Ring in the festivities this year end with chic and sophisticated party wear

Lace details are the perfect outfit for cosy house parties. Photo: Dior

From cosy gatherings with close friends and family to swanky soirees and glamorous events, December is the month for parties.

Whether you’re the type who loves to make a statement and be the centre of attention or are more of a behind-the-scenes kind of dresser, there are plenty of trending styles to suit your personality.

Classic red

This fiery shade is always a safe bet when Christmas season comes around, and it’s also a mainstay on the Fall/Winter 2023 runways.

From floor-length gowns to body-hugging cocktail dresses, red is everywhere, including on shoes, bags and other accessories.

Not comfortable with this hue, head-to-toe? Refinery29.com suggests going for a neutral look and punctuating it with a red pair of heels and a coordinating clutch.

Read more: If you're thinking about buying a Christmas sweater, think long-term

Cool blue

Blue is a great colour to choose if you're looking for a shade other than your typical red, green or gold. Photo: Alice+Olivia

Seen in bags, shoes, accessories and apparel, blue is making its mark this season.

Whether it’s of the royal, icy or light variety, blue is a great colour to experiment with if you’re looking for a shade other than your typical red, green or gold, commonly associated with the season.

You can blend it with other colours or if you’re feeling daring, go monochromatic – either way, blue is such a versatile hue to work with, as it’s an easy yet festive shade.

Tuxedo inspo

Suiting up is no longer restricted to the boardroom or formal settings, and there are plenty of ways to use this style as inspiration for your holiday looks.

Details like embellished cuffs or a satin lapel are subtle touches that can make all the difference to a basic blazer.

Take it up a notch for special events by choosing suits or blazers in unusual colours and textures, with a little bit of extra flair such as crystal-adorned lapels.

Full-on flash

Sequins will always have a place to shine during the holiday season, whether in tiny strips over a basic tee or covering an entire piece for that shimmer effect.

Metallics have been making waves all year and are set to be a huge trend for 2023’s year- end.

Whether you choose a pair of sleek stilettos in metallic bronze, silver or gold, or carry this style with a more understated piece like a tube or crop top, this trend is a definite winner.

Go full metallic with a dress or jumpsuit, or choose a more subtle route by pairing a mini or midi skirt with a loose sweater or turtleneck, a great look for sit-down dinners with loved ones or an office party.

Black on black

A chic black ensemble is a win this festive season. Photo: Fendi

If black is your favourite shade, you don’t have to give it up just because red and green are Christmas staples.

There are so many ways to dress up a black outfit, from choosing statement accessories to match a plain look to picking out pieces that incorporate flashy embellishments.

From sheer and mesh capes to studded and spiked black boots, style an otherwise ordinary little black dress with the right add-ons to come up with an eye-catching ensemble.

Feathers and lace

Make party season your excuse to try out every over-the-top style idea that you wouldn’t dare experiment with on a regular month.

From feathered cuffs and hemlines to ultra-feminine ladylike lace dresses, the sky’s the limit in December, so go all out.

Boho chic or Grecian white dresses with lace details are the perfect outfit for cosy house parties, best paired with chunky gold jewellery to elevate the look.Feathers are a fun and easy detail to add to a look, without weighing your clothes down too much, unlike heavy embroidery or stones.

Elevated streetwear

Can’t let go of your casual threads? Worry not because streetwear is now acceptable party attire, with minor tweaks, of course.

Ponchos, in festive hues, are in trend and are the best of both worlds when it comes to form and function if you’re headed to a colder climate this time of the year.

Choose a piece with fun tassels or a poncho or hoodie made from suede or cashmere for that added luxury.

Read more: Vanity Fare: Festive beauty gift sets that just keep on giving

Comfortable footwear

No longer do you need to suffer in five-inch stilettos at a party, because in 2023, any type of footwear goes.

Comfort has become a top priority when it comes to shoes, and everything from sneakers to ballerina flats have become commonplace at events and parties.

Choose a pair of chunky heels or platform sneakers if you still want to go for something with height, and opt for low wedges, loafers or sandals for more casual dos.