Party season is fast approaching and once the Christmas gifts have been bought (or hand crafted if you had the time), thoughts turn inevitably to our Christmas and New Year party outfits. It's the time of year when everyone seems ready to get dressed up.
There are a few trends to guide us and it’s definitely the one time of year we look for glamour and sparkle, so here at Fabrics Galore we’ve rounded up the most accessible trends from the fashion industry, the best party dress patterns and finally suggested some wonderfully festive fabrics to get you in the mood to sew.
1. A Classic Wrap Dress
A wrap dress is a classic for a reason, it can easily be dressed up or down, and is perfect for every occasion so the cost per wear is very low (that is what we are telling ourselves, anyway). We have collected a few options for you starting with the Tessa Roosa Vilja Wrap dress for its 3/4 sleeves and knee length hem. The long tie bow adds enough interest to keep it simple but party ready. We think it would look lovely in our Peacock Triple crepe.
Tess Roosa Vilja Wrap Dress and Elodie Wrap Dress
But we must also mention the cult classic, the Elodie wrap dress by Closet Core Patterns; you will get plenty of options from this pattern and it’s a great summer dress option but in the right fabric such as crepe fabric, it could be easily elevated. We are also thinking a lil' viscose number would be great for the festive season.
2. A Fitted Party Dress
Animal print is always great for a party and we love the Melilot Runa Jersey Dress Pattern with its simple yet elegant silhouette and especially the asymmetric pleats.
Melilot Runa Jersey Dress Pattern
It is crying out to be made in one of our jersey leopard fabrics especially our best-selling pale blue leopard jersey:
But maybe you are looking for something slightly more timeless, in which case what about making it up in one of our Ponte de Romas, great for an office Christmas party.
3. A Slip Dress
A slip dress works all year round as an evening dress and the Masin Sicily Slip Dress Pattern is a great pattern for evening wear. It is always in the Foldline's bestseller list, it would work beautifully in a satin and would be bang on trend teamed with a jumper and boots for a more low-key Christmas gathering too.
Masin Sicily Slip Dress Pattern
With the colour selection in our satin fabric collection, there is something for everyone; our personal favourites are the Chocolate Bar Purple or the jewel bright copper tone. These are also perfect alternatives to black and make a great change.
Shop the satin fabric collection at Fabrics Galore
4. A Gorgeous LBD
Having said that, a LBD is always a great idea, as it can be dressed up or down and really we should all have one in our wardrobe. The Adrianna Dress from the Friday Pattern Company is an easy dress with big impact. It is an A line dress with large statement sleeves gathered at the wrist and shoulder and a dropped back. It can be made up in a day and we think it would be gorgeous in black satin. Or for a more casual dress you can dress up, what about making it in our black stonewashed cotton, its linen like texture is really beautiful. Simply add a big necklace and you are party ready.
Browse Black Dressmaking Fabric
5. An elevated Mini dress
Mini dresses don’t have to be tight-fitting and this gorgeous Vikisews Uni Dress Pattern has all the party trimmings including an empire waist, gathered skirt, balloon sleeves and a back bodice with bows. This would work well in a viscose or any fabric with good drape.
Or how about an oldie but a goodie from Tilly and the Buttons, but made in something slightly different. We have said it before but we will say it again, you can use some soft furnishing fabrics for dressmaking. We have been thinking for a while that the Stevie Dress could be made up beautifully in a velvet. Although these velvet fabrics are for furnishing they are also quite drapey and as the Stevie has no darts this could be a great match.
Tilly and The Buttons Stevie Dress and Velvet Fabrics
6. The Non-Dress Outfit
If dresses are not for you, or maybe you fancy something different this year, don’t worry, as we have a few suggestions up our sleeve, whether it be a jumpsuit or maybe a great skirt, festive dressing doesn’t have to mean a dress.
A jumpsuit is always glamorous, and this Butterick Jumpsuit has winter friendly long sleeves and an elegant side tie. With plenty of variations, you should find a style to suit. Crepe is our go to for dresses and jumpsuits especially in the colder months, as it has the drape of viscose but is slightly heavier.
Butterick Misses Jumpsuit pattern
Browse our crepe fabric collection
But if neither a jumpsuit nor a dress is your vibe, how about a great skirt that you can dress up or down. Well Peppermint Patterns has just launched a free pattern called the Rosalie Skirt and even better, it has pockets. The flounce around the bottom adds just the right amount of drama for the festive season while the elastic waist gives it the comfort we all crave too.
The Peppermint Rosalie Skirt and our Red Gingham Fabric
This could be made up in any fabric without stretch, so how about a red and white gingham to really fit into the season.
Shop for Perfect Party Outfit Fabrics
Well, it has to be said, we can't choose just one party outfit from all these choices, we want to make them all! Whichever pattern you choose for your party dress this year, you can be sure to find the perfect fabric in our occasion wear collection at Fabrics Galore. If you need specific advice don't hesitate to call us on 0207 738 9589 .
