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The 5 big partywear trends of the season

Party season is here and this winter it’s all about going big. From cocktails with friends to Christmas work dos via the New Year’s Eve whirl, this season is turning the glamour dial up and up.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect party dress, a classic LBD or jumpsuit, gorgeous accessories, must-have beauty buys or show-stopping extras – here are the all trends taking over women’s partywear looks for winter 2024 at Drake Circus and The Barcode.

1. Red, pink and leopard print

Red has been huge all year but, for party season, it’s getting a grown-up twist with deep wine burgundies mixing shoulders with sugary pale pinks (also set to be big in spring 2025). If you want to cause a commotion as you step through the door, mix them with this season’s leopard print (a la Halsey’s vintage Versace at the 2024 VMAs).

Marks & Spencer, H&M, Mango, Oliver Bonas, New Look, Next, Primark, Quiz and River Island.

Quiz- The colour of the season

 

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A post shared by QUIZ (@quizclothing)

2. Texture, texture, texture

Strokeable fabrics are having a moment – with feathers, puffball shapes, faux fur, velvet and satin adding to the season’s sense of pure overblown opulence.

Everywhere you look there will be fun takes on feathers (see River Island’s cream and gold party dresses and tops) alongside 90s-style slip dresses in gem tones. Suede and leather are also having their own moment (see Selena Gomez at Academy Museum Gala for inspo).

Marks & Spencer, H&M, Mango, Oliver Bonas, New Look, Next, Primark, Quiz and River Island.

River Island – sparkle neutrals

 

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A post shared by River Island (@riverisland)

3. The unmissable statement accessories

Statement accessories are all about the drama in 2024: think long-sleeved gloves (H&M and Dua Lipa love this trend), flowing capes, glitter heels with attitude, oversize bows, embellished mules, shoulder-grazing crystal earrings and stacked golds. The rule is: think BOLD.

schuh, Mango, New Look, Oliver Bonas, Next, Primark, River Island, Ernest Jones, Allum and Sidaway Plymouth, Claire’s, Fraser Hart, H&M, Lovisa and Marks & Spencer.

Total black with big statement – Mango

 

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A post shared by River Island (@riverisland)

4. Beauty party looks

A soft-focus complexion that mixes blurring foundation with boyfriend blush is your go-to palette for winter. You can then mix and match the big beauty trends: cool blue eyes and plum-deep red lips (Zoe Saldana rocked this look on her Insta).

For hair, try retro tumbling curls or a breezy blonde – both a go-to for Sabrina Carpenter. Finally, don’t forget to give your party skin some aftercare with serums full of hyaluronic acids, peptides and niacinamide, nourishing face masks and soothing body and hair oils.

Boots, Rituals, Superdrug, Holland & Barrett, Lush, Marks & Spencer and Next.

 

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5. Shimmering glitter, metallics and more

It’s time to break out the shine… December is the perfect excuse to wrap yourself in oversize sequin party tops, embellished embroidery, luxe metallics (think silver and gold miniskirts worn with soft jumpers) and sparkly fabric (the bodycon dress with a subtle shine is your go-to and New Look is the place to find them).

Marks & Spencer, H&M, Mango, Oliver Bonas, New Look, Next, Primark, Quiz and River Island.

New Look

 

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A post shared by New Look (@newlook)

Special Christmas opening hours

With many stores open late until 9pm on Thursdays from 14th November with easy parking and access via train and bus, discover the best beauty, fashion tech, jewellery, food and unexpected Secret Santas at Drake Circus and The Barcode’s stores.

With Apple, Lush, Levi’s and Mango plus great toy stores including The Entertainer, Mooch, Waterstones, Marks & Spencer, Hotel Chocolat and Flying Tiger Copenhagen, we have you covered.

It’s super easy for families to get here. If you’re travelling by train, we’re just under 15 minutes’ walk from Plymouth train station and, if you prefer to drive, then we have more than 2,000 spaces at our car parks. There are designated children-and-parent and disabled spaces plus six electric charging points.

Don’t forget – you can Click & Collect and share your festive selfies at @drakecircus; sign up for the latest menus and offers here. 

Last updated Friday 22 November, 2024