Whilst half the nation is feeling excited for the festive party season (50%), a nationwide survey by fashion retailer Very.co.uk has uncovered a lack of confidence in dressing for the occasion, revealing Brits’ biggest partywear predicaments.
The survey of over 2,000 Brits revealed wardrobe concerns are deterring party-goers this season. Among these concerns are lack of confidence in choosing what to wear (22%), being unsure on dress code (11%) or simply not having the right footwear (7%) or coat to match (6%).
This research follows the launch of Very’s long-term fashion platform Haus of Flamingo, which embraces the brand’s proposition ‘let’s make it sparkle’ to empower consumers to express their confidence and unique sense of style.
To help partygoers overcome these hurdles and embrace the festive season in style, Sally Goodwin, Design Manager, reveals the top trends for AW24 and her party wear predictions.
“Releasing your ‘inner flamingo’ is all about confidence and standing out in a crowd,” says Sally. “Partywear is such a good category to be a bit experimental with; you can start with textures such as sequins, velvet, lace and boucle knitwear, you can dress it up or down and you can have fun with colour. It’s a good time to really enjoy what you’re wearing and be less afraid.”
Key Fashion Trends AW24
- Dark Night
Sally: ”The 80s continue to influence partywear with even more daring styles. Faux fur is a key element, layered over lace dresses or separates, while velvet and velour fabrics also contribute to this trend’s resurgence.
“The colour palette remains rich with reds, berry tones, chocolates, and golds, but now includes dark greens and teals. While leopard print continues to make a statement in bags, shoes, accessories, and even tights. The trend also incorporates grunge influences, such as biker jackets and PU trousers for an edgier look.”
- All That Glitters & Dark Elegance
Sally: ”Evoking the glamour of 1970s cocktail parties, “All That Glitters” and its related mini-trend “Dark Elegance” showcase a sophisticated style. Black and cream monochromes dominate, while silver separates, especially skirts and trousers, are essential pieces.
This trend comes to life through details like 3D flowers, corsages, and bows, adorning everything from dresses and tops to accessories and shoes. While tailoring plays a significant role, with lace-trimmed blazers and coordinated tailored sets adding a polished touch.”
Sally also shares insights on what is going to be big in party wear this festive season:
- Lace is a key fabrication for party this year: lace dresses and blouses are important silhouettes for the trend
- Bows and corsages are going to be big, either on the dresses or tops or on accessories from bows in hair to bows on shoes or bags
- Reds, berries, and burgundy footwear and accessories will continue to be key. We have seen it massively coming through already for A/W so it’s set to only continue for partywear. Pairing your shoe and your bag colour is an easy way to bring colour into your outfit.
- Cream and black dressing which inspired by our trend maximalism, especially when the cream is in satin finishes
- Prim Dressing is also key: think trophy jackets being a key item for this timing especially in boucle fabrications, can be worn back with jeans for easy styling or glammed up with a skirt to take you from day to night.
The hottest party wear pieces of the season, according to Very’s experts:
| V by VeryBow Front Velvet Midi Dress Dress -£55 | V by VeryBow Embellished Fluffy Cardigan – £32 | V by VeryFaux Fur Jacket – £65 |
| V by VeryLace Straight Leg Trousers – £32 | V by VerySequin Satin Trouser Co-ordTrousers and shirt – both £35 | V by VeryFaux Leather Wide Leg Trousers – £35 |
Visit Very.co.uk for more AW24 partywear inspiration: https://www.very.co.uk/style.page
