It seems that the Halloween decorations are hardly resting back in their cobwebby cupboards when a minute later our shops, calendars and TV ads are suddenly full of Christmas. Red and green baubles are everywhere, and then, the email you have all been waiting for arrives in your inbox: the Christmas Party Invite.
With the rise in festive knitwear, it appears you cannot go two days without seeing images of a reindeer sweater, with a weird santa hat emblazed across someone’s chest. The quandary in Australia is that wearing a festive sweater isn’t really possible in 30c+, unless of course you want to pass out from heat exhaustion rather than over-indulging in the Christmas punch.
So, what should you wear to your Christmas Party, 2018? Never fear, we have you covered.
Christmas parties come in lots of different styles, from a sit-down meal, to cocktails, to barefoot bowls. So below, we have outlined two looks depending upon your budget, and the time of day, to ensure you are the talk of the party for all the right reasons.
Christmas Lunch
This little black dress is such a beautiful and unusual twist cut that you will be pulling it out
throughout the year, not just at Christmas. The Friend of Audrey dress with a cap sleeve is semi structured, with a cinched in waist, and will be sure to be the perfect midday Christmas lunch attire.
If you are splashing out, this Michael Kors shirt dress is sure to make the right impression for a lunch-time reception. Don’t be 
fooled by the long sleeves, as the lightweight fabric will ensure that you keep cool in the midday heat, whilst staying on fashion point. As with all shirt dresses, use your Stop The Gape clip to ensure it fits you like a glove, and achieve the silhouette that was intended with this beautiful dress, fitted through the bust and waist, and loose at the hip. Perfect for any festive And best of all, if day turns into night, you can easily dress it up with a pair of strappy heels.
Barefoot Bowls / Office Picnic
This beautifully cut silk-satin Orseund Iris shirt can be worn with ankle-length sloan pants, or crop trousers. Make sure you have a Stop The Gape clip to avoid any gaping mishaps! They are on sale with over 25% off just in time for party season, so get yours today. Click here. Add some kitten heels to bring the look of a stiletto, with the comfort of a fl
at.
For barefoot on a budget, this stunning Atmos & Here kimono top is perfect. Wearing it with shorts, as in the picture, or with cropped trousers will ensure versatility of the outfit, and you can dress up or down as you want.
Cocktail Reception
This Lina Cocktail dress from Tussah is just over $100 and makes the perfect budget-conscious cocktail attire. 
With a high neckline, and racer back, the hemline will allow you to show off your Christmas pins to perfection. Sometimes, the simplest dresses have the biggest impact. Team it with some simple jewellery and nude heels for an elegant cocktail look.
For those looking to splash out a bit more, we struggle to go past this Satdina Love dress from Pilgrim. Balancing the structured bodice and skirt, with the beautiful lace overlay, will ensure no-one else has a dress quite like it. In a festive emerald, this one is perfect for that evening cocktail reception.
Formal Dining / Evening
If your work function is a full-on evening gown spectacular, we have something for that too. 
This Matilda Maxi dress from Calli is a steal at just over $100, but will make you look a million dollars! Sometimes the simplest lines are the most effective, and this wrap-around fitted detail is one such time. Simple strappy heels, and a metallic bag will make this look one that no one will forget.
This is an absolute crowd-stopper. With it’s beautifully cut one-shoulder style, incorporating the on-trend full sleeve, this stretch-crepe Solace London gown is sure to turn heads. The dress is such a statement in itself, so keep accessories and shoes pared back, to avoid looking too much. But with a pair of nude strappy shoes, you will want to dance till dawn.
Now that you ladies will be dressed to perfection for your Christmas party, in the coming weeks we are talking about your embarrassing Christmas Party stories, whatever they are. Send us your favourite Christmas Party horror story to enquiries@stopthegape.com for a chance to be included, and for those worst stories, we will send you a free Stop The Gape clip, just in time for Christmas.
Till next time,
Stop The Gape
