Sustainable Christmas Party Dresses/Outfits
It's nearly Christmas party season and you might be wondering what to wear for a Christmas night out or be looking for the perfect New Years Eve outfit. If you haven't chosen your party outfit, here's our style tips on how to choose a sustainable and timeless outfit.
What to wear to a Christmas party?
If you’re looking for advice on ‘What to wear for a Christmas party?’ then this blog will help you choose an ethical option if you are looking to buy a new Christmas party dress. You might be wondering how you can dress sustainably for the party season? Here’s our top tips:
What to wear to a Christmas party? Women dressed in Christmas party dresses on a night out
How to Dress sustainably for a Christmas Party?
1. Wear what you already have
The most sustainable option is to wear an outfit that you already own! I love to re-use old dresses that have been in my wardrobe for years. Think creatively about how you can update your look with accessories or the latest party shoes. Or add a brooch, corsage or belt to transform something you already own into a completely new look. Don't be concerned about wearing an outfit lots of times, it's much better for the environment if we re-use the clothes that we already own.
There is also the option of updating an old piece with a simple alteration to make it look fresh again. I helped out with a tired dress that was over 10 years old and made it look modern again by making it a one shoulder. If you can’t sew yourself there are lots of places that you can go to get clothes updated.
2. Shop Pre-loved
Re-using the clothes in our wardrobes and pre-loved clothing sales are on the rise. The ‘Christmas jumper’ has become an accepted fashion statement at Christmas time and is the perfect piece to source second hand. Environmental charity Hubbub warned people against buying a new Christmas jumper, after finding that 95% of them are made using plastic. So if you are thinking of wearing a Christmas jumper this year, re-use one for previous years, buy second-hand or swap with friends.
Searching out hidden gems in charity shops is another sustainable option for the party season. Someone else's party dress from last year, could be just what you are looking for! Or why not organise a clothes swap event in your local community?
3. Try Out Rental
Have you thought about renting a dress? There are some great sites where you can rent occasion dresses that might be out of your budget!
Here’s some websites to help if you want to give rental a go:
HURR provides designer clothing to rent for a fraction of the cost to buy it.
HIRESTREET provides more high street options for a night out.
4. Buy Timeless pieces from ethical and sustainable brands
If you do decide to purchase something new, then I would encourage you to shop ethically from brands like Jenerous where you know that your dress has been ethically made. Choose well and buy an outfit that won’t go out of trend, so that you can get lots of wear out of it.
The Best Christmas Party Looks
I know from my experience as a high street designer that there are classic Christmas occasion looks that seem to be on trend every year! Here are our top picks for a Christmas party outfit.
1. Metallic Dresses for Christmas Party
Metallic tones such as gold, silver and copper are always on trend, and look glamorous and special for a night out. To shop the look we have a few metallic dresses in our collection; the Lace Freedom Shift Dress has a satin gold lining and the Black Sparkle Dress adds Christmas sparkle with its gold and silver metallic print. We also have a matching mini-me Grace Sparkle Prom Dress that is perfect for the girl who loves to sparkle and for matching with mum.
Choosing something that sparkles is great option for a Christmas night out.
2. Festive Red Dresses
Another Christmas classic is red. Red looks great all year round but especially at Christmas. Our Freedom sequin shift dress in a sophisticated deep red tone, is a wardrobe classic. This dress is made from deadstock fabric, which prevents excess fabric from ending up in landfill. The maxi dress in a beautiful floral hand printed design is made from super soft GOTS organic cotton.
3. The classic Little Black Dress.
The Classic Little Black dress is a wardrobe staple. It can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and worn with brights or metallics for a more striking look. We have a selection of black dresses ranging from long Grecian styles to a stylish modern one shoulder dress with a bow on the shoulder. For a more classic look that’s super flattering go for the strapless prom dress that accentuates the waist. If you’re looking for a really versatile dress, opt for the Lenzing modal wrap dress with sleeves that can easily be worn in the day too.
4. Lace and Broderie Dresses
Lace is a classic that never dates, so is a safe choice. Our classic gold and black lace dress made from deadstock fabric is a timeless wardrobe piece. If you are looking for a pop of colour, our pink Transformation dress will work just as well in winter as in summer, just wear it with a pair of black heels and matching accessories for a vibrant night out.
What should I wear to my Christmas party?
I hope that you now have some ideas on how to dress sustainably this Christmas and if you are considering a new festive party outfit, follow our tips on the best looks to choose. Our Ethical and Fair Trade dresses give you the option to shop sustainably and look your best this party season.
You can shop our collection of dresses here.