Ask anyone shopping for a party look over the festive season, and you're likely to find that everyone is searching for the same key factors: something that can be considered a showstopper, something you can feel comfortable in, something that won't break the bank and pieces that look, dare I say, "posh". Well, who better to turn to for tips on elegant formal dressing than the queen of polish herself—Victoria Beckham. It's been a good year for VB, style-wise. Rolls Royce quips aside, we've noticed her penchant for affordable accessorising, taken notes on how to do quiet luxury and stopped tailoring our trousers to channel her nonchalant, long-legged silhouette. But it's her evening outfits that have our full attention right now, particularly in the run-up to party season. And if you too have tried (and vetoed) plenty of "jeans and a nice top" combos and own more LBDs than anyone could wear in a lifetime, it might be time to try something new.
Beckham is a dab hand at making formal attire feel fresh—take her affinity for leggings and blazers as an example. Two easy pieces that we likely all have in our wardrobes but hadn't considered wearing together for parties until VB gave them a designer spin. And maxi dress fans, pay close attention; you're far more likely to spot Beckham in a stunning sweeping hemline than you are a micro-mini these days, and if it gets her seal of approval, you know it's a trend worth bookmarking.
So, if you're looking for party outfits and don't know where to start, keep scrolling to see the dressy pieces that VB wears reliably on rotation for her most important events. (And hint: it doesn't include black, bandeau minidresses).
1. DRAPED DRESSES
Style Notes: In the recent words of Who What Wear UK news writer Natalie Munro, "Ever chic and always in tune with the latest trends, Victoria Beckham emerged this week in a trending draped dress whilst out for lunch in London's Notting Hill. Though Beckham's style is right up to speed (of course, she's a fashion designer), she'll forever be a '90s girl in our hearts, so I was pleasantly surprised to spot her in a quintessential throwback draped dress on her return to London from Paris Fashion Week." And whilst the dress pictured above wasn't the one in question (you can see that here), it is further proof that there is nothing VB loves more than a figure-flattering dress that hangs (and clings) in all of the right places.
SHOP DRAPED DRESSES:
Be the belle of the ball.
We're obsessed with this shade of hot red.
Velvet you'll want to pour yourself into.
I'd expect nothing less from Nanushka.
If this doesn't look right up Victoria Beckham's street, I don't know what does.
2. LEGGINGS
Style Notes: It might appear on first glance that VB is a card-carrying member of the "no pants club", but she actually swapped her skinny jeans for leggings a long time ago, and makes them all the dressier by adding oversized tailoring. You might not be entirely convinced by her Balenciaga fishnet "panta-shoes", but you can get the same slimline silhouette by pairing leggings or opaque tights with simple court shoes and a boxy blazer.
SHOP LEGGINGS:
Commando always gets statement leggings right.
See what I mean?
The slight kick-flare shape is perfect for ankle boots.
Tempting enough to coax you away from denim.
Wolford earns our "best sculpting leggings" accolade.
3. TAILORED SUITS
Style Notes: It's not just oversized blazers in Victoria Beckham's closet; you'll find matching trousers in there too. Whether it's classic black tuxedos, white flares, unexpected pastels or slouchy but chic fits in charcoal grey, Beckham knows how to make matchy-matchy co-ords look a million dollars, and this timeless staple never goes out of style, so the right fit will last you a lifetime.
SHOP SUITS:
Just so sleek.
These are good enough to wear on their own.
This rich shade of cream is impossibly luxe.
If you'd told me this suit was designer I'd have believed you.
I wouldn't be surprised to catch VB in something similar.
4. WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: We've been long-term advocates of wide-leg trousers, and this universally flattering trouser style lends itself well to VB's signature platform heels. Sure, they look great with a two or three-piece suit, but you can also swap out your jeans to wear these smart bottoms with everything from sparkling camis to satin shirts.
SHOP WIDE-LEG TROUSERS:
These are a best seller for good reason.
The high street has really upped its game.
How to do Christmas parties in style.
Velvet and parties go together like wine and cheese.
These will go with everything, even in summer.
5. MAXI DRESSES
Style Notes: If you needed any further proof that her Posh Spice days are behind her, Beckham is rarely spotted in minidresses (especially leather styles), but you'll see plenty of maxi dresses hanging in her wardrobe. From floaty, romantic gowns to colour-block pieces from her own Victoria Beckham line, her new style staple is an elongating maxi dress finished with strappy sandals, a clutch bag and a chic top-knot.
SHOP MAXI DRESSES:
And just like that, we're into pink again.
We know; we didn't believe this was Zara either.
Be still, my beating heart.
Just too cute for words.
Currently in the sale at an unbeatable price.
6. PARTY PANTS
Style Notes: Ready to take things up a notch? According to Gen Z, millennials and boomers have it the wrong way round. It's all business up top and party on the bottom, as "nice tops" are traded in for basics and statement trousers are the new look du jour. Lucky then that VB caught on to the trend long before the rest of us to provide us with some styling inspo. Prints, colours, textures—anything goes, but just remember to keep accessorising to a minimum to let the trousers do the talking.
SHOP STATEMENT TROUSERS:
Make like VB and add a long-sleeved top.
Somehow these make total sense.
These pair perfectly with a black blazer.
Quite possibly my dream party trousers.
Sumptuous, sleek and stylish.
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