Fancy dress
Party fashion glitters with decadence despite our credit woes as shiny, pretty things lift spirits. Indulge in a few simple pieces to take you through the festivities in effortless style.
Elaborate fabrics from velvets and racy lace to sequined slips and floor-length satins are big this year, so you can twinkle even if your bank balance is feeling bleak. At Coco Ribbon there’s a covetable collection of own label party pieces and best-selling boutique brands such as Saloni and Jasmine de Milo, from stand-out puffball dresses for the young-at-heart to a hot-magenta maxi, which would look great on a baby bump.
More floor-skimming lengths and lots of sexy silks can be found next door at Nancy Pop, with a printed silk maxi that can take you economically into spring. Downstairs, new fashion resident Bex Rox has arrived with one-off, handmade jewellery, all lengthy chains, vintage-sourced materials and geological artefacts (yes, look out for the odd fossil).
Spicy, jewelled hues and rainbow-coloured details give the classic black shade a run for its money this year. If you’re not ready to step out so boldly then try midnight, inky blues and navy, a softer and still sophisticated approach yet slightly different. Temperley, Stella McCartney and Diane Von Furstenberg all have elegant pieces at Matches.
If it’s still black you hanker after then go for frills, ruffles, and fancy details for a modern-day edge. There’s a versatile wrap dress sitting proudly at The Dispensary, with a Monroe feel and an all-season quality about it.
On the bright side of black is the wonderful option of wearing some seriously striking accessories. Key styles to look out for are chain-metal fabrics (try duo-designers Felix Ray for bold clutches in this material) or vintage-inspired clutch bags at budget-friendly Accessorize. The luxurious array of accessories and dresses this season means there’s no need to feel blue – not unless it’s a very chic midnight blue.