Five ways to avoid PWP this Christmas party season

I’ve avoided the C-word until now (Christmas, in case you were wondering), but if my clients are anything to go by, the festivities have well and truly begun. And with every glittery invite comes a familiar seasonal syndrome: PWP, that’s Party Wear Panic.

PWP strikes for all sorts of reasons, but the most common reasons tend to be:

• Pretending the party isn’t happening.
• Trying on last year’s outfit five minutes before leaving and realising it’s a no.
• A frantic high-street dash that delivers… yet another version of something you already own.

Left unchecked, PWP can lead to unnecessary stress, outfit regret, and feeling anything but fabulous and festive when you finally show up.

So how do you prevent PWP? 

The good news is you can easily avoid PWP if you follow these 5 steps:

1. Research the dress code

If it’s a work event then the dress code should be on the invite. Look at previous events if in doubt or ask colleagues. If it’s a personal invite then check with the host or friends who are going. Always, consider the venue, the temperature and how comfortable you would like to be.e good news is you can easily avoid PWP if you follow these 5 steps:

2. Shop your wardrobe first

Before buying something new, take a look at what you already own. You might rediscover hidden gems or pieces that can be worn in a new way or refreshed with an accessory.

3. Consider ways to shop ethically

Lots of perfectly good partywear gets discarded every year. The ones in our area are awash with sequins which is a more environmentally friendly way of purchasing them. If you’re going to a black tie event and not likely to wear the outfit again then renting would be a good option.

4. Try everything on in advance

Don’t wait until party day. Try outfits on at least a week or two beforehand. You’ll know instantly if it’s working or not and it also gives you time to add the finishing touch with accessories.

5. Call in expert eyes

If you’re stuck, get a second opinion from someone whose style you trust (or, of course, a stylist!). A fresh perspective can turn “I have nothing to wear” into “I can’t decide which outfit I love more.”

To help you sparkle this party season, I’ve recreated three party-ready outfits I put together for clients that will ensure you feel fabulous at your next event.

Outfit 1 – this outfit was created for a client’s Senior Leader’s Dinner where the dress code was formal.

Outfit 2 – an outfit for a work event which included cocktails and dancing. My client wanted to look glamorous and be comfortable, hence the low heels.

Outfit 3 – this outfit was created for a client’s ‘relaxed gathering’ with friends at the local wine bar.

If you need a hand to get your festive outfits ready, I’ve created this quick Festive dressing guide to help you. It shows you how easy it is to pull together a stylish outfits for the all the festivities including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. So all you need to do is enjoy yourself! Click here to grab your free guide.

Also, a reminder that you can purchase a Queen Bee Styling gift voucher. If you or your loved one is in need of a style update it’s the perfect gift. It comes as a gorgeous printed voucher which is hand-tied with ribbon. Get in touch to buy yours or for more information.