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Simone Rocha Sequined Satin Gown, worn by a model
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Dressing for December: Sequins, Velvet and Satin for the Party Season

The sequinned, velvet and satin dresses we would wear to Christmas and New Year parties, with the evening bags, earrings and heels to go with them.

By Taiwo Adedayo

Every piece here has been chosen by our editors. We may earn a commission on some products.

The office party, the family dinner and New Year’s Eve can fall within a fortnight, and each asks for something a little different. These are the dresses we would wear, in sequins, velvet and satin, with the bags, earrings and heels to finish them, from £163 to £902, all in stock now.

Simone Rocha Sequined Satin Gown
Simone Rocha Sequined Satin Gown
Sequins

Simone Rocha and Altuzarra

Simone Rocha’s gown is sequined satin in silver, with a softly scooped neckline and a voluminous skirt that catches the light from every angle. £898.

Altuzarra’s Noor is lustrous chiffon covered in sequins, with a draped halter neck and a midi hem. £902.

Close-up detail of the Simone Rocha Sequined Satin GownBack view of the Simone Rocha Sequined Satin Gown
Ilta Ilta Women's Black & Silver Sequin Halter Neck Dress
Ilta Ilta Women's Black & Silver Sequin Halter Neck Dress
More shine

Ilta and Altuzarra

Ilta’s Nola dress is black and silver, close-fitting, with sequins and beads, a round neck and a back slit. £540.

Altuzarra’s Marian is a burgundy knitted midi with a high neck, flecked with metallic threads. £360.

Ilta Ilta Women's Black & Silver Sequin Halter Neck Dress, view 3Ilta Ilta Women's Black & Silver Sequin Halter Neck Dress, view 4
Róhe Scoop-neck Velvet Dress in Black
Róhe Scoop-neck Velvet Dress in Black
Velvet

Róhe, Shushu/Tong, WARDROBE.NYC

Róhe’s black velvet dress is sleeveless and slim, with a scoop neck, £575. Shushu/Tong’s velvet mini has a ruched V-neck, puffed sleeves and a full skater skirt, £260.

WARDROBE.NYC’s is smooth velvet, strapless, with internal boning and a satin lining, £360.

Róhe Scoop-neck Velvet Dress in Black, view 3Róhe Scoop-neck Velvet Dress in Black, view 4
Tove Aubree Ruched Silk-satin Midi Dress
Tove Aubree Ruched Silk-satin Midi Dress
Satin

Tove and Shushu/Tong

Tove’s Aubree is fluid black silk-satin, ruched through the bodice to a midi hem. £398.

Shushu/Tong’s duchesse-satin mini is appliquéd with bead-detailed flowers, with a nipped-in waist and a full skirt. £336.

Close-up detail of the Tove Aubree Ruched Silk-satin Midi DressBack view of the Tove Aubree Ruched Silk-satin Midi Dress
Zimmermann Alight Tiered Metal Clutch Bag in Gold
Zimmermann Alight Tiered Metal Clutch Bag in Gold
The bag

Zimmermann and Saint Laurent

Zimmermann’s Alight is a tiered gold-tone metal clutch with inlaid stones and a detachable chain strap, £805. Saint Laurent’s Cassandre pouch is black quilted calfskin with a detachable wristlet, £632.

Rabanne Crystal-embellished Oval Hoop Earrings in Gold
Rabanne Crystal-embellished Oval Hoop Earrings in Gold
Earrings and heels

Rabanne, Self-Portrait, Magda Butrym, Valentino

Rabanne’s crystal-embellished oval hoops, £414, or Self-Portrait’s silver bows with a crystal fringe, £163.

Magda Butrym’s black satin pumps have a kitten heel and pearl embellishment, £650. Valentino Garavani’s Ladycrush, made in Italy, has crystal-embellished heels, £550.

How to plan for the season

Buy one piece that works for several events: a black velvet or satin dress changes with the earrings and the bag. Keep sequins for the night with the most dancing, and pair them with plain shoes. Check the invitation, and the venue, before choosing a hem length. And break in new heels at home first.

Watch: party outfit ideas

Film: “THE BEST PARTY OUTFIT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS!” by Lydia Tomlinson, on YouTube. The pieces in the film are not from our shop.

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