If you’re anything like us, you’ll have spent hours – and suffered a not inconsiderable amount of stress – selecting the perfect party outfits for the festive season. From the work Christmas do to the big day itself and New Year’s Eve, chances are you may have had to invest in not one, but three sparkly outfits! In fact, recent research shows that we spend some £2.4 billion on Christmas partywear, yet much of it never gets to see the light of day again.
So rather than relegate your bling and sparkle to the back of the wardrobe, why not think about repurposing your outfits for every day wear? We can’t think of a better way to retain some of that festive cheer through the gloomy months ahead. You’ll not only be making the most of those specially selected pieces, as well as any plus size shapewear you’ve invested in, but in terms of sustainability you’ll be ticking every box. Here are our top tips for transforming your party gear into daily wardrobe essentials:
1. Neutralize those sequins and embellishments
If you’ve invested in some bling this festive season, then think of adding neutral colours and knits to tone down their impact. A thick chunky jumper in a beautiful shade of camel will look amazing with that black or gold sequin skirt; likewise you can layer a blazer over a lurex top and pair with jeans and boots for casual chic. If you’ve gone all-out with a fabulous jumpsuit, adding a denim jacket and flats will take your look from party fabulous to street smart. You can also de-glitz even the sparkliest of outfits by adding neutral accessories such as a leather backpack and simple jewellery; also it might be time to lose the rhinestone nail art, but if you can rock the look then we say keep it!
2. Tame that plumage
Feathers were everywhere this season, so chances are you might well be trying to figure out how to tame your avian look. As with shimmery outfits, this is again a case of pairing something fabulous with an everyday staple. That feather-hemmed skirt will look fabulous with a black turtleneck sweater, and you can complete the look with opaque tights, winter boots and a long-line wool coat. If you’ve invested in a feather party dress then you can disguise a low-cut top with a jumper and again achieve every day glam by pairing with thick tights and biker boots. Cinch in your waist with a belt and you’ll be bang on trend this season.
3. Lower those heels
We’ve alluded to this point already, but one of the easiest ways to make your partywear more every-day appropriate is to change your footwear. Swap those Christian Louboutins for flats, and if you’re wearing a skirt or dress then adding black opaque tights and chunky winter boots will instantly change the look and feel of your outfit. We’re a great fan of biker boots this season; they give an edgy look to even the girliest of outfits.
4. Repurpose those accessories!
Just as your partywear can end up sad and neglected in a dark corner of your wardrobe, so can all those beautiful accessories be abandoned once we’re back at work or on the school run. Other than those bauble earrings, there’s no reason you can’t wear a beautiful pearl necklace with a white shirt, blazer and jeans combo. Likewise, statement earrings and a sparkly clutch can look fabulous with a monochrome knitted dress, cheering you up even on the darkest of days.
However you transform your wardrobe from party spectacular to high street cool, don’t forget that your clothes will only look their best when paired with the right foundation garments. Just because you’ve added layers doesn’t mean you have to forget about honing those curves. Whatever you’re looking for, be that control briefs for butt and tummy control under that sequin skirt, or an all-over control bodysuit under that feather mini dress, here at Elle Courbee we have everything you need to take your wardrobe from winter party wear through to your everyday staples.
