The Glass Slipper Blog

‘Tis the time of year to dust off your party dresses and get glammed up. If parties make your heart sink because you feel you’ve got nothing to wear, fear not. Here’s our guide to the best party frocks and how to wear them to turn heads.

One-shoulder Dresses

These take attention to the shoulder area and away from the hips – “Hooray,” I hear you cry!

As this dress makes a stunning statement, you need very little to dress it up other than a fab pair of earrings.

You can even cheat by wearing something that gives the illusion of a one-shoulder dress such as this Whistles dress.

Rachel Gilbert at Net a Porter	Dorothy Perkins	Whistles

Alex Munroe

Long-sleeved Dresses

These are great if you don’t like showing off your arms. There are lots of chiffon-sleeved dresses around. To stop this type of dress from looking frumpy, wear it as short as you dare. I love the lighter colours teamed with black opaque tights and heels.

If it’s an unfitted style, you could try adding a pretty bow belt to give youself a defined waist.

And if you are a little on the busty side, a long necklace will break up your top half.

Oasis	Dorothy Perkins	Phase Eight

Marks & Spencer	Halston Heritage at Net a Porter	Top Shop

Twenties style Dresses

Go for a metallic dress with an art deco feel, dropped waist or fringing to give your Christmas or party outfit a 1920’s feel.

Team it with a feathered clutch, or diamante hairclips, but be careful not to go overboard – you don’t want to look like you’re in fancy dress.

The straight shapes and dropped waists of this style of dress are great if you have a straighter waist and no hips.

And the bronzes and metallics will make sure you stand out from the sea of black at your party.

Warehouse	Oasis	Dorothy Perkins

Next	Anthropologie

Lace Dresses

A classic alternative for your little black dress. It can look quite girly, but you can offset this if you prefer a slightly edgier look, by wearing shoe-boots and an oversized boyfriend blazer or tuxedo jacket.

Beware of shoe boots if you have very chunky ankles – try some chunky heels with hidden platforms instead.

Or stick to a ladylike version like this sexy D&G number – fantastic on an hourglass figure – just add some pointy kitten heels, and you have a beautiful Joan from “Mad Men” inspired look.

Coast	Top Shop	D&G at MyWardrobe

Kurt Geiger	Dune	LK Bennett

Jacquard Dresses

These may remind you of your Granny’s curtains but they are a hot trend right now. A huge benefit is that jacquard is a thick fabric which can be very flattering for “holding it all in”!

If you don’t fancy a whole dress in it, then opt for a pencil skirt and team it with a simple top and a touch of jewellery.

Jigsaw	Mango	Coast

Draped Dresses

Wear this in a strong statement colour, and let the draping and ruching do the work for you. A flattering way to distract attention from any lumps and bumps, or add curves and interest if you’re straight up and down.

If you go for a plain black dress why not add some funky leopard print shoes for a fun and sexy feel! They’ll be more versatile than you think as you can wear them with plain black trousers, and even jeans.

Reiss	Hobbs	Warehouse

Carvela	Kurt Geiger

Jumpsuits

The jumpsuit has a gorgeously 70’s feel about it and can look fabulously elegant, tailored and dressy while making a change from the usual black dress.

Wear it in simple black and accessorise with metallic shoes and bangles.

Mango	Jaeger	Reiss

LK Bennett	Accessorize

If you want to know what suits you and how to look fabulous every day with minimum time and effort, call us on 0845 045 0858. Tell us what you’re looking for and discover what a professional one-to-one consultation with an experienced Personal Stylist could do for you.

Kind Regards,
Nina Cooke