At this time of year, it's the perfect opportunity to don your glad rags. Only this weekend, I had a few friends round for dinner, and I relished the chance to slip on my new heels with a party top and jeans. I've also started looking ahead to New Year's Eve and planning how many sequinned items I can get away with in one outfit. (Answer: The limit does not exist.) So whether you're heading out for Christmas cocktails or hosting a festive dinner party, I've found the best party pieces to sate your appetite.
After a brief survey of the editorial team, I surmised that Marks and Spencer, H&M and Mango are the three high-street stores that are particularly acing party dressing this year, with all manner of expensive-looking fabrics, silhouettes and finishes hitting the shelves. At the top of my personal wish list is H&M's timeless blazer dress in crisp white. I'm also eyeing Mango's metallic trousers as an alternative to the party dress.
So without further ado, I present you with the party pieces from M&S, H&M and Mango that are making my heart race this December. Scroll down to see and shop my faves.
H&M:
H&M
Draped Dress
Festive red reimagined in such a chic way.
H&M
Single-Breasted Tuxedo Blazer
I love the cropped cut of this tux-style blazer.
H&M
Draped V-Neck Thong Body
Great with jeans or wide-leg trousers.
H&M
Sequined Dress
For the maximalists.
H&M
Oversized Tuxedo Blazer
Such a chic blazer. Just add leggings and knee-high boots for a simple party-ready look.
H&M
Rhinestone-Embellished Dress
Sheer is a big trend this year, and this turtleneck embellished dress does the trick perfectly.
H&M
Sequined Bustier Top
A little sparkle.
H&M
Over-The-Knee Satin Boots
These would look great with a mini dress or skirt.
H&M
Long Rhinestone Earrings
I love a statement earring when the rest of my look is simple.
H&M
Corset-Style Bustier Top
I can't believe the price of this top.
H&M
Knee-High Heeled Boots
These would elevate (literally) so many looks.
Mango:
Mango
Sequin Miniskirt
Keep everything else simple to really let this skirt shine.
Mango
Metallic Leather Trousers
These trousers from Mango's collaboration with model Jen Ceballos have such a rocker vibe.
Mango
Dress With Flower Detail and Sweetheart Neckline
Wear with a blazer and minimalist heels.
Mango
Sequined Halter Neck Dress
A real statement piece.
Mango
Velvet Bodysuit With Draped Neckline
Wear with jeans or a slip skirt and slingback heels.
Mango
Rhinestone Shoulder Bag
Party bling that won't break the bank.
Mango
Sequined Halter Neck Dress
The slim fit, the matte sequins, the Twenties-inspired hem—it's all so good.
Mango
Strapless Dress With Sweetheart Neckline
The colour of the season.
Mango
Feather Bandeau-Style Top
Just add jeans (or leather trousers).
Mango
Suit Jacket With Buttons
Get the matching trousers for a full tailored look.
Mango
Heeled Sandals With Rhinestone Straps
For a hint of sparkle.
Mango
Maxi-Flower Halter Top
This has serious Carrie Bradshaw vibes.
MARKS
SPENCER:
M&S Collection
Sequin Collared Shirt
Style with black jeans and slingback heels.
M&S Collection
Velvet Relaxed Single Breasted Blazer
Velvet is such a great fabric for the festive season.
M&S Collection
Bandeau Midi Waisted Dress
Such a sleek LBD.
M&S Collection
Embellished Pointelle Crew Neck Jumper
A very grown-up take on the Christmas jumper.
M&S Collection
Velvet V-Neck Midi Tea Dress
You could style this with so many different shoes and accessories.
M&S Collection
Metallic Crossover Platform Sandals
Throw on with baggy jeans and a satin top.
M&S Collection
Velvet Relaxed Sparkly Blazer
A scattering of sparkle.
M&S Collection
Faux Leather Underarm Shoulder Bag
This would work with so many different party outfits.
M&S Collection
Diamante Trim Top
A super easy party top.
M&S Collection
Strappy Stiletto Heel Sandals
These are ready to ring in the new year.
M&S Collection
Metallic Ruched Midi Bodycon Dress
These deep, sparkly blue is such a beautiful tone.
M&S Collection
Sequin Beaded Shoulder Bag
This will earn you so many compliments.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Joy Montgomery is a London-based fashion writer and shopping expert. She held the role of Shopping Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
UK from 2018 to 2022, producing content that centered around worthwhile fashion buys, with a specialism in uncovering unique, indepdent brands and celebrating the joys of secondhand and vintage discoveries. Joy has sinced moved on to become the Shopping Editor at British Vogue.