It’s safe to say we’re fully into Christmas party season and it’s that time when those of us who haven’t sorted out what we’re wearing yet get into a bit of a panic. “What to wear to a Christmas party” posts are everywhere, but so many of them just include dresses.
If you’re NOT the kind of gal who wear dresses much – or simply just prefers to be in trousers – then the co-ords set is your new best friend. There are lots of beautiful co-ords in the shops at the moment (I’ve featured my favourites further down the post) and decided to style this floral blazer and trousers suit from JD Williams to prove that party dressing doesn’t HAVE to mean a dress!
The advantage of buying separates is that they’re so much more versatile after the party season (as well as during!). As much as I love dresses, it’s harder to style them in many different ways so you’re restricted to a certain extent of looking very similar from one do to the next if you’re simply switching up the accessories. However, a trouser suit can be worn with different tops, or you wear top or bottoms and dress up or down depending on the occasion.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I decided to go glam with this suit and pair it with red heels, a gold mirror clutch (I love this bag soooo much), a dusky pink velvet top and a rose gold pendant necklace. I was sent these (sample) pieces a few weeks ago to style and the whole outfit is finally now available to buy from JD Williams, hurrah!
❝
IN OUR FAMILY WE ALWAYS GO FULL-ON GLAMOROUS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY, THEN “COMFY GLAM” ON BOXING DAY AND GRADUALLY WIND DOWN THE PARTY DRESSING UNTIL WE’RE FULLY SLOBBING OUT IN OUR JIMJAMS.
❞
If I manage to get hold of the trousers (they weren’t available till the other day) I think I’ll be wearing the suit on Boxing Day with comfy sneakers and a t-shirt. In our family we always go full-on glamorous for Christmas Day, then “comfy glam” on Boxing Day and gradually wind down the party dressing until we’re fully slobbing out in our jimjams 😉
As I mentioned I’ve picked some more fabulous co-ords below if you think separates would be more your thing this party season, so don’t miss them (the millennial pink flares and the velvet blazers are To. Die. For).
So do add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!
DO YOU HAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY OUTFIT SORTED YET – OR HAVE YOU HAD YOUR PARTY ALREADY? IF SO WHAT DID YOU WEAR…
TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS OR TWEET ME @NOTLAMB!
All items c/o JD Williams:
Jacket | Trousers | Top | Clutch | Shoes | Necklace
OTHER CO-ORDS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!
The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
Linking up etiquette…
CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!
Featured favourites
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Wishes & Reality | Lazy Daisy Jones | The Sequinist
To get yourself featured next week, make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!
DO SHARE THE LOVE AND VISIT AS MANY LINKS AS YOU CAN (YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHER LOVELY LIKE-MINDED LADIES YOU MIGHT MEET) – THE ORIGINAL INSTAGRAM CAMPAIGN FORGED SOME WONDERFUL NEW FRIENDSHIPS SO DON’T MISS OUT!
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Linking up to: iwillwearwhatilike, Shoe and Tell, Visible Monday, Fake It Until You Make It, Turning Heads Tuesday, Brilliant Blog Posts, Fun Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion Friday, Saturday Share Link Up
Disclosure: I was sent these samples by JD Williams as part of my Colour Council involvement but was not obliged in any way to write this post (click here for my full disclosure). The post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission. All content is original, however, and opinions are my own and 100% honest.
I will admit that the big flowered pattern in this jacket and trousers would intimidate me. But you’ve not only made it work, you look fabulous!
Michelle
Author
Thanks Michelle – I have to admit I do love a matching bold patterned trouser suit!!
This is a very sensible idea. I didn't have any Christmas outfit ideas so far, as I am threatened with "at Christmas we are going to wear jeans and funny Christmas sweaters". So not my cup of tea. But Saturday we got invited for a Christmas dinner, which I know will have more elegantly dressed guests. When I looked at Sylvia's 40+style, I saw myself featured in my trouser suit as a Christmas option. Hah. And you have the same idea. OK, I will have to use something silk as a top, but I am ready. Well, if the seamstress is as well, as it will be taken in and up.
Your suit is lovely and gives room for food. Nothing too tight please for Christmas dinners. Your golden clutch is on my wishlist now.
Greetje
PS I am joining your link-up of this week again. Finally have time for it. And I totally agree on your selection of favourite outfits last week.
Greetje
Love this floral outfit on you. I would definitely drown in this!
xo,
Janise
http://www.MamaInHeels.com
This moody floral suit is beyond stunning, dearest Catherine…and being able to switch up the top and bottom pieces to create different ensembles will have you set from Christmas Eve to New Years Day!! I actually wore a striped suit (without a top underneath) to my Christmas party last year…so this year, I'm doing a dress again. But if I didn't have my holiday look already picked out, I'd totally go for a combination like yours!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Oh my goodness, this is gorgeous and right up my alley. I like to "hide" my legs so this would be perfect!
I like the colour and print of the outfit which looks impressive.
This pantsuit is incredible and you have styled it impeccably!!!
Joi
Xx
– http://www.inmyjoi.blogspot.com
I've been tempted to wear a suit to my company holiday party this year—you know, like a nod to YSL's le smoking—and I think you've inspired me to do it! Love this look on you!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
Such a gorgeous and comfortable alternative to a dress for Christmas Day! I don't get really dressed up because I'm usually on the floor building toys! A matching blazer and trousers would be a good compromise for me – I'd still feel dressed up without feeling OTT for hanging around the house knee-deep in lego!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Very nice and elegant outfit 😉
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2017/12/01/league-of-extraordinary-heels/
Love it!! A few years ago I bought a similar suit after seeing Pandora Sykes in the Sunday Times wear it. I have actually never worn it out of the house, it's become loungewear – that might have to change! X
This is an awesome look for the holidays. The pattern is uniquely festive and your choice of accessories is spot on. Thanks for the link up and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
Stunning suit!!!! Absolutely love!!!
Nothing like a big, bold print to make a statement. I don't have any parties on my calendar. I must fix that! Thanks for the linkup.
I also like wearing pants to parties, and I love this suit on you!
I'm going to wear leather leggings and a tunic on Christmas Day.
Thanks for the link up & have a great week!
Even without you in it, this outfit is SO YOU! The colours, the coord set, the whole feel of it. It is perfect on you, and such a welcome change from the usual Christmas day dress or jumper. GORGEOUS!
So good to see something other than a dress in the name of Christmas party wear, thank you Catherine. I love the look of this two-piece and have my eye on a two-piece from Zara that I'm hankering after atm. We all seem to approach Christmas with the same gusto – start off very dressy and gradually drift downwards into out and out comfort. Hope you have a lovely time when it comes. Thanks for the link up party once again.
Anna x
I love this Chines inspired print Catherine! A great choice for Boxing Day my love xx
This is really lovely, makes a great change from the LBD and I bet it's comfy too! Jacqui
mummabstylish
I have the hardest time wearing pants to the holiday parties because to me a party means getting dressed up with dresses. I blame my mother (the 70+ model on my blog) for that—haha!!
But this suit is quite lovely!! I could actually change my mind if I had this….
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Oh what a marvelously luxurious outfit, Catherine! I adore all of this!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
You definitely look ready to party.
I am not sure what I will wear, but we will dress up for certain.
I have a full housethis Christmas: daughters husbands, granchildren, sister, nieces,etc . They are all stay here a few days by the sea, so we will dress up but will end up in pijamas for sure, as you say.
Much love, dear Catherine
You wear co-ords so well Catherine. Such a fab alternative tomacdress too. We’re the same. Full-on glamour in Christmas Day and slightly more relaxed on. Oximg Dsy. Thank you for hosting as always lovely lady xxxx love ve Liz xxx
Your Styling is fabulous. My current Christmas look is similar. I'm glad to it in the link up Party. XO Martina
http://WWW.lady50plus.de
That outfit is GORGEOUS! And I completely understand why you love the clutch so much – it's divine!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
Brilliant Catherine. I love your suit and funny enough this year I will be proposing the same for Christmas. My suit is very different to this so stay tuned 😉
Have a fabulous week dear!
xxx
http://www.funkyforty.com