Christmas is coming, and that means one thing – party season. Whether you go full-on glam for Christmas Day, you’re a social butterfly flitting from Xmas do to Xmas do, or you’ve just got to look smart to see the relatives, this season spares no-one. You’ve got to have a party outfit. Luckily, finding the perfect Christmas outfit on a budget is easy-peasy if you know how. Here are my top tips.
It’s all about the details
You might not need to buy a whole new outfit. Accessories such as statement jewellery, a well-tailored jacket, or a smart pair of heels can elevate a simple look from drab to party-ready. If you’ve got some well-made basics already, this might be the best way to go. If you haven’t already got them in your wardrobe, consider investing in some quality pieces (such as a timeless little black dress) for future wear. If you’re an online shopper, be super savvy and look for online discounts from somewhere like Sello before you make your purchase. You’ll kick yourself if you could have bagged a bargain but didn’t check first!
Second-hand is your friend
…and we don’t mean (often overpriced) vintage. Charity shops are treasure troves, full of one-of-a-kind pieces that are perfect for parties. Retro velvet, sequinned jackets, and ultra-sparkly accessories may seem a little gauche during the rest of the year, but they’re perfect for Christmas – and charity shops are full of them! Try to trawl charity shops in affluent areas, as often you can also pick up designer labels for a song.
Hit the high street
It might not be the most environmentally-friendly option, but sometimes a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. High street shops usually bring their Christmas sales forwards to get your money first. Especially because everything online seems to be cheaper. If you can deal with the stress and the crowds, it might be worth hitting the concrete.
Don’t forget underwear!
High street clothes and charity shop finds don’t always fit perfectly. If you can make them look sleek, they’ll look much more luxe and party-ready. This means that you need to take a long, hard look at your underwear drawer, and skip wearing anything that’s going to make you feel uncomfortable underneath. You might even want to invest in shapewear to boost your confidence. (and yes, this means that you might need to dig the iron out as well).
