Thus far, we’ve shown you how to pick out the very best party dresses and shoes from the season’s offerings. We also did a little guide on how you can recycle those party sequins for the daytime, post-party season. But, if all that is still unsatisfactory in answering your party wardrobe needs, we’re taking things yet another step further.

So, you’re not exactly up for sequins, embroidery, lace, glitter, lamé and the like. Maybe they’re a little too run-of-the-mill for you. Or, maybe there’s a lot of roast chicken, ham and pie to be had and you want something on the practical side. Tight little dresses are hella sexy, but they aren’t going to do you any favours after all that holiday feasting (read: party pooch). Plus, every other girl you’ll meet is probably thinking about wearing a tight little dress. No matter – there’s still plenty of room for some wardrobe fun without sinking into the conventional and we’re taking inspiration from the street style circuit.

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IF YOU’RE WEARING A SLIP DRESS…

Satin slip dresses are great. They’re versatile and we love them. But, there’s a high chance that three other girls are going to be wearing one, too. Why not one up them all by throwing on a kickass maximalist-approved jacket? Alexa Chung went for fringe over her pink satin slip (shop similar here), but we think a military jacket (we’ve got a whole bunch here) works as well. (Fringe jackets like this, this and this  are a quite insane – in a good way.)

 

IF YOU’RE WEARING A PANTSUIT…

If you’re more of a pantsuit kind of girl, ditch the conventional button-down shirt for a see-through knit (shop similar here) that peeks out of your blazer’s cuffs. In fact, ditch the regular suit altogether and go for a matchy-matchy velvet one instead (this and these go so well together).

 

IF YOU’RE GOING WITH RUFFLES…

Want to wear a ruffled dress (shop similar here, here and here) but don’t really want to commit to the girlishness of it all? Take heed from our pal Evangelie Smyrniotaki and throw on some worn-to-death jeans under it. Swapping heels for a pair of combat boots (like these) works too.

 

IF YOU’RE STICKING TO THE LBD…

The Little Black Dress will always be the steadfast MVP of the holiday party season. We’re not going to deny you that. Why not give it a little oomph with a little pastel bag (shop similar here, here and here) and some seriously blinged-out eyes? It is about time we started breaking makeup rules, anyway.

 

IF YOU’RE A LITTLE BORED…

While we’re on the topic of classics – why not consider the cheongsam? Yes, that cheongsam that only sees the light of day once a year. Just hear us out for a second, okay? With the right accessories, fit, colour and makeup, a cheongsam can be appropriate for a night out with the ladies even after Lunar New Year. Just look at Jenny Walton!

 

IF YOU NEED SOMETHING COMFY…

We always say that knit dresses were invented for five reasons: lazy Mondays, rainy days, period days, don’t-have-anything-to-wear days and the holiday season. Turn your favourite cosy knit dress (we think you’ll like this, this and this) into party wear with a pair of boots that can only be described as “Space Barbie meets Studio 54” (these, these and these are quite awesome). Serious at the top, party at the bottom!