Party Styles : Party Tribes

On » Thursday, December 30, 2010 // In » STYLE BITS

Party season is almost here, which means only one thing for us girls - it's shopping time! Whether you want to turn maverick this season and ditch a dress in favour of separates, or go back to the bygone age of ladylike chic, with a little help from your favourite celebs, we show you how to style some of the season's hottest trends so that you're your best dressed yet!

Romantic

Your inspiration: Leighton Meester, Olivia Palermo, Kate Bosworth

Key components: Frivolous finishes like romantic ruffles and frou frou feathers will capture the style of the modern girlie-girl. Candy colours may seem a little prima ballerina, but with the funky twist of a structured accessory or some daring heels, styled a la pack leader Olivia Palermo.

Key shapes: Choose a simple cut like a shift with added volume from some
touchy-feely embellishment.

Accessory hero: Juxtapose a busy dress with a structured box clutch with a little glitzy detailing.

The Retro Icon

Your inspiration: Dita Von Teese, Carey Mulligan, Eva Mendes, Katie Holmes

Key components: Play dress-up in a perfectly polished look centred around a full-skirted frock. Structured arm-candy and plenty of pearls will finish things off prim and proper.

Key shapes: Flatter your figure in a classic fit-and-flare dress. Jacquard prints or taffeta are perfect finishes for capturing old world glamour.

Accessory hero: The ladylike look would be nothing with high heels to create never-ending pins. Satin finishes and bow-embellishment will add to the girlie feel.

Boyfriend Chic

Your inspiration: Alexa Chung, Rachel Bilson, Sienna Miller

Key components: Take a cue from Alexa Chung and her gang and ditch dresses in favour of tomboy separates. This look may seem thrown together, but the beauty is all in the detail, ensure shirts are crisp and legs are primed to perfection.

Key shapes: The perfect white shirt is central to this look, choose a Peter Pan collar number, buttons all the way up and layer over a statement necklace for a pretty and preppy look.

Accessory hero: Give the look just a hint of girl power with a diddy twist lock clutch - a slightly worn vintage number will add to the thrown-together look.

The Vamp

Your inspiration: Leigh Lezark, Ginnifer Goodwin, Christina Ricci, Florence Welch

Key components: Turn temptress in lashings of lace, mixed up with a tactile hit of velvet or leather. Play peek-a-boo and allow a sheer top to poke through a jacket, or bring out your daring side and make over-the-knee boots an evening option.

Key shapes: Tailoring gives lace a touch of understatement, but a playfully short cut will ensure your party piece is suitably femme fatale. To up the ante on the feminine touch ensure locks are super-groomed and matched with smoky eyes and a dark lips.

Accessory hero: Daring statement jewels will give your outfit instant fierce-factor.

Disco Diva

Your inspiration: Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba

Key components: Go 70s glam in metallics and sparkles - if any time is right for magpie-favoured finishes, then it's party season! Keep locks in loose bouncy waves and swathe your frame in volumous draped shapes that are perfect for dancing.

Key shapes: It's all or nothing with this look, dare to bare your pins in a breezy sequin mini, or for the ultimate take on 70s glam slip into a palazzo-legged jumpsuit.