Rock the frock: Ditch the LBD this party season for a quirkier look

Let everyone else turn up in the usual party wear. This season, a few style hacks are all it takes to turn cliché to chic

T’is the season of mild winter chills, lights, music and dance - in short, endless partying. You could head to the mall and return with something black, slinky, sequined or barely there (or all of those in one outfit). But why pick out the same party staples like denim dresses, jumpers or crop tops when you can give them a 2017 spin? The trends for the year include new cuts, new layers and shapes. Designers offer help on how to update your party closet.

Try metal embellishments, which in any form have ‘party’ written all over them! (Nikhil Thampi Label)

Jazz Up Denim

Get motifs sewn on your favourite denim jeans or jacket or dress and wear them together to create an ensemble, says designer Vidhi Wadhwani . (Varsha Wadhwa)

Denim is not just for campus. Designer Vidhi Wadhwani suggests pulling it out for a party and adding elements such as feathers, animal motifs or metallic baubles to keep things interesting. “It is both cost-effective and easy,” she says. “Get them sewn on your favourite jeans or jacket and wear them together to create an ensemble.”

Another hot party trend is wearing denim on denim. Wear your trusty denim jacket over a stretchy denim shift dress in a darker or lighter colour and add a sparkly belt. “Or pin on a festive brooch,” says designer Varsha Wadhwa.

It’s tricky to go full-jean, as anyone who’s lived through the 1980s will know. The trick is to find colours other than blue for your second (or third, or fourth) garment in the ensemble. Black and grey work. But if you’re going for colour, don’t go overboard.

Put your jumpsuit to party use

Wearing thigh high socks with a cute romper completes the party look. (Varsha Wadhwa)

A trendy go-to party look is the jumpsuit, both short and long. “Transform any old jumpsuit into a cute romper-style; wear a metallic choker, by cutting and fraying off the lengths,” says Wadhwa. “Wear with some thigh high socks to complete the look.”

Wadhwa doesn’t see the point of investing in a separate winter wardrobe. “Instead of a classic trench coat, opt for a sheer alternative,” she says. You’ll be able to wear it over an existing outfit, and the sheer material will let both garments be visible.

Match it or clash it

Dubai-based designer Lina Mane also suggests you look for ‘co-ords’ – outfits with matching elements, such as a print and texture that covers a top and trousers. (Lina Mane)

Metal embellishments in any form have ‘party’ written all over them. “Power dressing has been a huge trend this year. Gold chip metal details on the sleeves, or the blouse, will give it a fierce look of an armour,” say designer Nikhil Thampi, founder and creative director of Nikhil Thampi Label.

Dubai-based designer Lina Mane also suggests you look for ‘co-ords’ – outfits with matching elements, such as a print and texture that covers a top and trousers, or a skirt that picks up the same colour or detail as a blouse. “Glitter or sequin co-ords look amazing, or pair a black top with plain trousers and create your own set,” she adds.

Summer staples still

“This three piece look completely stands out. It’s a little coy and has a lot of layering,” says designer Chandni Sahi

Designer Chandni Sahi thinks your warm-weather wardrobe can easily transition to winter with a little help too. “Pair your basic culottes or pants with a bralette or crop top and wear a printed cape and accessorise it for a night look,” she says. “This three piece look completely stands out. It’s a little coy and has a lot of layering.”

Mane suggests you wear white to really stand out. “It’s usually seen as a day colour but white dresses with sequins, glitter, charms or brooches make for very trendy evening looks.” Or just wear the sparkliest jacket you can find over a plain white dress.