Chunky boots and pretty dresses for a different party look!
Two days until December and the party season cometh! I’ve been thinking about doing a blog on party outfits for the festive season and I’ve ended up drawing inspiration from Holly Willoughby’s looks on I’m a Celeb. I’ve been loving Holly Willoughby’s look on the show, really interesting outfits that do that high/low edgy look I love to wear myself. It’s a bit Jungle Jane/western - a mix of earthy brown suedes, cowboy boots or practical chunky boots, skirts and tops (always tucked-in to showcase Holly’s figure) and in general a look that translates into everyday life which makes it more appealing. OK so I suppose she’s been wearing some pretty out there skirts but they are always anchored with a simple tee-shirt or a prim blouse. I definitely think that some of these looks would work for a Christmas party instead of the standard dress and heels.
I for one am delighted the chunky boot has made a return. The absolute pivotal moment in my personal style history was my transition from tacky Essex girl to discovering my style mojo and style personality and all it took was a pair of DM Chelsea boots! Once I’d found those I never wore a pair of white stilettos again! :) Style is so inherent and it’s why so many of us struggle if we try to follow trends, it’s far better to find a formula that works for you and update it with the times to keep your look current. I still wear chunky boots today and I love the juxtaposition of wearing them with floaty dresses in chiffon or satin or lace skirts - I love looking feminine but I don’t like looking girly. If I wore dresses like that with a pair of dainty strappy shoes I just wouldn’t feel right. For some, a pair of chunky boots is too masculine but all of the dresses below can be worn with heels or heeled ankle boots too if you want a more traditional party look - this look is flexible to whatever your personal style is and that’s the beauty of it.
I found this dress in Whistles and know I will have it for years to come. It’s navy blue, probably my favourite colour, and it’s got a nice animal print pattern so isn’t too plain. It’s silk too so looks really smart and feels nice!!! The boots are from & Other Stories.
Whistles silk animal print dress (this exact dress has sold out but this navy animal print is similar)| & Other Stories leather boots
Chunky boots paired with tailoring and a pretty polka dot satin skirt are a good smart/casual ensemble for warmer autumn days.
Blazer, Zara | Polka Dot satin skirt, Topshop (pink has sold out, similar here)| Boots, & Other Stories
Whistles always do great dresses and this one would be really nice with chunky boots or with heeled ankle boots or heels for a night out.
Whistles, Heart embroidered dress
This dress from All Saints is a really easy wear (still love saying that haha) - wear with opaque tights now and with boots!!!
Room for one more Whistles dress before moving on to the skirts! i LOVE this for Christmas - anything sparkly and I’m all over it. This dress is backless with a demure high collar and sleeves to hide any bingo wings. It will look gorgeous in a low-lit pub or any evening venue of the Christmas season.
Whistles sequin backless dress
This satin rose colour bias cut skirt at Harvey Nic’s comes up small so go a size up! Wear with a simple t-shirt and heels or a chunky knit and boots.
Carvella ankle boot - a bit less chunky for the more faint-hearted/delicate/petite amongst us!
Lisa Gillbe is a personal stylist and image consultant based in London. Get in touch if you want to book a style session before christmas - bookings are open until 20th December.
