21 party outfit ideas you need in your winter wardrobe now

4 August 2022

By Fashion Quarterly

If a mid-winter soirée is on the cards, we've rounded up the perfect party pieces you'll want to add to cart immediately.

The not-so-little black dress

It’s time to hit pause on the perennial favourite, the little black dress, as we’re rather chuffed that longer hemlines are currently the must-have where winter party outfits are concerned. Forget about stuffy, buttoned-up gowns of yesterday: floor-sweeping numbers with just a flash of skin courtesy of strategically placed cut-outs ensure you’re the life of the party.

Camilla and Marc ‘Alvar’ knit dress, $1020.

Paris Georgia ‘Florian’ dress, $740.

Aje ‘Jolie Abstract’ cut-out midi dress, $685.

The show-stopping sequins

No wardrobe is truly party ready without a show-stopping piece reserved for special occasions. If you’re on the hunt for the a winter party outfit that turns heads, nothing says the life of the party has arrived like head-to-toe scores of sequins. No matter the event, high-shine glitzy garments are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Rebecca Vallance ‘Missing Hours’ mini dress, $699AUD.

ROTATE Birger Christensen’s dress, $597 from Net-A-Porter.

Dodo Bar Or ‘Julie’ plunge dress, $880 from Matches Fashion.

The always elegant earrings

For those who can’t recall the last they donned a pair of earrings, a special event or party is the perfect time to rekindle a love affair with statement jewels. Look to the runway for inspiration and go big and bold.

Van Cleef & Arpels Magic Alhambra earrings, POA.

Zoe & Morgan ‘Aquaria’ earrings, $240.

Multicolour stone drop earrings, POA from Partridge Jewellers.

The dreamiest shade of pink

Bubblegum shades of the saccharine hue are anything but demure at the moment. Pink grows up this season with figure-enhancing silhouettes in the most divine silks and satins.

Ruby ‘Mirella’ puff sleeve dress, $349.

Paris Georgia ‘Fred’ dress,
$740.

Harris Tapper ‘Sadie’ top, $459, and ‘Harry’ trouser, $699.

The perfect after-five suit

If you’ve got a penchant for tailoring and sleek silhouettes, you’re in luck this season as party-appropriate suits abound. Opt for luxurious textures — fluid silks and lush velvets — as the best blazer and pant combos remind us that a glamorous winter party outfit doesn’t have to involve frills and frocks.

Zara ‘Flowing’ velvet blazer, $239, and trouser, $169.

Helen Cherry ‘Madrid’ jacket, $698, and cigarette pant, $439.

Caitlin Crisp ‘Cupid’ blazer, $650, and ‘Jones’ pant, $325.

The popping party dress

If you would prefer to forgo a jet-black ensemble in favour of something a little — or a lot more — vibrant, then you are in luck. Whether it’s an electric pop of cobalt blue, a splash of Barbie pink, or a hint of deep purple that you’re after to brighten up your evening, there’s no shortage of colourful attire to wear long after the sun goes down this season.

Harris Tapper ‘Klein’ dress,
$799.

Ted Baker ‘Lysette’ satin tea dress, $629.

Silk Laundry 90s slip dress, $359 from Sisters & Co.

The head-turning heels

You can forget about all about walking — these shoes were made for dancing, and that’s just what they’ll do. Pick a favourite pair and match them to your go-to winter party outfit, or better still, create a head-turning statement with cheerful colour, metallic accents, and glitzy embellishments.