ueen of the pa e

Here are a few dress styles to rock your Christmas and New Year~ Eve parties and get you in the groove for festive fun

hues in paisley or ikat print if yo u chink that works beaer for you

tBY -d KALYANI WAKHARE

Tis the time of the year we all enjoy, warm weather, holidays, parties, barbeque invitations, festivities and of course, Christmas sales! l always take this opportunity co stock up my wardrobe with quality pieces for which you don't have to pay full price, especially dresses. Also, they are the pieces from your wardrobe that wo.rk overtime in December!

Jf you are investi n g in dresses, rake a look at these fi ve styles that are sure to make a s triking impression at the party.

Sequin and meta ll ic

This is a sure-s hot partywear option! Of course, when it's a bling dress it is bound ro rake cenrrestage, so go easy on accessories. Either choose neutral s andal s and clutch bags, or if you are game to gra b all the attention, pair up bold red sandals with a red pouc! If yo u thought chis dress trend's o nly for the evenings you are almost .right, although a light metallic knir could be worn during the day with Aat sandals and a tan handbag for a chic, dresseddown l ook. For those who prefer co keep it simple, go for sequin embellishments on a sheer dress, or just wear metallic heels with a plain dress.

Printed dress

Move over, Aorals! It's time to think p ol ka dots, watercolour washes and even ethnic prints. I sometimes feel ove rdosed on floral prints by the time Spring comes ro an end! Polka dots can be a refreshing change Classic black and white, or white dots on a pastel background are equally trendy. Play up the dress with contrastin g accessories such as red w ith b lack and white, and nuquoise with pastel pinks and corals! Watercolour prints are nice and su btle for a daytime offi ce Chri stmas party. Pair this with minimal accessories li ke neutral sandals and a peai:I necklace for elegant, sophis ticated g lamour. Opt for ho.I der and mote vibrant

Personall y, I Jove a bright b lue or fiery orange with these prints, and would recommend wearing b lack or g.rey sandals with a matching clutch bag. Remember, when in doubt b lack accessories always work!

Lbd

Now, if yo u like the more tried and rested formula for party dressing, tl1ink no further than the LBD (Little Black Dress) . I am a strong belie,7er in this one and think it can suit absolutely anyone, irrespective o f age, body type and pers o nality After all, black is well known co hide your flaws and flatter your body shape. The key lies in finding the best shape, cur and material. A knee length s hift dress with a smart cut is an absolutely stylish option, worn best with animal prints or i:netallic accessories co add that glamorous touch! If you aren't impressed with b y metallic dresse s, try a gold belt with an LBD, it 's trend y and acids just the right amount of bling co yo ur partywear.

Sheer and lace

Another elegant par ty dress option is lace. Black and lace, can there even be anything more attractive than th.is combination? Red or emerald can be exciting too, especially if you wane co be the highlight of the party!

Combine tl1is with black parent leather sandals and a satin clutch to look like a movie star. Sporting an outfit in sheer material w ill make you look like a demure princess, especially if you choose powde r blue or pastel pink. Sheer material like chiffon has a soft, beauti ful fall tl1at is in contrast to a stiffer fabric witl1 sh arp curs. It is therefore e:,sen rial co choose a more re laxed fit for a graceful look. Pointy roe heels and snakeskin b ags can be a good choice with sheer for an edgy l ook.

Block colour

This one's perl,aps the easiest to shop for and is stylish too. There is absolutely no dearth of smart d resses in so lid colours like cobalt b lue, tangerine, bottle green, deep red I could go on an<l on! The fun Lies in picking a lovely sun.1mer colour (one that best Aarrers your skin cone) and playing with fun accessories. Statement necklaces work perfectly with solid colours. You could also experiment ,vith some unique separates like a printed cluLch bag and embellished peep-roe heels. Alternately you could add a belt in a conu:ast colour co the dress, and coordinate yout heels with the belr

I hope you enjoy chis party season co the fullest and have fun with these suggestions to create your dream party outfit.