The Party Dress, though I hate to tell you the bad news. But dry your eyes (and get out your credit card) because, like a phoenix from the ashes, the Party Suit has risen — and it’s considerably more chic.
Now that we are all going ‘Out-Out’ again, the pressure is on. Whether it’s the family party, New Year plans or get-togethers with neighbours and friends, we will be craving something exciting this festive period, and your old party dress just won’t cut it.
Strong, sophisticated but with a fun twist (think velvet and a range of colours), suiting is set to dominate gatherings — just as it dominated the catwalks for Autumn/Winter 2021.

Jacket, £80, and trousers, £60, monsoon.co.uk; top, £89, thewhitecompany.co.uk; shoes, £120, dunelondon.com

Jacket, £65, and trousers, £40, riverisland.com; top, £89, thewhitecompany.co.uk; shoes, £315, terrydehavilland.com

Jacket, £379, and trousers, £229, lkbennett.com; top, £89, thewhitecompany.co.uk; shoes, £120, dunelondon.com; bag, £29.99, tkmaxx.com
Beware of any association with the corporate sector: Designers have removed all signs of dull stuffiness. Fendi’s white double-breasted design screams Saturday Night Fever, while Gucci’s relaxed black velvet tuxedo with satin trim wouldn’t look out of place on the Oscars red carpet.
With rich fabrics in bold colors, the High Street is following suit. Whatever party dress is skulking at the back of your wardrobe, you’ll find a suit that does the same thing, only bigger and better. Do you love your sequin dress, but are you ready to upgrade? Then it’s time to upgrade it to L.K. Bennett’s louche black sequin Shimmer jacket (above, third from left) with satin lapel collar and matching straight-leg trousers.

Jacket, £240, and trousers, £150, jigsaw-online.com; shoes, £315, terry dehavilland.com

Jacket, £250, and trousers, £150, nrbyclothing.com; shoes, £29.99, zara.com

Jacket, £76, and trousers, £50, Topshop at asos.com; shoes, £315, terryde havilland.com; bag, £39, accessorize.com

Jacket, £450, and trousers, £295, lisou.co.uk; shoes, £59.99, and bag, £29.99, zara.com
If bold prints covered your favourite party frock, then London-based designer Lisou’s double-breasted jacquard fuchsia leaf-print suit (second from right) is what you’ll be after. If you’re looking for a block colour, then Jigsaw’s fabulous fuchsia-pink tuxedo blazer with sash belt and satin trim (centre) is the one for you. Monsoon’s paisley print stretch velvet trousers and matching jacket (far left) ooze sultry style, while River Island’s gold, pleated, high-waist trousers and oversized jacket (second from left) could be straight off the Yves Saint Laurent catwalk.
Wear yours with statement shoes, a lace-trim camisole and large earrings.
Don’t be afraid to blow the budget; this is an investment piece. It will last you for many Christmases.

Jacket, £80, and trousers, £55, monsoon.co.uk; shoes, £285, terry dehavilland.com; bag, £42, accessorize.com