Ghost, Su Dress, £165

L.K. Bennett, Eline Navy Velvet Sandals, £29512 of 20

L.K. Bennett, Eline Navy Velvet Sandals, £295

ALEXACHUNG, Bow Back Shift, £45513 of 20

ALEXACHUNG, Bow Back Shift, £455

Channel the 1960sGet into the swing of things with ultra mini dresses of the 1960s and the leg-lengthening appeal of mini heels and go-go boots.

Carel, Kina Babies Crack Lame Silver, £32714 of 20

Carel, Kina Babies Crack Lame Silver, £327

Zara, Contrast Velvet Dress, £39.9915 of 20

Zara, Contrast Velvet Dress, £39.99

New Look, White Slouch Heeled Boots, £39.9916 of 20

New Look, White Slouch Heeled Boots, £39.99

Richard Quinn, Floral-Print Strapless Satin Dress, £2548, Matchesfashion.com17 of 20

Richard Quinn, Floral-Print Strapless Satin Dress, £2548, Matchesfashion.com

Channel the 1950sWhen Richard Quinn burst onto the fashion scene with his rethinking of 1950s silhouettes we were surprised by how thoroughly modern inspiration from 70-years-ago could me.

Manolo Blahnik, Okkato Pink Crepe Jewel Buckled Block Heel, £79518 of 20

Manolo Blahnik, Okkato Pink Crepe Jewel Buckled Block Heel, £795

French Connection, Edith Strapless Dress, £13219 of 20

French Connection, Edith Strapless Dress, £132

Arket, Leather Ballerina, £11520 of 20

Arket, Leather Ballerina, £115

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