What to Wear for Every Festive Event

The lead-up to Christmas seems to begin earlier every year, and before you know it you’ll find yourself snowed under with festive invites and a full calendar. From dinners out and in, cosy nights at the Christmas markets, to black-tie events, there’s a lot to organise, so let us take one thing off your ever-spinning plate: the outfits.

The Invite:

Friends' festive get-together 

You’ve all had it marked on the calendar for months, and the date’s finally arrived. The much-anticipated girls' Christmas catch-up. Dinner, drinks, maybe karaoke – whatever the plan, it’s an excuse to get dressed up, and outfit-wise, there’s only one rule: it must shimmer, sparkle, or emit a lustrous glow.

The Outfit:

All that glitters 

We’re fully on board with the more-is-more approach, and since all that glitters isn't just about sequins (though there are plenty of those too), it’s also the perfect time for satin, silk, bouclé, and velvet. Styling a statement fabric doesn’t have to be intimidating; sometimes it's easier to commit to an all-out look, which is where evening co-ords come in, such as satin-back separates in Bay Green. The Long-Sleeve Top and bias-cut Full-Length Skirt make an effortless, slinky pairing, the definition of low-effort, high-impact style. Or, for more structure, look to the AM-PM set in metallic bouclé jersey, which includes a softly sculpting peplum top with a zip neckline and wide-leg pants.

The Invite:

+1 Date 

Being someone’s plus one to a work event or holiday party might mean you find yourself in a room full of strangers. In which case, fake it till you make it, and turn to tailoring. Nothing brings instant confidence like a great suit.

The Outfit:

Statement tailoring 

And we have it in droves. Tailoring is a year-round essential for us, but the festive period is when we can really have fun with colors and textures, like the signature Sharp Shoulder Suit, available in two ultra-bold shades: Intense Plum and Barolo Red. We also have more muted options like pinstripe Merlot and Dark Chocolate. And when it comes to deciding what to wear underneath, we’ve thought of everything. Go classic with a tux shirt and even a tie, or tuck a statement necklace under the collar instead. If a tee is more your style, we’ve created a distinct, evening-ready take in fluid silk satin: the Evening Baby Tee or Effortless Evening Tee. 

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a blazer and pants to fit the theme of precise tailoring. New additions to the Tux Capsule, like the Tux Jumpsuit and Wrap Waistcoat, add a fresh twist on classic tailoring codes. Pieces like the Halterneck Waistcoat and Drop Flare Maxi Skirt, both in heavyweight satin, bring a softer, feminine edge to precise tailoring.

The Invite:

Work Christmas party 

Few things unite an office like the ‘what are you wearing to the Christmas party?’ conversation. And for many, the answer is some form of dress. When you think Christmas party dress, it’s easy to go straight for the sequins. But there are so many other festive textures to choose from.

The Outfit:

The ultimate party dress 

Short, midi or maxi, there’s a length and silhouette for every preference in the edit. If in doubt, you can’t go wrong with an LBD like the Sheer Panel or embroidered-tulle dress, both available in short or maxi lengths. Velvet is another festive classic; we’ve modernised it with flattering details like a twist-front neckline or tonal sequin embellishments. Or, moving away from darker, richer tones typically associated with Christmas, the Tux Mini Dress is crafted from heavyweight satin in Winter Cream.

The Invite:

The black-tie gala

From work events to NYE weddings, there’s often some black-tie dress codes dotted throughout the festive calendar. So if you’re going to invest in a new evening dress, make sure it’s something that will go far in your wardrobe.

The Outfit:

All-out glamour 

There’s always an intelligent edge to our eventwear, but this season we’ve taken it a step further with the Transformer Gown. Crafted from fluid satin in black or Barolo Red, it gets its name from an adaptable neckline with a button-detachable lace insert and hidden hook-and-eye fastenings that create three coverage options in one design. In the same adaptable vein, the 2-in-1 Evening Dress features a bias-cut maxi silhouette with an optional long-sleeve top overlay for extra coverage when you need it. 

If dresses aren’t your thing, the Tux Capsule offers plenty of black-tie options. Tailored separates in a range of silhouettes let you build a near-bespoke look. Choose between a fitted Contour Tux Blazer or the Icon Oversized style, then pick your pants: the Tapered, the Wide Tux Man Pant, or the Slim Crop. 

And since it’s winter, you’ll need a coat. For full coverage and a streamlined silhouette, look to the Sharp Shoulder Tux Coat. And for a statement look, it has to be shearling. The Ultra Luxe Jacket is made from Toscana shearling that’s revered for its extra-long fluffy feel.

The Invite:

After-work cocktails 

There’s a formula for AM-PM dressing during the festive season, and it’s basically a culmination of some of our favourite styling tricks. Consider it the high-low balance meets texture clashing. Decoded, that means choosing one statement piece and pairing it with pared-back options for your daytime look, then easily dressing it up for night with small changes.

The Outfit:

Just add accessories 

When it comes to choosing one statement base, the festive season's emerging favourite is a midi skirt. Whether it’s modern floral-print satin, luxe leather, or contemporary sequins, we’re loving the contrast of a more evening-forward, slim - or pencil-fit skirt paired with a chunky sweater. It’s a perfect study in balanced proportions, and when 5:00 pm hits and you add crystal accessories like the Knot Brooch, Cluster Earrings or a Belt, it gives a definitive after-dark lift.

The Invite:

Christmas pub crawl 

Perhaps it's on a frosty Sunday in the lead-up to the 25th, or part of your family’s Boxing Day tradition, but for most Brits a visit to the pub(s) while the halls are decked is a revered date on the Christmas calendar.

The Outfit:

Pub Jacket

Well, there’s really only one thing for it. This was exactly what the Pub Jacket was designed for. A smart blazer-coat hybrid fit, a corduroy collar underside, and a classic houndstooth weave mean it won’t look out of place in a country pub. But pair it with relaxed luxury pieces like a slouchy cashmere sweater and the Luxe Skinny Boot Pant in stretch nappa leather, and the look becomes modern.

The Invite:

Holiday dinner party

Whether you’re hosting at home or attending as a guest, being seated at the holiday dinner table means one thing for your outfit: keep the details above the waist. Don’t waste your sequin skirts at an event where they’ll be hidden under the table all night.

The Outfit:

Over-The-Table Hero

Over-the-table heroes: styles that look just as considered when people can only see the top portion. Think bright colors like the Intense Plum blouse, interesting finishes like the High Neck Pleated Top, or statement necklines like the Impossibly Soft Shirt with a silk-organza tie. Extra points for tops and blouses with buttoned or shirred cuffs, which means your sleeves stay firmly out of the food.

The Invite:

Christmas jumper day 

Officially, Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is on Thursday 10th December, and while we absolutely support its charitable roots, we aren’t so keen on the idea of buying something new and, well, ugly, for the occasion. So we’re proposing Fair Isle and argyle alternatives that keep the festive spirit while ensuring wardrobe longevity well beyond one day a year.

The Outfit:

Argyle + Fair Isle

Fair Isle is always a festive winner, and this year we’ve applied it to a mix of knitwear silhouettes, including a Button Front Tee, cardigans, and relaxed sweaters, so there’s a shape and style for every setting. These styles also double up as great presents for the knitwear lovers in your life. And since the patterns are so good, we might even suggest gifting early so they can get the most out of their festive knits. 

Argyle has a more subtle festive mood, with true year-round potential, especially when it’s got a clean, graphic pattern like the Knit Tee and Relaxed sweater or a brooding autumnal palette like the brushed cashmere styles.

The Invite:

Champagne on the sofa 

Sometimes the best festive celebrations happen at home, with a very small and exclusive guest list. And given the hectic schedule of the holidays, the quiet moments are very much needed.

The Outfit:

One word: velour

We’re placing velour jersey as the modern-festive solution for just about every occasion. But for a cosy night in with friends, family or just the two of you, it’s a polished step up from your usual loungewear. Subtle details and clever silhouettes like ruching at the shoulder of tops or a wide cut through the trouser legs give a stylish lift, without sacrificing comfort.

The Invite:

Christmas markets 

Until you enjoy a drink of something warming, your clothes need to do the work to keep you warm at the Christmas markets. Lucky for you, staying warm and looking polished aren't mutually exclusive in our style dictionary.

The Outfit:

Cosy + considered

Start with a warm base courtesy of the Barely There Top in merino + cashmere, lightweight, smooth and primed for layering. Choose from neutral shades, camel, navy, and charcoal, each paired with a color-matched light-knit cashmere vest. Low temps might call for something thicker, like a chunky high-neck cashmere sweater or cardigan, with clever shoulder streamlining so it fits easily under outerwear. Speaking of coats, if you want coverage, look to the Tailored Oversized Coat, available in regular and petite fits. For the high chance of rain, the 2-in-1 Utility Bomber Jacket has a detachable hood and a water-resistant shell. And finally, tread sturdily in the Hiking Boot and seal in the warmth with the Hooded Scarf.