How to dress up for Christmas, without feeling like a bauble

The festive season is the ideal time to wear the sequins and metallics that have been trending the past season – with one caveat.

Cate Blanchett is the master of daytime, and evening, sparkle. Picture: Getty Images

Hoping for something more profound, this year I’ve settled on the discovery that sequins ought to be for every day. A friend calls wearing sequins, especially in the dreary confines of the 9-5, a public service. The glimpse of them almost always gladdens someone else’s heart.

The festive season is, of course, the time to fully embrace sequins and frou-frou. The most recent fashion seasons have shown there’s plenty of ways to do so, from the rainbow oil slick paillettes at Dries Van Noten and the tinsel-like streams of gold skirts at Prada. And who could forget Cate Blanchett in a golden Louis Vuitton gown with crystals embellished on the shoulders in a manner resembling the most resplendent armour, and then a slouchy gold sequin jumper with leather trousers for day at the Cannes film festival earlier this year?

And sequins by night. Picture: Getty Images

Both outfits are proof that sequins are all-occasion wear. Local labels such as Christopher Esber and Jac & Jack have shining great examples too. For a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, actor Katie Holmes wore a shimmering two-set by Christopher Esber, proof too that a great festive outfit doesn’t need to be a dress. The brand’s cult crystal-studded Minette ballet flats are another way to dress up a simple outfit and have the beguiling effect of making you look like you’re dancing on shooting stars.

The secret to wearing sequins, metallics and indeed practically anything ‘fun’ – to the office, and into the night – is to balance out the sparkle with something a little more serious, even utilitarian. A crisp white shirt or a good quality cotton T-shirt is the ideal counterpart.

Though it is Christmas so, also, all bets are off.

Katie Holmes wears Christopher Esber on a recent episode of the Jimmy Fallon Show. Picture: Getty Images

Another key trend from the recent fashion season to suit the party season is a certain feeling for slinkiness, and swathes of tulle. The latter is both an evolution of the seemingly unending ‘naked dress’ trend and a soft and romantic way to dress up. Examples of this could be found at Chanel, with bonus sequins, at the French maison’s recent spring-summer 2025 show, and the boho-spirited Chloe. The ethereal feel of tulle works as a counter to the return of the pencil skirt, spied at Gucci (so too sequin skirt suits), another viable party season option, and so too the suits and ties at Saint Laurent.

The key to a great party season outfit, as stylist Allison Bornstein recently said on an episode of the podcast Fashion People, is to wear things that make you feel fancy, but not silly.

Sequin twin-sets at Gucci. Picture: Getty Images

Sequins and tulle at Chanel’s most recent runway during Paris Fashion Week. Picture: Getty Images

Still, the festive season can be the chance to have a little more fun with your wardrobe.

Georgia Cherrie of New Zealand brand Paris Georgia says the festive season is the perfect chance to make a bold statement. She says the brand’s slinky, ruched jersey Aria dress in red has become a go-to for its customers.

A great party season outfit, she says, is about “colour, texture, and patterns – anything that makes a statement and leaves the wearer feeling like a million dollars”.

Tactile pieces have resonated for customers this party season too, the brand’s co-founder Paris Mitchell Temple says. Yes, they want sequins too.

“This season, we’re seeing a strong demand for pieces with texture and sheen. Our customers are fully embracing the festive spirit, leaning toward outfits that shimmer and shine. The Silver Fringe dress has already been popular, the perfect New Year’s Eve party dress,” she says.

For Lucy Folk, creative director and founder Lucy Folk, outfits that work on the beach and then can be danced in all night are a perfect fit for the Australian summer. Her go-to is the Lucy Folk silk long Grid dress. Unsurprisingly, for the founder of a beautifully colourful brand, she’s drawn to megawatt hues.

Paris Georgia's Aria dress is a top performer for the brand this party season.

The Lucy Folk Grid dress in silk.

“Colour is quite powerful in this festive dressing world (in fact everyday!). My night is always more fun when I am soaking up the brilliance of a bold colour,” she says.

Nikki Campbell and Sophie Coote of Australian label Sir – who just opened a boutique in Sydney’s Paddington – also understand how people want to dress for the Australian summer heat. The brand’s silky, drapey dresses (and chic linen separates) work as well for the day as they do for a sultry eve.

For Campbell, a summer soiree is the chance to be a little more playful.

A golden bubble hem mini-dress from Danish brand Ganni.

Sir has a great line of party ready looks – no matter what the occasion.

“Lean into fun for the party season. Block colours layered with beaded belts and statement accessories,” she says.

The fun is serious. Case in point at cult Danish brand Ganni where creative director Ganni Ditte Reffstrup has reinterpreted the 1980s classic bubble hem.

“The ’80s-inspired bubble hem feels especially right for now – it’s fresh, fun and full of confidence,” she says.

While Reffstrup says versatility, bold style and playfulness are all ingredients of a great festive season outfit, she believes the essential element is how you feel.

“I think it’s about dressing for yourself and no one else,” she says.

“Having a background in retail and buying before I stepped into design, I know how dressing in a way that makes you feel your best can change a person’s energy – if you’re in a certain kind of mood and you put on something that makes you feel your best, that’s the best feeling. I really believe confidence is the best outfit.”