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Can you believe it's almost party season already? It seems like yesterday we were making the most of the last bit of sunshine and now suddenly the Christmas lights are being turned on and the invitations pouring in.
Luckily, whilst finding the perfect present to take with you might not be easy, nailing your party look certainly can be. And although we love an excuse for a new dress – and trust us, any excuse will do – this season we're shifting our focus to the accessories. After all, adding a new bag or shoes to what you’ve already got can be totally transformative (not to mention leave you with enough change for an espresso martini or two).
Ready to get started? We've teamed up with Tu to bring you five of our favourite festive add ons. See them come to life, then shop them straight from our Gif Guide below. See you by the tree...
Velvet underground
Unless you've been in fashion hiding for the past few months, we know we don't need to tell you that velvet is very much a thing right now. If you're not ready to layer it on a la Valentino, this twist on the classic quilted bag is an easy way to tip toe into the trend. We'll be pairing ours with a staple slip dress.
Quilted bag, £12
Go faux
If you're doing the whole desk-to-drinks thing (and really, isn't that the whole of December?) you're going to need a bag that can do double duty. This teal tote ticks AW16's jewel tone box and has more than enough room for a spare pair of heels, not to mention a bit of faux fur. A bright scarf like this one will add a playful edge to even the most low key of looks.
Croc tote, £16; faux fur scarf, £16
Block and roll
A year on, the metallic midi is still a strong party piece, but if your fave one needs a little update we've got the answer. Swap your strappy sandals for this velvet block heel and nail pretty much all this season's trends in one. For once minimal effort = maximum impact (and that's our kind of maths).
Block heel pumps, £18
Flat out
More of a flats fan? There's plenty of party ready pairs for you to choose from too. The smoking slipper has become a bit of an icon in the past few years and we can see why – choose the right shade and they'll see you from party season to party season, and work with skirts and trousers alike. We'll be adding this rich navy to our collection.
Velvet slippers, £16
Modern metallic
It wouldn't be Christmas without a bit of sparkle, and it doesn't get much more glittery than these mary janes. The star on top (well, bottom) of any festive look, keep them feeling modern by dodging the Dorothy look and pairing with a minimal midi and bare legs. Heel clicking optional.
Glitter courts, £18
Shop online at tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk or click here to find your nearest store