If there’s one thing I struggle with the most in winter, it’s getting partywear right. At the risk of sounding like a Scrooge, I find glitter and sparkles often fail to feel premium and I’ve never seen a Christmas jumper that I actually like, so when the invites start to roll in over party season, the first thing I do is panic about what exactly I’m going to wear.
As anyone who knows me is aware, I’m a high-street devotee, and as one of the rare kind of people who actually enjoys shopping, I’m usually happy to while away the hours browsing around the shops to find some hidden gems, but time is a luxury I just don’t have over Christmas. Between frantically shopping for last minute presents and wrapping up at work, when I’m in need of a quick evening outfit I need a shop that I know will cater to my style and budget all under one roof, and nowhere is better at nailing premium partywear at an affordable price than H&M.
Always striking the right balance between trend-led pieces and seasonal staples, H&M is a Who What Wear go-to for classic styles with a playful twist, so where better to start when looking for an easy Christmas party outfit that’ll make the right impression.
The sensible coats and cosy knits have been swapped out for sequins and suiting, and I’m keen to try almost anything that gets me out of my comfort zone uniform of “jeans and nice top”. It’s immediately clear that there’s a strong colour story happening in the new collection, the primary focus being bright pink, black, cream and silver—helloBarbiecore—and if you want anything from your evening look, it’s to make a statement.
While shopping online is quickest and often most convenient, the latest addition to stores is the Metaverse concept collection—a bold edit of vibrant, sculptural pieces available to rent for the ultimate showstopping moment. While I’m immediately drawn to this corner of the store and love that there are pieces to rent in the attempt to minimise on waste, I’ll save you the time—there isn’t a full size range to try on IRL (you’ll need to add it to your basket online), but it’s a great sign of the fashion forward (and more sustainable) direction that H&M are heading towards.
After a quick dash around to grab the pieces that immediately caught my attention, I pulled out 5 outfits that I think are truly worth your consideration, and also scoured the site for the pieces that weren’t in store (but I wish had been). So, keep scrolling for my pick of the best dresses, accessories and tailoring separates in the H&M Christmas edit now, they’re guaranteed to get you in the mood to party.
Give me a suit over a mini dress any day of the year, it’s always my first choice for any occasion that requires me to look and feel my best. While hot pink is not a colour that would immediately top my list, there’s no avoiding the trend that dominated 2022, and once I’m wearing it, it’s easy to see why. It feels playful and optimistic, and anyone who hasn’t felt the effects of dopamine dressing needs to try this suit for themselves. It helps that the fit is impeccable, and even when I sized up for a looser, boxier fit, the jacket is cut in such a way that preserves my modesty, so I can go without a top underneath.
I tried this dress on in the name of research, and I’m actually glad I did. It could be the piece to change my sequin aversion. Seeing it on the hanger and as a cut out on the site doesn’t give the impression that it’s anything special, but as soon as the light hits it, it really comes alive. It feels pretty, iridescent and most importantly, comfortable, and the shift dress shape feels far more forgiving than skin tight bodycon. This is exactly the kind of dress I’m now thinking about for New Years Eve, and at under £40, it’s particularly persuasive.
This is a top that will make little sense to a lot of people, and it’s precisely that weird factor that makes me want to try it. In my head it conjures up references to Schiaparelli and 90s Jean Paul Gaultier, and although it does feel like the kind of fashion risk that I enjoy taking, the sheer size of the strategically placed rosettes is almost comical. After self consciously patting them down to reduce the attention on my chest, I wonder if maybe it’s more hassle than it’s worth, but if nothing else, it’s a definite conversation starter. I attempted to keep the look feeling classic by pairing with a simple black suit (always a winner), but for the more daring, leave the blazer at home and try with a wide leg trouser and a razor sharp heel.
If there’s anyone who knows how to make an LBD feel entirely fresh, it’s H&M. In fact, if you filter by black dresses on the site, there’s nearly 400 of them, but this is by far my favourite. A little bit Nensi Dojaka and a little bit Christoper John Rogers, it’s a cut-out without being too exposed, and the thick jersey has a sculpting feel that was a pleasant surprise. Dresses like this don’t need too many accessories, and taking a leaf out of Hailey Bieber’s book, the only I would add is a sheer pair of tights and a faux fur coat to make this feel cold-weather appropriate.
To end as we began, it’s back to pink, and “back” is the operative word. From the front this is a lovely if not simple satin dress that fits like a dream, but the real drama happens when you turn around. The back has a deep v-cut out to show just the right amount of skin and it helps to give this dress a dramatic moment. While a slick, high ponytail wasn’t my look for a Monday afternoon, it would help to show off this dresses best asset. From the length to the colour and fit, this feels like a strong all-rounder that will work for almost any event in your social calendar this winter, my only criticism is that it’s a shame it doesn’t come in more colours…
Now this is how to make sequins feel expensive.
A fluid, slouchy trouser to pair with everything from embellished tops to equally luxe camisoles.
I love how this looks with wide-leg trousers and head-to-toe black.
Looking for an outfit that will get everyone talking? This puffball mini is guaranteed to be remembered for the next few Christmases to come.
An outfit isn’t complete without the right accessories, and even the most simple look can benefit from a sparkling rhinestone bag.
A shift mini dress + knee high boots = a match made in heaven.
The best thing about these boots is their versatility– dress them up with a dressy mini, or keep it casual with a knit midi.
Anyone would be forgiven for thinking that these shoes were designer. I’ll keep the secret if you can.
