Seven effortless ways to break out of your party dressing comfort zone

Ever find yourself staring blankly at your wardrobe before a festive celebration only to once again reach for the trusty LBD (little black dress) which has seen you through every such scenario for as long as you can remember? There will always be a place in our wardrobes for these dependable go-tos but this might be the year to spice things up.

Enter Sarah Corbett-Winder, a designer, consultant and former Vogue Russia and Boden staffer whose playful yet practical fashion tips, eclectic outfits and joyful approach make her a woman many others want to emulate.

While Corbett-Winder’s wardrobe may seem like a cacophony of prints, patterns, stripes and sparkles, her outfits are actually a highly considered affair. Nothing is thrown together and meticulous planning lies beneath these seemingly chaotic choices. When it comes to party dressing, Corbett-Winder follows a selection of rules to sprinkle just the right amount of fun on her occasion outfits, which are easy to adopt for any special event.

This season, her uniquely eclectic take on dressing has led to a limited edition party wear collection for high street favourite, Monsoon. Launching online on Friday, the capsule is an edit of essential party pieces, from a scarlet feather trimmed co-ord to a chocolate brown sequinned tuxedo suit and an olive green velvet jumpsuit. Notably, there isn’t a dress in sight. “Too predictable,” laughs the stylist.

Corbett-Winder’s tips for easy but impactful party dressing

1) Do a dress rehearsal

Rushing to get ready is not fun. “With anything in life, it’s always 100 times better when you’re prepared,” Corbett-Winder advises. Break the habit of a lifetime and start your outfit planning as soon as the invitation lands (rather than when the taxi arrives.) “When you’ve got five minutes and you’re trying on 100 different outfits… that panic is horrible. I really believe it ruins your night.”

Instead of rushing, a full dress rehearsal is a necessity. “Try-on your outfit with your accessories, bag, shoes, jewels and you’ll know when you’ve nailed it.” Preparation is a skill Corbett-Winder learned from her mother. “She always puts her outfit out the night before… It takes away the pressure that you’re fighting against time, which I think really helps.”

2) Mix and Match

Finding party wear that lasts across several events is easier if you choose a suit or co-ord that can be worn together then broken up and paired with other pieces. You’ll ace the cost-per-wear, too. “I’m very happy to wear things again but I like to add a twist,” reveals Corbett-Winder. “I made sure there was versatility in the Monsoon collection so you could wear the red co-ord together but the top would also look very cool with high waisted cream palazzo trousers and a mega heel.” Try the trousers with a little cardigan and a loafer and wear your fanciest party pieces in the day, to get more use from special items.

Red feather trim top, £69; Red feather trim trousers, £79 (both Monsoon)

3) Dress for yourself

Despite Corbett-Winder’s online presence (she has over 200K followers on Instagram), the stylist admits that social media can be a distraction. When planning a party look, her tip is to “be honest”. Avoid being tempted by what might look great on someone else, but might not suit your body or taste. Instead, find a look that makes you feel great. “Be true to yourself… and you’ll have a much better time, because you’ll feel confident and comfortable.” This is the year to banish any “I wish I’d worn…” regrets.

4) Less is more

For the day, Corbett-Winder adopts a more is more approach to accessories. On our Teams call, she is wearing a fistful of rings and a curated ear-full of piercings. After dark, it’s a different story. “When it comes to party dressing, it’s stronger to cut it down. Let one thing sing. One bracelet is way more powerful than having eight bracelets up your arm.”

This minimal take is definitely something to try at home. “Take a ribbon, 2cm wide, and tie it around your neck like a little choker. Match the colour of the ribbon to your outfit for something that is really chic – and unique.” Corbett-Winder also suggests tying ribbon in a bow around your neck or wearing velvet ribbon around your wrist. These “little details” will elevate your entire look.

5) Bin the black

Brown is one of autumn’s It colours and the high street has majored in chocolate tones this season. “Brown screams luxury and glamour – and it’s warmer and kinder on anyone’s skin tone [compared to black],” says Corbett-Winder.

It’s a shade mainly seen in daywear, so Corbett-Winder’s brown sequin-encrusted suit is an unexpected gem. “Brown is timeless too. Any age can wear brown, whereas I feel you need to be slightly careful with black.” The chocolate-toned suit is Sarah’s choice to wear to her collection launch party and also for a daytime appearance, where she’s styling the jacket with jeans and a white t-shirt.

Brown sequin blazer, £120; Brown sequin trousers, £95 (both Monsoon)

6) Jump to it

A dress offers a one-and-done solution for those short of time, but a jumpsuit can be just as easy to wear and offers a myriad of benefits. Be brave and make the jump this winter. Corbett-Winder believes “every woman feels great in a jumpsuit! They’re super flattering and this one has a lovely structure underneath, so you feel powerful and secure.” The olive shade is an equally unusual option for party wear, which normally revolves around Quality Street colours, while the removable bow makes it a versatile option for all night events.

Velvet jumpsuit, £125, Monsoon

7) Commit to the look

According to Corbett-Winder, if you need to carry a pair of flats in your bag, you should reconsider your whole outfit. “I’m a real believer that you should leave the house in the attire you’re going to be in all evening, because it should be comfortable.” Although for winter festivities, the weather can hamper the best outfit intentions.

Corbett-Winder advises a simple outer layer, “so as not to take away from the outfit.” She’ll be skipping the catwalk styling trend for parkas and sequin dresses. “You’re not going to see me in an anorak with a party frock underneath. I’ll be in a smart coat – with an umbrella.”

Sarah Corbett-Winder’s collection for Monsoon is available from November 8, at Monsoon