LIFE OF THE PARTY: BE THE SEASON’S BEST-DRESSED IN THESE HOLIDAY PIECE

The Edit

LIFE OF THE PARTY: BE THE SEASON’S BEST-DRESSED IN THESE HOLIDAY PIECES

Get ready to celebrate with our edit of the best styles to wear to every end-of-year soirée.

by Lindsay Samson

November 4, 2022

A time for feasting with family, getting together with loved ones, and—as any style-savvy observer will tell you—putting your best fashion foot forward. Holiday soirée season is upon us. It’s time to invest in some distinctive party ensembles that will have you sparkling throughout. So, whatever kind of merriment you have in store, whether it’s a wedding you’re dressing for or you have an extravagant dinner to go to, we’ve got you covered style-wise. Shop the full collection of looks (and more) here.

1. Dinner date

Formal dinner parties generally call for a dose of casual sophistication, polish, and charm. So if your holiday party calendar includes lavish supper plans, be sure to dial it up on those aforementioned sartorial traits by turning to items that are classic yet festive. Fine tailoring and whimsy are what’s needed, and a matching set like the silver Silk Lamé Trouser and Jacket set by South African label Viviers possess these qualities in spades. A refined yet playful choice of dinner party attire, the former’s relaxed cropped fit, and elasticized waist lend it an always welcome element of comfort, while its pairing with the matching Tailored Jacket creates a head-to-toe look that conveys a bold, party-ready air. If it’s a festive frock you’re after, Fruché’s Ozumba Mbadiwe Shirt Dress and River Dress are fine options. With their seamless blending of traditional craftsmanship and edgy appeal, they’re both powerful and glamorous statement pieces. Similarly, Orange Culture’s Party In The Back Top certainly lives up to its name. Cut from shimmering lurex and complete with a dance floor-ready asymmetric layered hem, its daring open back will lend any ensemble a degree of luxurious drama. Meanwhile, Andrea Iyamah’s Rust Behati Crop Top and Skirt set offers a dose of fun, feminine flair in a warm rust hue and figure-flattering silhouette.

2. late brunch

Mid-day brunch gatherings are joyful occasions characterized by the coming together of loved ones and the consumption of copious amounts of delicious foods. Allow this celebratory exuberance to extend to your ensemble by selecting a vibrantly printed summer frock as its foundation. Perfect for the free-spirited dresser attending an outdoor brunch in the sun, the playful, modern, and distinctly feminine styles by Zanzibari designer Doreen Mashika are endlessly versatile and available in a variety of lengths, fits, and styles. The designer’s Green Nia and Zuri iterations are optimistic, laid-back winners featuring vibrant kanga prints and are crafted from breathable cotton. If you’re looking for something in a slightly more vibrant shade, however, turn to OLOOH's Redjo Bazin Shorts and Mila Shirt. Crafted from cotton bazin, the timeless wardrobe staples with a twist keep things comfortable and cool yet still make a bold Fuschia statement. Perhaps you prefer shades of yellow to hot pink? In that case, Andrea Iyamah’s Marigold Sade Cover-Up and Niuku’s Yellow Seleti Dress offer up two versions of the sunny hue—one a glam take on resort wear, the other a more casual style in a muted tone. Hamaji’s Bee Eater Pleated Palazzo Pants and matching Peplum Top meanwhile are uber chic takes on easy dressing, their hand-dyed Tencel forms imparting an air of effortless chic.

3. Wedding season

The end of the year in the Southern Hemisphere also signals the beginning of wedding season, so it’s high time you begin sartorially prepping for these celebrations of love. Like your fashion choices a little unconventional? Allow that innate eclecticism to inform your summer wedding looks and make a bold, off-beat statement in Lisa Folawiyo’s Vintage Lace Maxi Dress or Penman Paneled Dress. These ultra-feminine and decidedly modern takes on formal wear will have you easily clinching the title of “Most Glamorous Guest.” The Aya dress by Abidjan-based label Kente Gentlemen presents a similarly charismatic spirit, its square neckline, twin side slits, and form-fitting silhouette making for a fashion-forward, free-spirited vibe. As for Andrea Iyamah’s Xena Maxi Dress, it’s a feminine and ultra-flattering bestseller, one that requires minimal effort and is commanding enough to speak for itself. Featuring a similarly dramatic fit, Studio 189’s Crossroads Skirt is a boldly patterned piece, one that can easily be dressed up or down depending on what you choose to pair it with. Prefer a laid-back style that will allow you to navigate dancefloor duties with ease? Taibo Bacar’s Bond Dress offers the kind of loose fit, muted tone, and flowing shape you’re looking for.

4. office party

Office holiday parties can leave you in a quandary. You want to look professional, but you still want to feel stylish. For this reason, shirt dresses with a glitzy spin are an obvious go-to, their office-appropriate form proving a safe bet for the environment. With its striking color and impeccable craftsmanship, the Cobalt Utility Dress by Viviers is a dazzling and dramatic choice. Featuring a voluminous yet adjustable silhouette and a classic button-down design, the piece needs little accessorizing to make a strong statement. With its shade of lemon yellow, Emmy Kasbit’s Ijeoma Shirt Dress offers a more summery take on the style, the effortlessly cool wrap design and touches of traditional handwoven Akwete providing an irreverent spin. Then there’s Babayo’s Black Fulani Embroidered Kaftan Dress. Crafted from black cotton, the flowy full-length silhouette offers a relaxed feel, something that’s emphasized when paired with a chunky sneaker or sandal. Alternatively, you can take a slightly more formal approach with OLOOH’s Blur Goumin Jacket. Cut from crisp blue linen, the sophisticated blazer-style garment pairs elegantly with high-waisted trousers and classic court heels but works equally as well with Fruché's ultra-modern Prototype Pants. If you’re really looking to turn heads at your work shindig though, the Patchwork Shirt by IAMISIGO goes a long way. Its unique two-tone color-block motif was designed to stand out and when paired with neutral bottoms is really allowed to pop.