When you start to see twinkling lights in every window, and tinsel taped to the bulletin board at work, then you know it’s time to throw on the spangles for a month of after-work events and weekend get-togethers.

The LRD

Although you can never go wrong with a seasonless, high-quality Little Black Dress, you might want to try something a bit more daring. How about the LRD? Red couldn’t be more festive if it tried – the colour of a Poinsettia, it really encapsulates the spirit of Christmas. Whether in crepe, satin, velvet, sequin or jersey there are a veritable bouquet of Poinsettia-red frocks on the high street at the moment (just be sure to avoid a white fur trim!). An Ivy clutch in duck egg blue or metallic gold would be the perfect partner for a LRD, or you could keep it more classic with a pearlised black.

Quality Street Colours

A huge trend this winter is taking the usual party palette of black and silver metallic and turning them technicolour. If you’re going for shiny fabrics in jewel bright colours - opt for a bag in a contrasting finish. Orange or electric blue will look amazing with our Rose in pinot smooth. The Ivy clutch in a matte furry cobalt blue or fuschia pink works as a bold contrast to a metallic dress or blazer. And if you want to keep it simple opt for a smooth black. 

A Statement Suit

If a party frock isn’t your thing you could go for an evening suit. A Le Smoking style black tuxedo (Yves Saint Laurent’s timeless invention) will always be a party hit, but this season there are loads of twists on tailoring available. Velvet, brocade, embellished, satin… wearing a matching suit in a statement textile is the most fashion-forward way to step into a Christmas party. If the matchy-matchy suit is a bit Austin Powers for your taste – a blazer in a luxe fabric, or some sharp and patterned trousers paired with a satin blouse will work a treat. Another big trend – not for the faint-hearted – is head to toe animal print. The Ivy or Lily in leopard would be the perfect finishing touch.

If all of this party wear is giving you stars in your eyes, and you don’t really fancy buying something just for the holiday season – you can’t go wrong investing in a quality evening bag. Choose something that you will use for years – but don’t be afraid of going for a touch of glamour in a metallic finish. An Ivy or Lily in black & white shagreen, pearlised grey or pearlised black will match anything in your wardrobe. The Rose mini handbag in shagreen is a perfectly proportioned statement for evening with its petite top handle – and it works just as well in the daytime too, with its detachable leather strap.

Above all, just remember to have fun, drink plenty of water and keep the shoes comfortable – and if you do find yourself feeling a little tipsy, it’s best to avoid the office mistletoe at all costs!