10 Things You Need to Dress Up a Party Outfit

Ganni, Judith Leiber, Malone Souliers… Forget your plus-one: these are the names you’ll want to have on your arm during party season. From beautifully embellished clutches that will liven up an LBD to classic black evening bags that go with everything, always have one on hand to elevate your look – whatever the dress code.

You shall go to the ball! Whether you’re wearing a party dress, an elegant suit or jeans and a nice top, everything falls into place the moment you slip on the right shoes. You won’t put a foot wrong with classic black heels – but ’tis the season to sparkle, so don’t miss the opportunity to go all out with embellished pairs from Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and more.

Every Christmas party should have a surplus of sparkle, which jewellery delivers in its finest form. Chunky chains, layered necklaces, chandelier earrings and twinkling cocktail rings all offer decoration to your partywear. Will you go for pearls via Sophie Bille Brahe or diamonds from Yeprem?

When you don’t have the time to spend perfecting an up-do, hair accessories can do a lot of heavy lifting. From Blair Waldorf-inspired headbands and oversized bows to glittering barrettes and elegant ribbons, any one of these adornments will give your tresses an instant zhuzh.

Party season is no time for minimalism, and that goes for your make-up, too. Think of it as an accessory – a wintry metallic palette, a smattering of glitter or a sultry smoky lid will make any outfit feel dressier, and are far more at home under a disco ball than the everyday routine. Mini quads and eyeshadow sticks are perfect for on-the-go touch-ups.

Red lips and little black dresses; sequins and lip gloss – some things are made to go together. The transformative power of lipstick will immediately shift you into gear for party season, as well as being the quickest way to upgrade your make-up when time is tight. Matte, high-shine, shimmer or full-on glitter... anything goes, as long as it adds drama.

If you’re planning to put your make-up through its paces on the dancefloor, the most important components of your festive cosmetics bag will be an ironclad primer and setting spray. As we’re talking party, pick an illuminating primer for extra radiance. Then, lock in your hard work with a good setting spray for a look that’ll go the mile.

Party season invites all manner of fabulous dresses into our wardrobes, and good shapewear can help you feel supported and secure in them throughout the night. Full bodysuits, sculpting briefs, smoothing shorts or strapless bandeaus in a range of skin tones – what lies beneath can be just as important as the final look. Skims, Wolford and Spanx offer the best of the best.

Invisible but essential, fragrance is the final touch, yet arguably one of the most important – the right scent will set the mood for your evening. Opt for headier, more sensual notes such as musk, woods and ouds with a long-lasting sillage that will last you through the night and leave a trail of compliments in your wake.

As much as we’d love to precede every party with an appointment at Drybar, sometimes we must take matters into our own hands. While nothing compares to a professional blow-dry, the dizzying array of tools available means it’s easier than ever to achieve a similar result at home. Hot brushes, curling tongs, straighteners and beyond: the choice is yours.

Little black dresses, sequinned gowns, co-ords and more: there’s a place for them all in the party calendar.

From statement earrings to cocktail rings, these gems are the perfect frosting for party looks.