Author: friendsageinggracefully

Whether you’re having a relaxed festive family dinner, treating yourself to a fun night out with friends, or have been invited to a drinks party – well, we women usually feel the same way… what am I going to wear? Eeeek. Can’t put on my tried and trusted dress that makes me feel good because everyone’s seen it a hundred times before. So we’re usually scrabbling about trying to find something new to put on and it can be frustrating.

Like you, we know that M&S is not the only excellent store in the world, but when Annabel and I went to have a look at what party wear they had, we felt spoiled for choice. And nothing costs the earth, so we didn’t feel guilty making a purchase or two!

Let’s be bold and sparkle when we’re out. Sequins are not just for the young, we can rock glitter too!

• Velvet V-Neck Knee Length Waisted Dress. Fell hook line and sinker for this comfortable, flattering dress. Definitely midi length on me but is a shorter length available. £89 (generously sized.) There is another very similar style – Velvet V-Neck Midi Tea Dress – at £45 which you could also check out if you wanted to.
• Sparkle fishnet tights £10 in Black Mix.
• Sequin short sleeved top £29.50 (also available in green, silver and black) and matching wide leg trousers £55 with elasticated waist, also available in black and silver)

You may have spotted this stand out sequin bomber jacket on the M&S TV Xmas ad. Great if you like a more contemporary style and looks especially good if you pair it with one other colour ie navy as Annabel has done here.

Annabel chose plain navy trousers and this sophisticated Collared Tie Neck Shirt to wear with it. Made from lamé, which lends it a subtle sheen, it’s designed in an easy regular fit, with long sleeves that have deep cuffs, creating a neat silhouette. The ribbon at the neckline is removable or can be tied into a bow. £39.50

• Sequin bomber jacket £79
• Collared tie neck shirt £39.50

This simple sheath dress caught my eye immediately. Not just because of it’s unbelievably reasonable price – £35 – but because it is so very flattering, hiding any lumps and bumps you may have. It is sheer but has an opaque underslip. Such a great design.

The little gold clutch was a great sparkly addition. If you are more of a Winter or Spring colouring, you may well prefer silver accessories and there are plenty of those to choose from too (scroll down to view some of them.)

I find it very tricky to walk in heels so plumped for these really comfortable gold loafers. However, for the more naturally elegant of you, this dress would look equally good worn with the metallic kitten heels pictured below.

• Mesh Jersey Pleated Midi Column Dress £35
• Metallic Snake Flat Loafers £35
• Sequin Chain Clutch Strap Bag £22.50
• Metallic Kitten Heel Slingback Shoes £39.50

This Sequin Ruched Midi Column Dress is available in Petite, Regular and Long and is another bargain at £49.50.

If you’d like to add a bit of height, these knee-high sparkle boots have a stiletto heel – Annabel found them surprisingly comfortable. This is no doubt due to the design which includes Insolia® technology that helps keep your heels comfy for longer by redistributing weight away from the balls of your feet. £79

Here’s our pick of the great value silver accessories:

• Christmas Shaker Snowflake Earrings £8.50
• Christmas Present Brooch £10
• Christmas Silver Tone Snowflake Brooch £10

Really hope you approve of our party wear choices and have found our style suggestions useful.

So, if you are looking for some new party sparkle or a sophisticated dress and want to go easy on your debit card, you know which website to check out!