Party Dressing: Wallpaper* Guide

If there’s ever a season to let your hair down, it’s now. The arrival of December heralds the start of a month-long marathon of lunches, cocktail parties, and dinners, a time to indulge in hedonism and indulgence (and avoidance) before the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. A new year’s detox that can’t be done is approaching). Therefore, clothes should be chosen to match these gourmet delights. It’s a time of vulgarity and glamour, with all manner of adornments, from animal prints and sequins to bold faux fur (for men and women).

Here, photographer Theresa Markus and Wallpaper* fashion and creative director Jason Hughes explore socializing, as featured in Wallpaper*’s December 2024 issue – A comprehensive guide to entertaining in style Provides a party dressing guide for people. Whether you’re a host or a guest, it’s an ode to abandon, decadence and dressing up this festive season.

Wallpaper*Guide for party dress up

animal instinct

If your home is minimally austere, adopt a more maximalist attitude with your attire. Animal prints, from leopard spots to black and white zebra stripes, are one way to do this. This Balenciaga dress is similarly embellished with sequins. You will be the ultimate hostess or the most charming guest.

drama queen

An oversized faux fur coat, like Dolce & Gabbana, creates a special dramatic entrance to an evening soiree, recalling the glamazons of the 1980s, sprinkled with heady scents. eau de parfum. If you want to make it even more dramatic, refuse to take it off once you’re indoors.

white out

While all-white ensembles may be something usually reserved for the summer heat (according to American tradition, you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day), December may be an exception. . Heralding a bygone era of glamor, this all-white double-breasted Gucci suit captures the careless spirit of Sabato de Sarno’s previous tenure at the Italian house.

connect the dots

A favorite of fashion’s greats, from Christian Lacroix to Yves Saint Laurent, polka dots represent the vibrancy of the season. Like this bold pussy-bow blouse by Massimo Giorgetti of MSGM, a Milan-based label known for its vibrant riffs on Italian street style.

call to action

Young male stars, from Timothée Chalamet to Barry Keoghan, have been seen wearing outstretched arms on recent red carpets. Look to Hermès for an elegant play on the trend to recreate this riff on sleeveless eveningwear at home (a stripped-down shearling coat and indoor-wear sunglasses are optional).

please sit tight

We’re big proponents of using socks to liven up any outfit. Especially if it’s in the boldest shade, like this pair from underwear expert Wolford, teamed with dizzying Versace heeled sandals in the same cherry red hue.

not-so-black tie

While the tuxedo remains the standard-bearer of formal style, holiday parties call for a more free-spirited approach. This leather trench coat from heritage British brand Dunhill is worn over a white shirt and bow tie, adding a louche play to black-tie looks.

Let’s aim for gold

December is fashion’s magpie month. It’s a time when sparkle is encouraged, whether it’s the sparkle of sequins or the golden glow of silver or gold. This brocade suit from Chanel is the fashion equivalent of a toffee penny or a sparkling chocolate coin, and is sure to evoke moments of pure joy.

slip-ons

We’ve already declared these slippers the definitive men’s shoe for Fall/Winter 2024, and they really come into their own when it comes to hosting duties. Just slip on these sophisticated Prada mules and you’ll be ready to greet guests.

Try wearing sunglasses and say it.

Some accessories speak for themselves. Take Gucci’s cat-eye sunglasses, for example. Decorated entirely in crystals with a house double G motif, it makes a statement and can add a festive feel to almost any outfit (it’s big enough that you can even leave it hanging indoors).

pure joy

Anthony Vaccarello takes inspiration from perhaps the most famous (or infamous) party dress of all time, Marilyn Monroe’s so-called “naked dress,” which inspired sheer socks in which “the fabric evaporates like mist.” I created a collection of layers that I got. Although this was a collection for the bold, we embraced more delicate transparent layers to recreate the seductive spirit of the looks, including sheer sheer blouses and low-denier tights.

take a pose

When dressing for a party, you need to consider your ease of movement. After all, December is a month of pure ridiculousness (and the inevitable impromptu dance parties). Here, dancer Ami Benton demonstrates the satisfying stretch of a Wolford bodysuit. This is a bold yet surprisingly practical outfit for the seasonal festivities (Cruella De Vil’s shearling in 16 Arlington makes the perfect cover-up).

looks double

We don’t usually support dressing the same as your partner, but the double all-black look might be an exception. Especially in the case of Celine by Hedi Slimane, a designer whose love of color is well-documented.

make up

The season’s mood of abandonment and excess should extend to your beauty routine as well. Channel your New Romantic spirit with bold colors and ignore the old adage that you have to choose between lips and eyes when it comes to makeup. This look was created by London-based makeup artist Marie Bruce. For similarly impactful beauty looks, follow her on Instagram.

LBD is always present

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The little black dress is a timeless party favorite. Little effort gives maximum effect. We accessorized this loosely ruched Ferragamo mini with sparkling waterfall earrings (courtesy of Alexis Bittar) and gravity-defying diagonal heel pumps (also by Ferragamo).