The time is nigh for celebrations, and as I've gauged, the common consensus is that festive invites are coming in thick and fast for us all.
From parties to after-work drinks and family get-togethers, there are plenty of events in our diaries, and no doubt, many of these will take place in cocktail bars. When it comes to off-duty dressing, there's a field to play with, but a cocktail bar venue tends to veer on the more formal side than say, a pub garden. It's the perfect excuse for dressing up after hours. Often a popular date venue owing to its sophistication and refinement, you're likely to spot fashion types in ensembles ranging from floor-length dresses to jeans and elevated top pairings and miniskirts with jumpers.
For a date night, why not opt for a slinky silhouette propped up with heels, or look to a refined leather skirt ensemble awash in a chocolate hue? Dressing for formal venues during the cold snap can pose a challenge, which is why it's helpful to integrate elegant knitwear into evening outfits. Take a knitted co-ord with open-toe sandals, for example, or a cropped cardigan with wide-leg trousers. The options are plenty.
If I were to give one piece of advice irrespective of the occasion, it would be to opt for refined footwear and one "dressy" element to your outfit, be it a special top, texture, jewellery or evening-appropriate handbag, although really, there are no rules. Simply take your usual attire and turn it up a notch or two.
Read on for six looks to wear to a cocktail bar or similar evening venue, courtesy of my Instagram Saved folder. Whether you love a statement-making dress or consider yourself a minimalist dresser, there's an outfit formula for you.
1. Black Bodycon Maxi Dress + Belt + Thong Sandals
Style Notes: You can't go wrong with a refined LBD and pairing it with a vintage-inspired belt elevates this look to new heights. Add thong sandals and a plush handbag to complete the look. It's a simple outfit that wins every time.
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A little black dress will become a staple piece in your wardrobe.
From summer to winter, you'll wear these thong sandals with everything in your wardrobe.
A small but statement detail.
You may be surprised by how much wear you'll get from these bold earrings.
Leather pouches are coming in fast. I particularly enjoy them as an alternative to the bejewelled or sequin-encrusted party clutch.
If you're wondering what to wear on top of your evening outfits, it's this.
2. Jeans + Party Top + Kitten Heels
Style Notes: You really can't go wrong with jeans and a nice top for an easy yet impressive going-out look. A party-style top like the above helps make blue jeans feel smarter, but you could also opt for black jeans if you want to level the look up just a tad more.
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Just a stunning top.
The perfect wash.
These will go with so many outfits.
3. Fine Knitwear + Leather Midi Skirt + Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: Although I love getting dressed up, I also appreciate outfits you can effortlessly convert from day to night. Case in point with Sylvie's get-up. The hardened leather with strappy heels contributes to the elevated feel. You could quite easily wear this look with knee-high boots during the day.
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Opt for fine knits for something relaxed and evening appropriate.
Why not mix things up with brown leather, this season?
An example of a wardrobe staple. Also, a reminder that you needn't spend hundreds to score a great piece.
The perfect sized evening bag.
These molten drop jewels are no doubt vintage inspired.
4. Pleated Bandeau Top + Tailored Trousers + Mules
Style Notes: Bandeau tops were one of summer's biggest trends and I'm one of its biggest fans. I've been finding ways to incorporate bandeau and bardot necklines into my winter wardrobe and so far, my favourite is paired with trousers. With the addition of bright mules and bold jewels, you're set for the evening's events.
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A sculptured tube offers a fresh take on the (often taught) bandeau style.
These trousers will take you from day to night, which is perfect on this occasion.
We're still in the season for statement jewels.
The olive green hue brings the wow factor.
5. Turtleneck + Cable-Knit Miniskirt + Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: Play with proportions like a longline blazer and fitted mini skirt to add a playful essence to winter styling. While you're playing, ankle cashmere socks with ballet flats make this preppy look even more stylish.
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The streamlined silhouette you'll be tempted to pair with everything in your wardrobe.
Cool-toned grey is becoming increasingly popular this winter. It pairs especially well with burgundy.
Dehanche is the brand to know for leather accessories.
It's one of the most premium-looking accessories on the high street and particularly in this colourway.
Cable knits aren't purely reserved for jumpers. Blumarine demonstrates how the design suits skirting, too.
It's cashmere season and you won't find a more affordable price than this.
If there's one high street retailer I recommend for ballet flat, it's Arket.
A bold gold stud with complimentary ripple detailing. There's no denying it's vintage inspired.
6. Burgundy Leather Jacket + Embellished Jeans
Style Notes: This time of the year all that glitters is indeed gold and the fashion set seeks inspiration from elevated wardrobe classics. This season, leather jackets are awash with an oxblood hue and in patent lacquers. The same rings true for denim, which you'll find embroidered. Add metallic heeled sandals to bring the look together.
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The lacquer is exquisite.
Whether layered underneath knitwear, or worn alone, a crew neck t-shirt will work hard in your wardrobe during all seasons.
Make denim party appropriate with the addition of embellishment. It's bedazzling.
This year elongated rectangular bags are become highly sought after. Call it Alaïa's Le Teckel Bag effect.
When worn with jeans, these barely there metallic sandals offer a slight yet powerful glisten.
