What to Wear For The Party Season

The run up to Christmas is without doubt the most exciting time of year for keen dressers – and that’s not because we look forward to breaking out our Christmas jumpers.

Rather, the next few months offer a chance to enjoy dressing up for a run of glamorous cocktail soirées, Christmas parties and festive gatherings. Whether your office’s annual do or a night on the town with friends, Turnbull & Asser has everything you need to look the part.

First up, the office party. This is an opportunity to let go (just a little) but it’s also wise to keep one eye on dressing to impress, whether that be your bosses, colleagues or clients. Turnbull & Asser’s Nocturnalist collection is perfect for this. It’s a smart capsule focused around eveningwear with an emphasis on playful, contemporary design.

The foundation for any party look should be a smoking jacket. Turnbull & Asser cuts its jackets in a variety of rich silk jacquards, which are woven in England by a traditional mill that was founded in the 1740s. They’re a discreet luxury and designed exclusively for T&A – ideal for special occasions.

For a smooth monochrome look that’s sharp but not too loud, pair this season’s black and white abstract check silk smoking jacket with dark tailored trousers, a merino jumper in black or charcoal, or a dark shirt. Turnbull & Asser’s black poplin shirt with regent collar and cuffs would work nicely here. It strikes a clever balance this look – it’s cool and clean, but not too showy.

If you’re getting set to paint the town with friends, a colourful evening jacket in burgundy is both playful and sophisticated. Take a look at Turnbull’s red and navy ‘Jack of All’ smoking jacket, which is cut with trim peaked lapels in a quirky jacquard, perfect for making a festive statement. Again, dress it down with a navy crewneck and dark denim jeans, or up with a soft white shirt and textured navy tie. Don’t forget the finer points of dress either; polish your shoes and accessorise with a spotted silk evening scarf or a crisp white pocket square.

On the other side of Christmas, there’s New Year’s Eve. This is a night filled with optimism and there really is no excuse not to bring 2018 in with a sartorial splash. It’s also the most likely event of the season to require Black Tie. To stand out from the crowd, call upon the blue cogs silk smoking jacket. Its quirky motif alludes to the passing of time and its shawl collar is a smooth choice. Keep things classic with a white pleated dress shirt and a plain black bow tie to match the jacket’s lapels, or make a statement with this season’s sumptuous cashmere-denim evening shirt. Wear it open-necked with an evening scarf for a retro but snappy party look.

That’s your outfit sorted, almost. Don’t forget a decent overcoat to wear while you watch the fireworks at midnight. A smart knee-length coat is just the ticket, like the burgundy and navy checked Hopton covert coat. If you treat yourself now you can make it your go-to overcoat for the year ahead.

Above all, remember that the next few months are there to make the most of. The party season is a rare opportunity for you to express yourself with your eveningwear. Don’t be shy, dress to impress and dress to enjoy yourself.

@aleks_cvetkovic @thejackalmag, thejackalmagazine.com