Last Minute Christmas Party Outfits Worn by 5 Over 40 Women

It’s that time of year when most of us are guaranteed some sort of party or gathering to go to – which begs the question: what to wear to the Christmas party?

If you’ve got a last-minute invite then fret not – here are 7 last-minute Christmas party outfit ideas for you. Together with the rest of the Over40Collective I’ve created a perfect party look… Lots of sequins and rich colours!

I came up with an outfit from things I already owned – we set ourselves a theme of “last minute”, so we could either create something from what’s already hanging in our wardrobes or make an emergency purchase (so many retailers do next day delivery, and for example, ASOS will deliver next day in the UK if you order before midnight. That’s amazing.)

My outfit would work for an intimate party, a large gathering, a glamorous shindig, a dinner party, an office party… Any time I’m not sure of the dress code (or if there isn’t one), I go for trousers (not jeans), heels and some sparkle. Your sparkle could be jewellery, glitter or sequins: Just make sure it looks at least a little bit glam.

SHOP PARTY KIMONOS:

The great thing about a sequinned jacket or kimono is that it can be left on if the glamour factor at your party is high, or taken off if it’s more casual. It’s the best of both worlds.

I last wore this Topshop sequinned kimono (sadly long since sold out, but this is a fabulous devoré alternative) on a Boxing Day a couple of years but never got pictures as I think it was pouring with rain and I was probably nursing a food baby. I also wore it to LFW in 2014 with distressed jeans but have since found it hard to style.

But there is one key trick to styling kimonos, and whilst trying mine on again I worked out what it was:

Don’t wear long sleeves with them.

Because kimonos tend to have voluminous, short sleeves, if you wear a top with long sleeves underneath it just doesn’t look right (or at least it doesn’t on me) as it detracts from their cropped, flowing loveliness. So keep sleeves short – that’s my tip of the day.

So with the kimono I wore my Jaeger kick flare trousers (OMG I knew when I got these that they’d be so versatile), a plain high neck top that on its own unfortunately looks like a dentist’s uniform (so in this instance I’d have to keep my jacket on), but it has the perfect neckline… and my beautiful bronze heels, last worn here.

Add a few simple but fabulous accessories: Accessorize earrings, a plain black clutch (that doesn’t fight with the palm print or the sequins) and the goes-with-everything diamante Lizzy O wrap bracelet.

Everything here was in my wardrobe already… I did actually come up with this outfit the night before so job done on the whole last minute thing. I have to give a shout out to the other ladies who have created six stunning Christmas party outfits – there is something for everyone here, from sparkly dresses to tops and trousers and a whole lot of chic going on. Scroll down to see the outfits they’ve come up with, I’d be super proud to be going out with them on a Christmas night out… If only we didn’t all live miles from each other!

Enjoy the last few days before Christmas…

Remember – party responsibly, and have fun!

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING/HAVE YOU WORN FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY THIS YEAR? COMMENT BELOW, OR TAKE IT TO TWITTER @NOTLAMB!

SHOP THE WHOLE LOOK:

Plus a diamante wrap bracelet from Lizzy O Boutique (c/o)

Last Minute Christmas Party Outfits Worn by 5 Over 40 Women

Annette, Lady of Style

Annette does sexy chic in a satin top (such a gorgeous cut and shape) with leather leggings and great jewellery. Read in full >>

Follow Annette on Instagram @theladyofstyle

Liz, What Lizzy Loves

Now that’s how you do a little red dress…! Liz totally wows in her sequinned LRD and accessorises to perfection with a bottle of champagne, glasses and heels. Read in full >>

Follow Liz on Instagram @whatlizzyloves

Michelle, Michelle Tyler

Michelle is an absolute knockout in this slinky blush velvet dress and fabulous necklace – the dress looks designer but isn’t… Click through to find out where she got this wonderful velvet beauty: Read in full >>

Lisa, The Sequinist

Forget Christmas sweaters – Lisa chose her signature sequins in a stunning black dress with embellishments of stars, a sacred heart and palm trees… I’m not sure a party outfit gets any more tastefully festive than this! Plus with legs like hers there’s no reason you shouldn’t go for a short skirt if you’re over 40. Read in full >>

Follow Lisa on Instagram @thesequinist