After having such fun working with Overgate on the AW14 coats review, I was delighted when they asked me to visit again, this time to try out Overgate‘s best Christmas partywear. The festive social scene is lots of fun but it’s also really busy and pretty exhausting, so you want outfits that are easy to wear and make you feel great. So, with this in mind, what could work better than the LBD? My Overgater review consists of four variations of the classic little black dress.
First up is this super cute print dress by Red Herring at Debenhams. The kimono style sleeves are flattering and totally on trend, while the print is fun and festive without being too literal. The cut is also really flattering; the nipped in waist and slightly A-line skirt will work on almost every shape and size. I’d wear this for a girls’ night out or after work drinks (perhaps with black opaques).
Red Herring, Debenhams £38
The office party can be a tricky event to dress for; baring too much isn’t an option because, let’s face it, you don’t want to be the subject of water-cooler gossip come Monday morning. This dress from New Look is a good way to dress up without going OTT. The black faux leather with the jersey fabric takes the LBD from predictable to interesting, while the strappy neckline is very ‘now’. The length is demure, but the bare shoulders bring a little sexy back without running the risk of shocking Bob from Accounts. On me, this dress was cut slightly wide across the bust – but the great thing about slightly too much fabric is that a seamstress has something to work with in order to get the fit just right. High street clothes are produced to fit the masses, so it’s always worth spending a few extra pounds on adjustments to get the fit just right. (Apologies for my glaiket expression – I was concentrating on holding in my underarms!)
New Look, £19.99
Everyone ends up attending a Christmas lunch of some sort in December, even if it’s your own on Christmas Day! This floaty little number from French Connection is genius – the loose style of the dress will hide a number of sins (yes, I’m referring to that three-course food baby) but the sheer arms and colourful embellishment dress it up for the festive season. This dress will work for everyone – hence why it’s one of French Connection’s best sellers – and can by style with or without tights, and with boots or heels or flats. You don’t even need to decide on jewellery! It’s pretty much the perfect Christmas LBD.
French Connection, £150
The social calendar wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas party night or black tie dinner and Quiz will save the day with this sequin maxi dress. Technically, it’s not a little black dress – it’s navy – but, it does come in black (and gold) so you can stick to old faithful if you prefer…. however, I wanted to show that navy is an uplifting alternative to black that is equally as ‘safe’ and is complementary to most skin tones. At under £70 this dress won’t break the budget (let’s be honest, it’s an expensive time of year), and it’s dramatic and fabulous so is just the ticket for a dazzling do. Ladies, you betta werq that Angelina Jolie leg!
Quiz, £69.99
All in all, the Overgate Shopping Centre has high street partywear covered this festive season – housing some of Britain’s best stores, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something for any occasion and at a good price point. Who doesn’t love shopping with their bestie and celebrating with a gingerbread latte and spiced bun at Costa? (After you’ve found the party frock, of course!)
My winning look at Overgate? French Connection.
Follow:
Grab a cuppa... you might like these
