DILEMMAS IN OUTFIT
Intelligent casual. Annoying, right? We wish our hosts would think for themselves. No matter how extensive your wardrobe, it’s always a puzzle finding a party outfit that’s still determinedly ‘casual’. This is where I can help you. A statement, jazzy trouser is this season’s ultimate smart casual.
SHOUTY OR SUBTLE
At the smarter — and pricier — end of the spectrum we have Tom Ford’s leopard-print stretch silksatin (try saying that fast!) or Balmain’s jacquard knit, which aren’t so shouty and would be great for every day — if they didn’t cost £1,550!
La DoubleJ’s printed floral silk wide-leg pants are top of my Christmas wish list — and at £470 I’d find an excuse to wear these all year round.
Dinah van Tulleken gives advice about how to wear jazzy trousers at every occasion, this season. Pictured: Jumper, £79, marksandspencer.com; trousers, £89.99, zara.com; heels, £37.50, aldoshoes.co.uk
FANCY Vs FANCY DESS
There are many affordable choices on the High Street. The monochrome spotted pair from Zara I’m wearing here are an easy introduction to the trend; they’re certainly attention-grabbing but without being fancy dress. And Kitri’s green malachite party pants (below) are gorgeously cheerful.
Choose SIMPLE TOPS
These are the best ways to style them. Simplicity is your best friend. You’re all party on the bottom half, so claw back some casual points with an understated shirt or simple knit on top.
I’m a huge fan of a basic cashmere crew neck and they don’t get much better than the one I’m wearing here from Marks & Spencer’s machine washable selection.
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