With temperatures plummeting and my day-to-day dressing suddenly becoming focused on the best way to stay as warm and dry as possible, things have become sartorially a little less glamorous over the past week. Luckily, with the arrival of winter also comes something very exciting: party season. From pre-Christmas drinks to all-out New Year's Eve parties, office dos to birthday drinks (a subtle plug here for my own upcoming 30th), there's plenty of occasions on the horizon to come up with fun outfits. And when it comes to party-ready attire, there's one high street spot all our editors turn to first: Zara.
Thanks to its tendency to immediately be on the latest trends, and its longstanding status as a go-to for statement evening pieces, Zara is always a reliable source of party-ready outfits. From the iconic "going-out top" to dance floor-worthy heels, this high street staple always delivers a plethora of tempting options—and this season is no different. From Seventies rock'n'roll inspired faux fur coats to bejewelled mini skirts, sheer shirts to velvet blazers, there's a style for every occasion and aesthetic.
Here, discover my pick of the key evening trends that Zara is embracing this season, and my edit of the best, most expensive-looking pieces they have to bring the trend into your winter party wardrobe.
5 EXPENSIVE-LOOKING PARTY TRENDS ZARA IS BACKING FOR 2024:
1. Seventies Glam
Style Notes: It looks like Zara is turning to Seventies rock'n'roll icons like Bianca Jagger and Blondie for its inspiration this party season. From faux-fur coats to feather-trimmed shirts to golden party boots, these pieces exude edgy glamour.
Cosy and glamorous—the perfect duo.
Style with black wide-leg trousers or leather pants.
This cropped jacket is stage-worthy.
Pair with knee-high boots to keep it winter-ready.
Every wardrobe needs a leather jacket.
This bronze colour is so cool.
Jumping straight out of Studio 54 and into my wardrobe.
I'll be recreating this whole look.
I'd pair these with a sleek LBD.
Throw a faux fur coat over this open back top to get you to the party.
2. OTT Embellishment
Style Notes: If ever there's a time to go maximalist on embellishment and metallics, it's winter party season. Go all-out with head-to-toe embellishment, or mix with black pieces to keep it a little more subtle.
You can't go wrong with a sequinned mini dress.
Style with black trousers or skirt.
This also ties into the Seventies glam look so well.
These boots do all the work for you in creating a glam look.
Grab this whole set while you can.
This has such a cool Nineties vibe.
This is more than appropriate for winter party season.
Ideal for more formal affairs.
Or go mini for festive drinks.
Yes to this whole look.
3. Mini Hemlines
Style Notes: This season, it's all about the high hemlines, and Zara is definitely backing the trend. In dress or skirt form, the mini is in the spotlight—keep yours sleek and sophisticated by balancing the hem with long coats and knee-high boots.
The feather trim is such a cool touch.
I love the subtle flower-print embellishment.
This dress creates such a gorgeous silhouette.
No a dress person? Opt for these shorts styled with a cashmere knit or button-down shirt.
I love how this is styled.
This feels like the kind of dress party queen Paris Hilton would approve of.
The texture of this skirt makes it look so much more expensive than its price tag.
Pair with a long black coat and pointed-toe heels.
See how good it looks with tall boots?
Sparkle and mini hems all in the perfect package.
4. Sheer
Style Notes: Effortlessly cool and understatedly sensual, sheer styles have been a designer favourite for the past year—and party season is it's time to shine. This season, Zara's options range from the bold to the more low-key, with semi-sheer styles that can easily be layered to create sophisticated outfits.
Such a cool way to dip your toe into the sheer trend.
Or go all-out with this set.
You could also layer the skirt with a cropped knit or tee.
The asymmetric silhouette also taps into the Seventies glam aesthetic.
Undeniably glamorous.
Sheer and lace is such an elegant combination.
Pair with your favourite black jeans and you're ready to go.
I'd style this with a bodysuit and oversized blazer.
Noughties-inspired cool.
For those who just want a hint of exposed skin.
5. Extra Special Textures
Style Notes: One of the most expensive-looking party trends that Zara is embracing this season is texture. Play with a mix-and-match by styling velvet pieces with glossy leather boots, lace tops with silky separates, and you'll have an outfit that instantly appears more considered and elevated.
Velvet is a winter party staple.
This is the ideal dance floor dress.
There's something so romantic about this lace dress.
Style with a silky shirt to really play with texture.
This colour is gorgeous.
Style with wide-leg trousers and an oversized blazer.
This has a chic, Parisian look.
A friend wore this exact top to a party recently and we were all obsessed.
Add black strappy heels and you're set.
I'm a sucker for a lace-trimmed dress.
