The new party look
November 8th, 2007The holidays are upon us and this calls for partywear. As much as I’d like to see a greater assortment of swanky skirts and tops in stores (because separates are often better for some body types), the party look this season is once again frock focused. Stores are full of party dress options that are a little more daring and interesting than the average little black dress.
If you’re looking for a new party look that’s “of this fashion moment”, you might be inspired by a few of the shorter dress styles that are in vogue:
- Belted bubbles are a nice mixture of volume and tailoring. It’s certainly a new spin on the shirt dress and a lot more flattering than you’d expect.
- Shift Dresses are loose tunics with just enough shape and drape. This style gets my vote for most fabulous party dress this year. Wear it in a pukka ‘60’s psychedelic pattern and the drama doubles.
- Sequined Sheaths are disco chic and fun. There’s nothing like a bit of sparkle to bring in the New Year.
- Trapeze dresses with or without sleeves are voluminous and shapeless around the tummy area and therefore extra comfy for eating and dancing. I like that the roomy style of this dress leaves a little to the imagination.
I’ve been getting a bit bored with the sleeveless and strapless dress trend recently, so it’s refreshing to see dresses with sleeve detail. It’s especially practical for Winter occasions. While I continue to be a fan of forever fashionable holiday party choices like LBD’s, vintage inspired ensembles and fancy tuxedos, it’s exciting to try a new look and take a risk once in a while.
 Belted bubble dress |
 Shift dress |
 Shift dress |
 Sequined sheath |
 Sleeveless trapeze dress |
 Trapeze dress |
These styles reigned supreme in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s and their retro glory is worth celebrating.
November 8th, 2007 at 8:55 am
Angie, I love these dress choices for holiday dressing. I have a dress similar to the printed shift dress, which I have been dressing down with slouchy boots and a fitted leather jacket. I’m having trouble pairing it with the right dressy shoe, I don’t like the way it looks with pointy toe heels, any suggestions?
November 8th, 2007 at 9:07 am
This sounds great Josie. Well done. You are absolutely right - the pointy-toed shoe is not quite right with this look. Because the style of the shift is quite short, voluminous and flirtatious, you’ll need hose and a shoe with a blunt toe and chunky heel to counter balance the silhouette. A dainty shoe with a dainty heel could give the impression that you are toppling over. The chunky heel is key.
November 9th, 2007 at 7:28 am
[…] Christmas party season is almost here… so perhaps you’re looking for a party dress that’s “a little more daring and interesting than the average little black dress”? […]
November 9th, 2007 at 8:10 am
[…] dark black opaque tights happen to be the trendy choice to pair with the new party dresses this season. It’s a theatrical look that’s not for everyone, but I fancy the idea of covering […]
November 10th, 2007 at 10:28 am
Maybe it’s just me (I’m sure it is), but both the shift and trapeze dresses are completely unflattering on most women, I think. It makes them look totally shapeless. I’m about 5′ tall, and when I wear something like that I always look totally swallowed in it. Maybe I’m stuck in the 90s (probably am!), but for me a dress needs to come in at the waist (like a wrap dress) or else it looks like I pulled on a burlap sack.
November 10th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
A dress that shows off the smallest part of a women’s torso is universally flattering - there is no doubt. But I’ve seen trapeze dresses and shifts drape perfectly over a whole slew of body types and it certainly can work. It’s all in the cut and fabrication of the garment. But then…my eye has also re-adapted to the retro voluminous look. It does take a while and there’s enough unflattering volume out there to put you off the look for life. The good news is that there is something for everyone. If you feel fab in “body-con” (revealing the hour-glass womanly shape), then you can continue to do so with style.
November 11th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
help!! i want to know what designer made the dress amanda on ugly betty was wearing while singing the milkshake song at the wedding please email me at fattire02@Hotmail.com if you know the answer thanks sooo much
November 18th, 2007 at 6:28 pm
I agree with Morgan. This floaty-style dress makes me look matronly. I’m sticking with my wrap dress.
November 21st, 2007 at 8:41 am
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November 26th, 2007 at 8:26 am
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