With Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations around the corner, there is that burning desire to stock up on that overpriced American Apparel LBD. This token addition that at least one other girl in nightclub is going to be wearing should be warning enough for you to see that it’s time to try another option.
This season has some exciting alternatives to offer. Wide-legged jumpsuits, unstructured silhouettes and avant-garde (body) jewellery will certainly ensure that you’re not caught wearing the same generic look during that tense midnight countdown.The 70s-inspired flared jumpsuit is certainly taking runways by storm this season, as seen on DVF catwalks as well as front lining Topshop Boutique shows. The jumpsuit offers the convenience of being a one-piece, ready-made outfit in itself, whilst being really easy to wear.Unless you’ve been living the life of a hermit crab these past few years, then you’ll undoubtedly know that the Christmas party season isn’t fulfilled unless that one sequined piece of clothing makes an appearance out of your wardrobe, even if it is solely in the name of festivity.Fear not, sequins don’t always look tacky and distasteful. For all you vintage-hoarders out there, you’ll already know that Shutterbug vintage offer a beautifully eclectic array of unique one-off pieces, such as this art-deco inspired sequinned piece featured in the shoot.By taking centre stage of any outfit through its bespoke and aesthetic design along with magnificent colours, any sequinned beauty like this can easily be paired with a simple neutral-coloured pair of tailored shorts, fitted trouser or a simple midi skirt, as shown here from ASOS.The sheer paneling of the skirt offers a lustful edge to an otherwise modest outfit, making it perfect for Christmas work parties this season. The fitted nature of this skirt contrasted with the loose and unstructured fit of the sequinned top encompasses a sublimely unconventional look that is suited to those looking for a slightly more subversive get-up this party season.Surely, an outfit isn’t complete without some subtle (or maybe outlandish) accessorising, right? Maybe you only want the bare necessity of a clutch bag during a festive night out, or maybe it’s something more eye-catching; like this gold River Island body harness to hone all the attention.Either way, neither option means you have to break the bank. This feathered clutch bag from Penneys will set you back less than a Long Island Ice Tea and this body harness will surely fulfill its cost-per-wear ideals as it is an endlessly versatile accessory.This piece can easily be layered over bodycon dresses, slinky playsuits, cropped jumpers and even over fitted blazers for something a little more unexpected.Sequins and shiny gold body jewellery are the essential additions for this festive period. Don’t be afraid to try something alternative and ditch the safe look to ensure you’re looking more vogue than vixen this festive Christmas season.
Sinead (Blonde)Skirt – River Island – €33.00Top – Penneys – €5.00Harness – River Island – €45.00Clutch – Penneys – €9.00Wedges – River Island – €75.00
Christine (Brunette)Beaded bag – Penneys – €15.00Heels – Penneys – €22.00Midi skirt – Asos – €33.00Top – Shutterbug – €39.00Bracelet – Penneys – €6.00Vintage belt – Shotsy – €30.00
SineadBag – River Island – €25.00Wedges – River Island – €75.00Earrings-River Island – €13.00Jumpsuit – Dublin Vintage Factory – €22.00Necklace – Dublin Vintage Factory – €25.00Belt – Shotsy – €40.00
ChristineTop – River Island – €60.00Trousers – River Island – €45.00Heels – River Island – €45.00Gold earrings – Aldo – €9.00Feather bag – Penneys – €9.00 Models: Sinead Quigley & Christine ManganPhotographer: James HealyMake-up Artist: Alex Valentine & Ciara Hyland "Make Up by Ciara"Chief Stylist: Christin McWeeneyFashion Editor: Emily MullenWords: Sarah O'Shea