Party Season Has Arrived: Here's What Our Editors are Wearing to Paint the Town Red

As we approach December, all we can think about at Who What Wear HQ is what to wear for all of the events that are already flooding our inboxes. From black tie invites, fashion parties, family gatherings, cocktail nights, NYE and even the odd ticket to the ballet or theatre, it's high time get your best togs on, glam up and step out feeling your very best.

If your stumped as to what to wear, we are here to tell you that classic party dresses are always a fail-safe option (sometimes better to overdress than feel underdressed), whilst 'jeans-and-a-nice-top' combos are spot on for more informal gatherings. Sparkling accessories, including bags, jewellery and shoes will add that touch of glamour to your ensemble, taking any look from zero to 100.

I spoke to some of our stylish editors to get the scoop on what they are planning to wear this party season, from outfits, finishing touches, and even their favourite, festive beauty picks. Read on for their curated edits and styling tricks.

See you on the dance floor!

1. Sophie Robyn Watson, Acting Fashion Editor

"This party season, I’m tapping into classic trends but with a little twist. I’ve had one or two black tie event invitations, so I will be relying on my new favourite ASOS Arrange dress, which is a chic black and white mix, featuring a cape and low-back detail. It’s a thick, satin-feel fabric, and has already fooled some friends into thinking it’s designer. To not crumple or detract from the cape effect, I plan to carefully drape a shearling coat over the look to keep me warm as I dash out of my Uber into the venue, and this Mango reversible one is just the ticket.

Day-to-day, I am a gold jewellery kind of person, but for evening events, I like to switch things up to silver. These Kinraden drop earrings and this Thomas Sabo bangle are weighty but look refined and grown-up, with a sequin bag from Rabanne bringing a disco ball vibe. For glam, I always reach for Hourglass mascara for what I like to call a ‘party lash’—thick, deepest black, and it doesn’t smudge! The new Vyrao scent adds an expensive, yet playful, fragrance to my ensemble, whilst fail-safe sling-back pumps from Zara will help me dance the night away. I wonder if the DJ takes requests…" — Sophie Robyn Watson, acting fashion editor

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2. Brittany Davy, Editorial Assistant

"I like to stick to a darker colour palette, even in the depths of the festive season, so I always look to texture to keep my outfits interesting. Velvet, sequins, and rhinestone embellishments are synonymous with Christmas dressing. Not to mention that this Mango set and the accessories are neutral enough to be worn separately after the party season. In terms of my makeup, I always think that a good party look lies all in the glow, so glossy highlighters and metallic eyeshadows take centre stage, paired with a deeper, bold lip that complements them well." — Brittany Davy, editorial assistant

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3. Marina Avraam, Senior Shopping Editor

"If I’m being completely honest, I’m the furthest thing from a festive girl. I tend to sidestep sequins and anything remotely garish, which makes party season feel like a bit of a minefield. Recently, though, I’ve realised there is a way to build a great festive outfit without betraying your personal style. The secret? Leaning into pieces that feel celebratory, but still chic. My calendar is already stacking up with Christmas events, so I’ve been on the hunt for a look that strikes that perfect balance.

Enter diamanté jeans. They’re subtly sparkly, undeniably fun and—crucially—still sit firmly within my comfort zone. I’m especially taken with this brown pair from Mango. Add a festive-but-not-too-festive top, a faux fur jacket, and you essentially have the Christmas version of the classic “jeans and a nice top” formula. To finish the look, I’m reaching for my Charles & Keith crystal-embellished Mary Janes and a disco-ball-esque Rixo bag for just the right amount of drama. Before I head out the door, a pair of glitzy earrings and a festive spritz of my favourite Jo Malone scent. Consider my low-key party dressing dilemma officially solved." — Marina Avraam, senior shopping editor

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4. Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor

"When party season arrives, there’s one mantra I live by: make your winter wardrobe work harder. Let's be honest, as much as I would love to invest in a new party dress or a plush pair of statement heels, the festive season is already pricey enough. And honestly, finding new ways to make my pieces work harder is way more fun anyway.

Lately, I’ve been pairing my wool striped minidress with practical fleece-lined tights, transforming it from a spring/summer staple to a party-season hero, especially when polished with a timeless square-toed knee-high. From there, you can go as bold or as minimal as you’d like. I'll be wearing mind with a spacious east-west shoulder bag and glitzy jewellery to inject some festive cheer!" — Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, junior fashion editor

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5. Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer

"If the blistering wind and freezing temperatures are consolation for anything, it’s that party season is swiftly upon us. A time of endless coups of champagne and lavish cocktail parties, I’m embracing the glamour that comes with this time of year in decadent little black dresses, coats that would have Elvira Hancock lusting after, feathery lashes and jewellery so elegant it looks like something you could’ve borrowed from Lee Radziwill’s wardrobe. Because if you can’t do it now, when else can you?" — Ava Gilcrest, SEO writer

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6. Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor

"My winter calendar is filling up with a series of festive drinks, dinner parties and Christmas celebrations. As I'm not one to lean into a new outfit for each, I reach for a dress with a little winter edge (for me, it's a velvet finish) that will always look the part. Bringing my outfit to life is a balance of timeless and playful—timeless mule heels that elevate my simple jeans throughout the rest of the year, and a playful bag with a beaded finish for a bit of added fun. Completing my look are my beauty essentials, a soft pink lipstick and a spritz of perfume. I've worn Glossier You for years and you'll find one of these travel-sized versions in each of my most used bags." — Florrie Alexander, shopping editor

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7. Natalie Munro, News Writer

"I’m angling for elegance this party season and turning to cape blouses and sleek silk trousers to get me there. Comfortable yet luxurious, this relaxed two-piece looks its chicest paired with minimal, hard-working jewellery and sleek accessories. I’ll be finishing the look with a spritz of Santa Maria Novella’s Incenso—its rich, smoky depth adding an extra layer of opulence. Whilst I’ll be styling this for festive drinks throughout the winter months, I can see myself reaching for this ensemble long after the party period has come to a close." — Natalie Munro, news writer

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