Coloured metallics
(L-R Christopher Kane, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jonathan Saunders AW12)
I love the colours of Christmas: the deep festive shades with a metallic sheen that loosely resemble baubles and sweet wrappers (Quality Street anyone?). Vibrant yet dark shades of green, purple and blue look striking on a simple-cut party dress with minimal accessories needed. Bonus points if the dress comes in a jacquard material, like the green Jonathan Saunders number above.
The printed trouser suit
(L-R Jason Wu, Stella McCartney, Marni AW12)
This may actually be my favourite look of the season: strong, modern and the perfect line between androgyny and subtle femininity. Once again jacquard is the ideal fabric for a structured suit and this looks best worn with high, high heels, big brushed out hair and a lightweight vest underneath to flash a little bit of skin. My love for Stella McCartney's vibrant blue trouser suit knows no bounds but the fitted trouser and nipped in waist of the baroque Jason Wu suit is the most flattering of the lot.
LBD - redux
(L-R Diane von Furstenburg, Versace, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin AW12)
I did say reaching for the LBD isn't necessarily a bad thing and it is certainly isn't if you take the above LBD as examples. Gone are boring, safe black dresses and in their place come the LBD's edgier, all round more exciting sister.
There were a plethora of goth-glam LBDs on the AW12 catwalks and these are just a handful of my favourites. Think velvet, studding, cross prints, heavy beading, peplum detail and my old favourite- leather. Looks most striking worn with bare legs and a pair of spiky pointed toe heels but if you can't bear the cold then tights and some platform ankle boots will do the trick.
I'm sure you'll agree, lots of strong Christmas party looks to choose from! Here's my pick of the best high street alternatives:
Blue jacquard dress, ASOS, £85
Black sequin dress, Miss Selfridge (petite), £75
Metallic shoes, Topshop, £78
Suit jacket, ASOS, £65
Suit trousers, ASOS, £45
Catwalk images from www.style.com
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