finding the forever party piece

What is the best investment when it comes to a party outfit? I’m looking to buy a piece that can serve me for a good few years.

Investment pieces definitely still exist. In fact, you could argue that they have become even more important now that we should all be trying to buy better and buy less. There are a few ways to think about this. One approach is to invest in something classic that never dates, such as a tux suit or a little black dress that can be worn year-round, something that doesn’t immediately scream “party” or “festive”. If, however, you like trends and a bit of drama, then you might want to think about buying something in a favourite colour of yours in a sumptuous fabric.

I stand with a foot in each of these camps. I adore party clothes. An inordinate amount of my wardrobe is based on “going out” items. Silly really, when I barely go out. But I do own a few expensive classics that have taught me the importance of the stalwart dress and slick suit. These are the pieces I naturally reach for when big events loom in the diary. 

Party clothes usually involve certain fabrics and colours. Black is a favourite for dresses, followed swiftly by metallics — gold, silver, pewter or bronze. Then there’s feathers on trims, necks or, more recently, on feet. Sparkles have to be in there too, in the form of sequins, paillettes (though both are terrible for the environment, so prioritise vintage options for these), sheen, shine or reflective fabrics such as satins. And who could forget velvet?

Let’s start with suits. They work perfectly for formal events and work parties, and can be broken up and dressed down with jeans or a T-shirt for a family lunch or drinks with friends. I’d pick a sumptuous velvet suit if you want to be smarter, and a beautifully tailored cord if you lean more casual. You can be daring and go for a colour, but don’t be swayed by the hue of the season — choose one that you know you will love for ever. If you need inspiration, navy, plum and ocean green are all options for suiting that speak of luxury.

In terms of fabrics, a soft fluid velvet is best for slithering around curves. London’s NRBY has a dazzling array of styles available. Its May jacket has a matching trouser, but can easily be used on its own (£260, nrbyclothing.com). Another option is this stretch velvet body from Goldsign (£330 on sale, net-a-porter.com). I know, it’s so ’90s, but it will work hard for you, transforming a black work trouser, skirt or suit into a party look instantaneously.

A structured velvet looks natural against an angular shape. I love Suzannah London’s colourful velvet suits. The plum trousers are divine (£990, suzannah.com) with matching blazer (£1,490, suzannah.com) and waistcoat (£690, suzannah.com), should you wish to go full three-piece. I have a velvet trouser and jacket that I’ve been happily wearing for 10-plus years.

For a cord dream suit it’s got to be Bella Freud (£845 for the jacket and £495 for the trousers, bellafreud.com) or, at a lower price point, The Kooples has a marvellous brown one on sale right now (£291 for the jacket and £159 for the trousers, thekooples.com). Add an up-to-date party shoe and bag and off you trot. 

If you suit black, then of course a tux is a worthy investment. Many of my clients want a Le Smoking suit from Saint Laurent — it’s the pinnacle of class and has been going strong since 1966 (£2,280 for the jacket and £1,090 for the trousers, ysl.com).

A co-ord is a good alternative to a suit. At the Chanel exhibition at the V&A in London earlier this year, I was stopped in my tracks when I spotted the “dinner pyjamas” in a rich metallic brocade. La Double J ticks this box with bells on with the delicious La Scala top (£590, net-a-porter.com) and Hendrix trousers (£590, net-a-porter.com) in metallic jacquard. This fabric is best for straight-line figures due to its density and lack of give. For a curvy option, go silky with Toteme’s embroidered set (£540 for the top and £520 for the trousers, net-a-porter.com).

On to dresses. The safe bet here is to go little and black. Well, it doesn’t have to be little — only if you want to show off your legs! This look from Wiggy Kit is both covered and revealing, with its bodycon mini dress and overlaid pleats (£495, wiggykit.com). Or go for one that can be dressed up and down. Victoria Beckham’s draped dress works on its own, under a blazer or with a sloppy sweater thrown over it (£990, victoriabeckham.com). Depending on the shoe and the accessories, it can run from smart business lunch, to drinks, to party.

Handbags can add a talking point to your outfit. The Egg faux pearl bag from Simone Rocha (£914, farfetch.com) or any of Rabanne’s signature chainmail bags will make a worthy addition to your wardrobe. This pixel shoulder bag is fun and will go as well with jeans and a blazer as with a cocktail dress (£1,120, harveynichols.com). Or try a versatile silver gem from Courrèges (£680, harveynichols.com).

Lastly, keep an eye on Farfetch’s vintage area — there is a beautiful ’90s Chanel draped dress there right now (£725, farfetch.com) — and get yourself to some vintage fairs. According to my tailor friends, London’s Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair is one of the best. The key to find a perfect outfit is to have a specific item in mind, size up so that it can be altered to fit, and go with a friend to avoid being overwhelmed. Enjoy! 

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