What to wear to this year's festive parties - The Jewish Chronicle

Chanukah is over; the last candle has been lit.

I mention this because the timing of Chanukah this year is a problem for those Jewish women who, like me, talk euphemistically about “Chanukah party” outfits when what we actually mean are outfits for New Year’s Eve or that New York City conflation, Chrisnukah.

For whatever kind of party you are attending, I’ve hunted down the most glamorous and appropriate party-wear. “Appropriate” here means an outfit that will be not only gorgeous and on-trend, but will probably have sleeves and won’t be mini length. Luckily that’s on trend too.

There are endless numbers of stunning dresses, lavished in sequins or crafted from luxe fabrics, notably velvet but also lace, chiffon, jacquard, and crepe, in print and plain. Wear any hemline this season, too, from knee-length to midi to long/maxi. Embellishment and details include feathers, frills, fringe-ing, off-the-shoulder necklines, asymmetry and sequins.

Naturally, the LBD (Little Black Dress) makes its annual appearance in various cuts, fabrics, lengths and even colours. This season, colours include burgundy, navy or dark green. But whatever its hue, an LBD’s vital attributes are unchanging: instant glamour and instant flattery.

For an LBD that is directional and has the structure that the over-50s appreciates, I like UK brand Gina Bacconi, the new incarnation of Shubette. Founded almost a century ago, it is now run by the (Jewish) founder’s great-granddaughter, Juliette Offenbach.

US brand Adrianna Papell (available at John Lewis) offers a similarly grown-up sensibility in party-wear.

If you don’t love a dress, this season’s party alternatives include jumpsuits, trouser suits and separates such as midi and maxi skirts, palazzo trousers and embellished tops.

At Wallis, find sequin-embellished, sheer or sparkly tops in black and navy (many with sleeves) which look pricey but aren’t; Gina Bacconi has chiffon layered palazzos trousers in black or navy at £140, while Reiss’s superb party pieces include pleated midi skirts in metallic or butterfly-print chiffon (£155). Reiss also has my favourite party blazers, including tuxedo-style with satin-lapels (£250) and muted-gold jacquard (£295).

As one of the season’s hot party trends, velvet is easy to wear,either as an entire dress or jumpsuit, or as a blazer (I like the Reiss black velvet at £225) or as trousers (Gina Bacconi velvet trousers, £150; Boden velvet joggers, £75, and straight-leg velvet trousers, £80).

Sequins are much harder to wear as their reflective surface has the unpleasant ability to create the illusion of extra inches. Yes, even black sequins. When buying anything lavished in sequins, a size that avoids cling is always the best choice.

If you are very slim with a “straight” body you can wear all-over sequins with ease — and most other things as well. For everyone else, either wear them as embellishment or consider these options (all of which require the addition of a dark blazer or jacket which may not be removed no matter what. This is non-negotiable).

Option 1: sequin maxi slip dress (River Island, £75); option 2: plain top plus sequin midi, maxi or pencil skirt or palazzos ( sequin pencil skirt, £35, sequin palazzos, £35, both Wallis); option 3: sequin top plus non-sparkly midi/maxi skirt or trousers.

So, go out and shine!

Jan Shure is co-founder of SoSensational.co.uk, the fashion website for 50-plus women