Velvets and metallics, glitter and sequins: they all have magical properties. These are the fabrics and textures of the party season ahead, as the family reunions, office shindigs and general merriment get into full swing. Here’s how to wear them with a minimum of fuss and maximum impact.
Velvet
Don't be deceived. Just because it doesn't glitter, velvet can still be a bounteous vein in the fashion goldmine. This lush, multidimensional material catches the light and moves when you do, but unfortunately it doesn't translate well to pictures. On a hanger, a velvet piece can look sad and static. On a woman, it's life itself.
Velvet (and velour, its sleazier sister) can be thick and add stiffness or bulk, so always assess the texture before buying. If it has some give, it’s good for party duty. If not, be wary of popped buttons and strained seams. The black velvet tux by Topshop is slinky and simple; wear it fully buttoned with a low-cut (or no) top underneath and killer heels. For a more louche look, heap layer upon layer of necklaces on top and add a fresh pair of white trainers.
Lighter-coloured velvets are extremely luminous and make otherwise staid cuts and silhouettes look very dramatic. Asos does a great pair of velvet-like gunmetal grey ankle boots that will look great with jeans or a dress and black tights; just don't step in any puddles.
Metallics
There are two ways to do this: with subtlety or by going all in with a full metal jacket. We know what side of the sparkle spectrum Gucci's Alessandro Michele favours: his silvery bomber is an ode to the joys of this shiny material. When an item of clothing is this loud, it's fine to keep the rest of your outfit quiet, colour-wise. If you're wearing one large metallic piece, such as this bomber, simple block colours in corresponding tones look great. For silver, match with cool tones such as navy and bright white. For golds and bronzes, pair with warm tones such as khaki and burgundy.
Metallics don’t have to be so reflective that you can check your make-up in them. For those favouring a more subtle approach, pick fabrics that have metallic threads running through. Malene Birger’s golden vest top is the perfect example, and is great for layering different colours and textures. This would be an excellent pairing with velvet trousers or a black leather pencil skirt.
And, of course, there's always jewellery. Ted Baker's gem and spike necklace is an interesting mix of grey stones and rosy-pink metal, and can perk up any clothing with a simple collar.
Glitter and sequins
A rule of thumb: although they might look similar, glitter is for accessories and sequins are for clothes. They both shed, but not in equal measure; at least sequins are sewn on. Many a hungover woman has been reminded of this while picking shards of glitter out of her hair or armpit.
Sequins are economically sound; it’s a minimum investment for a maximum rate of return. Take this simple shift dress from Boohoo Plus, in sizes 16-24: pop it over your head and you’re done. All you need are shoes, and any will do. The same with these glorified jogging pants from J Crew, which are the ideal marriage of comfort and glitz. They even have a drawstring waist, which is handy.
For attention-getting glamour, there is no better shortcut than a sequence of sequins. Even the rattiest T-shirt can be made to look catwalk-ready with a sprinkle of glitter. It’s a simple but effective deception that we fall for every time. Human beings are like magpies in this respect; show us the shiniest thing in the room and we can’t stop looking at it. That’s the essence of party season.
