I Adore Party Dressing—Here’s Where I Shop for My Most “Wow” Pieces

We're fast approaching that time of year again. You're dusting off the decorations, you've started writing your gift list (for others but also for yourself) and the Quality Street tin has officially become part of your coffee table décor. It is, of course, party season. As fashion editors, we adore this time of year because it's an excuse to dress up, but we know that for others, this very thing can be a little overwhelming. A diary brimming with events—the work Christmas party, hosting friends for dinner, the annual big family gathering on Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, plus any other occasions you might have planned—can make December feel like a slew of soirées where sequins and satin are almost mandatory. Year after year at Who What Wear UK, we're asked the same questions: "How can I stand out? Where can I find pieces that I can also wear outside of festive events?" And, the one we get the most: "How can I avoid spending a fortune?" 

One site I often recommend, and regularly turn to myself, is YOOX. If you're at all like me, your local delivery person will already know you as the one on the street consistently getting deliveries from these aforementioned retailers, but YOOX can at times come a little more under the radar. That is until now. Let me fill you in on a secret: if you're looking to save a little without compromising on style or quality, YOOX is the fashion editor's go-to. Not only does it have designer favourites like Dolce&Gabbana, Jacquemus and Versace, but it also carries some of the more affordable brands we love, such as COS, ARKET and Calvin Klein Jeans. 

So that's luxury designers as well as your more affordable everyday brands and all in one destination—YOOX. But how do you know what to pick and how to put these statement pieces together into a fully formed party ensemble? Let me show you! Whilst I'm the first to admit that I'm not so great at nailing casual attire (blue jeans just aren't my thing, sorry!), dressing up is my forte. Especially when this includes dresses, which if you've scrolled for just a minute on the Who What Wear UK site, you'll already know are my uniform. This being said, I can do trousers and skirts just as long as I can zhuzh them up with a spot of sparkle, a hint of metallic and a rhinestone or two. 

In light of this, I've put together four failsafe party looks that are head-to-toe from YOOX. Hope you enjoy my magpie moment as much as me! 

Style Notes: In case you somehow missed it, red is having a major moment. Shoes, bags, cardigans or dresses—influencers, editors and celebrities are all seeing red this season. As a big lover of colour, there was no question of my embracing this trend, and the second I saw this Rosie Assoulin number I knew it was for me. The voluminous sleeves, plunging neckline and cinched-in waist with small cutouts suit my hourglass figure, and I love the pleat detail. Made with crepe, this dress is ideal to wear throughout most of the year (though perhaps a little too warm for high summer), so could easily be worn again for a spring or autumn wedding. For the festive period though, I've accessorised it with silver, pairing it with this classic Paco Rabanne bag—which is not only chainmail but also adorned with rhinestones—and these Roger Vivier courts. The diamante-encrusted bow detail on the toe makes me feel like a Christmas present, one that I would gift to myself. 

Style Notes: If the Carrie Bradshaw reference isn't obvious here, let me spell it out. The Sex and the City protagonist was responsible for the popularisation of the baguette bag, which this Furla style is reminiscent of. She was also a huge lover of A-line midi skirts, and this Blumarine one with its lace top layer and floral appliqué detail gives the overtly feminine essence that Bradshaw's iconic style was all about. To make it more festive, I styled the look with these rhinestone butterfly earrings and this faux-fur collar cardigan, making it winter-friendly and giving it a sense of Y2K, which is when the show was at its peak. If Bradshaw was going to a fabulous Christmas party in 2023, this is what she'd be wearing. 

Style Notes: The Little Black Dress may be a timeless wardrobe staple, but this interpretation feels fresh. Not only does it have pops of red, which as mentioned, is this season's hottest colour, but I've also paired it with one of the most sought-after shoe designs of the year; the Loewe rose-heel pump. It's undeniable that red roses are both sexy and sophisticated, as is the LBD. When I think of which designers harness this same sleekness (and are known for their rose appliqué details), Dolce & Gabbana immediately comes to mind. This dress is so chic and so classic that it will never date. Just be sure to snap it up before one of the Kardashians hear about it…

Style Notes: If I'm going to do trousers, you best believe they're going to make a statement. These Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini tiger-print pants are so much fun, and whilst I would wear them throughout the year, there's no question of them feeling festive when styled with this gold, cropped jacket and some red sandals. The rhinestones on the Rene Caovilla heels give the look that added sparkle, and the gold laminated leather bag by Roger Vivier with embellished stones ties the look together. This outfit is perfect for dinner and drinks with (my coolest) friends. 

Want to discover more party pieces from YOOX? Head to the site here.