What to Wear for Christmas and New Year's Eve: Rocking Style Over 40!
The festive season is a wonderful time to dress up, but it can be hard to find party clothes that feel grown-up, flattering and comfortable. Here's my guide for women over 40 and beyond.
What should I wear to a Christmas party?
Choose something festive but beautifully cut. Sequins, velvet and brocade all feel celebratory. The key is a flattering shape: a defined waist, a sleeve if you like your arms covered, and a midi or longer length that feels elegant rather than too young.
Can I wear sequins?
Of course! Sequins aren't about age, they're about cut. A sequin dress with a faux wrap bodice and a swing skirt, like my Coco sequin midi, is sophisticated and wonderfully flattering. Choose a soft stretch sequin so you're comfortable all evening.
What should I wear on Christmas Day?
Something that feels special but lets you relax, eat and play games. My velvet robe gowns are made for Christmas Day. You can curl up on the sofa, open presents and greet your guests at the door, and still feel glamorous and a little bit special all day long. And furthermore, what's more perfect than wearing a robe all day?
Velvet is perfect for the day: luxurious and comfortable. A velvet Zip Pocket Dress or the Hampstead velvet jumpsuit are both machine washable, which is useful when there's gravy involved! Tartan is also a lovely Christmas Day choice.
What should I wear on New Year's Eve?
Go all out. New Year's Eve is the night for full-length sequins, a glamorous jumpsuit or dramatic velvet. Try the Soft Silver Sequin Swing Gown, the green sequin wide-leg jumpsuit or the Claridges velvet dress.
Is a jumpsuit a good alternative to a party dress?
Yes. A jumpsuit is glamorous, modern and practical: no worrying about tights, hems or sitting elegantly. Wide legs are flattering on almost everyone.
What colours are best for the festive season?
Gold, silver, ruby, emerald, sapphire, wine and deep navy are all festive and flattering. Metallics reflect light onto your face, which is wonderfully kind to skin.
How can I look festive but still covered up?
- Choose a 3/4 or long sleeve.
- Go for a midi, ballerina or maxi length.
- Wear opaque tights in black or navy with shorter hemlines.
- Add a velvet or wool coat for travelling to and from parties.
Find your party outfit
Book an appointment to try on party dresses in my London showroom, or browse the collection.
Love, Katya x
