Here’s a one-stop guide to a party-season wardrobe that will have you fully prepared for any invitations that come your way. Finding what to wear can be challenging – so instead of waiting until the last minute, avoid the panic and check out this curated checklist that will offer something fabulous for every occasion. Post updated November 10/2018.

As well as more weather-centric updates, Autumn/Winter dressing brings with it an opportunity to direct your wardrobe away from the breeziness of summer and try a bolder look on for size. When it comes to occasionwear, make suiting, metallics, and all-black colorways part of your event- wardrobe repertoire and don’t shy away from imparting a lasting impression in color.

Find gorgeous plus size holiday outfits at the bottom of the post, from sequined blazers, tunics and ankle pants to sumptuous velvet dresses.

What makes a look party-worthy? Here is the spotlight of this season’s most coveted late-night looks.

INVEST IN DECADENT VELVET

Inky black hues can appear understated but a deep neckline promises to peak interest. Traditionally, velvet dresses have long been wedded to a cold-weather disposition but in a sleeveless silhouette, the Veronique confirms its multifaceted potential. Proving you can show off without showing too much skin, the gently tapered shape plays out best in sweeping proportions.

The Veronique Dress

For a style perfectly suited to autumn’s host of event invites, look no further than the Veronique maxi dress in black. It’s cut to a slim-fitting style and crafted from a luxurious velvet fabrication that has a subtle stretch to it for a comfortable wear. Detailed with a twist front and a low plunging neckline finishes just above the waist, the floor-sweeping silhouette is sure to command attention. Amp up the glamour by adding a smattering of jewelry.

Tadashi Shoji Lace Long-Sleeve & Velvet V-Neck Cocktail Dress

Ricki Freeman for Teri Jon Beaded-Sleeve Velvet Gown
Cascading, jewel-tone velvet is elegant, yet comfortable, with soft ruching that subtly defines your waist.

Jovani Sequin V-Back Sleeveless Sleeveless Gown in White
Jovani Off-The-Shoulder Velvet & Taffeta Gown in Black

Marchesa Notte V-Neck Velvet Burnout Lace-Trim Dress
Shimmering burnout velvet in deep forest green is a festive choice for holiday parties or winter weddings

Jill Jill Stuart Floral Velvet Gown
Your social calendar is filling up fast, but not to worry-exclusive styles like this were designed with you in mind and are just what is needed for the season’s soirees.

BE DARING IN MOLTEN METALLICS

‘Tis (almost) the season to shine in glitter, sequins and anything that sparkles – without any fear of upstaging the bride. In sumptuous silk blends, liquid metallics complement the celebratory mood of a ceremony, taking a fashionable approach to a festive classic.

Rayna Metallic Knitted Dress
The Rayna dress in navy is cut to a bodycon silhouette with a drape-detail front, designed to flatter the female silhouette. A striking stand-alone piece, it needs little by way of accessory. Style it with metallic heels and add a clutch bag as you head out into the night.

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Sequined Peplum Gown

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Off-The-Shoulder Tulle Gown w/Sequin Embroidery
Theia Beaded Long-Sleeve Tulle Ball Gown

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Siobhan Metallic One Shoulder Gown
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Marine Organza One Shoulder Ruffle Dress

UP YOUR ACCESSORIES ANTE

A notorious calling card of the festive season, diamante-encrusted accessories dethrone more architectural shapes with the promise of mega-watt sparkle. This season’s take on the trend? An art deco angle approach in both form and fashion. If it’s not the occasion to go all-out, balance the bells and whistles with a backdrop of deeper, classic cuts. This season, abandon a ‘less is more’ rationale in favor of pronounced pieces that sharply underscore your outfit. Playing with scale and proportion, necklaces and earrings shaped from liquid metal promise an impossibly cool impression, especially when stacked. Crafted with artisan expertise, this collection imparts a cool, contemporary accent.

EMBRACE HEAD-TO-TOE COLOR

Rendered in rich pigments, all silhouettes become instantly more dramatic. Edging out last season’s softer color palette in favor of tones with a striking energy, wearing color from head to heels multiplies the impact.

Scarlet Wide Leg Red Jumpsuit
The Scarlet jumpsuit in red is designed with keyhole detailing and semi-sheer sleeves. It’s tailored to sit slim through the body and it falls to a chic wide-leg silhouette. Wear it with open-toe sandals for party season.

Ricki Freeman Off The Cuff Shoulder Feather Cuff Dress

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Casilda Tiered Fringe Column Dress

Lela Rose Long Sleeve Jewel Neck Dress
The new assortment looks to the fashion of the ’40s and ’50s for inspiration in a collection that runs the gamut from crisp, menswear-inspired tailoring to Lela Rose’s signature feminine silhouettes embellished with delicate details.

Marchesa Notte Off the Shoulder Ombre Gown

LEAN INTO THE RETRO REVIVAL

Tap into this season’s acute obsession with the Seventies and Eighties with a nostalgic silhouette. A forever-in-fashion jumpsuit is firmly on the agenda after-hours (especially in an enticing Merlot hue), while a tailored jacket perched over your shoulders keeps things feeling modern. Accessorise with patent accents to keep the look on the ‘dressy’ side. A time defined by excess, the 1980’s propagated the belief that anything is possible. And it still holds true. Embrace your inner maximalist with this season’s exciting take on the decade’s bold color and shimmering sequins – it’s glitz and glamour for a new generation.

“There is this definitive 1980’s attitude happening everywhere in fashion right now. From punk to power dressing, that decade had a broad spectrum of influence, and we’re continuing to see designers looking to the past to define the future.” Nieman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing

The Kadie Jumpsuit & Naiya Satin Lapel Blazer Jacket 
The Kadie jumpsuit in berry is softly tailored to a strappy bodice with a flattering wide-leg silhouette. It’s detailed with a wrap-front feature and striking racer-back design. Imitate the simple silhouette throughout your outfit with simple heels and a metallic clutch bag.

Joan Vass Tunic Sequin Tunic in Black or Red
Available Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X

Berek Two-Button Notch-Lapel Sequined Blazer
Available Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X

SOURCES

Reiss Editorial. Dress Code. Something Special AW18 Party