It’s officially that time of year when diaries fill up, sequins return from hibernation, and “what am I wearing?” becomes a weekly crisis. If you’re looking for fresh inspiration for Christmas party outfits, New Year’s Eve looks, or the perfect festive capsule wardrobe, there’s one woman who always gets party season dressing right: style influencer Eva (@whatevawears).
We sat down with her to talk holiday traditions, winter trips, and her go-to fashion tips for looking chic from Christmas Day to midnight on December 31st. If you’re ready to elevate your party season style (without the panic), consider this your new go-to guide.
FC: What's your favourite part about the holiday season?
Eva: Without a doubt, quality time with family. We all live such busy lives these days, it’s so nice to have a period without the usual stresses where we can just be with each other, watch films, chit-chat and play games. My annual game of chess with my Dad on Boxing Day is a particular highlight (unfortunately, I never win!) .
FC: How do you get yourself into the festive spirit?
Eva: Christmas films (Elf is obligatory every year of course!) with snacks like mince pies, walking around London once the Christmas lights are up (the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus and Regent Street is not to be missed), and I absolutely love going to Christmas markets too! Over the past couple of years I’ve always done a winter trip to a European city famous for Christmas markets with my friends. We’ve done Prague, Budapest, Vienna, and this year we’re doing Copenhagen. There’s nothing better than being all bundled up with a mulled wine and pretzel in hand!
FC: Let’s talk fashion! How do you decide what to wear for Christmas parties vs New Year's Eve celebrations?
Eva: For Christmas, I always go for something smart but comfy. I like to feel a little dressed up, but the day is all about food and family, so I make sure I wear a dress with lots of room for expansion as we go through the day’s delicious delights!
For NYE, it may be cliché, but I don’t think you can go wrong with a little (or a lot!) of sparkle, because who doesn’t want to resemble a firework during party season?! Whether it’s sequins, crystals, beads or metallics, I think adding some sparkle and embellishment to an NYE look is so fun and festive, and it always gets me into the party mood.
FC: What's your secret to building a capsule wardrobe for party season?
Eva: It’s very easy to cover all bases with two dresses - a chic black dress and a glitzy number. It’s really as simple as that. A black dress can be dressed up or down depending on plans and will never date, whilst a bolder, embellished piece is great for the occasions where you really want to go all out. You can’t go wrong with a red dress in the wardrobe too! Incredibly festive but also very chic, particularly when paired with a red lip. The Crea Mini Dress (as pictured below), for example, would be a great red forever piece.
FC: What are your tips for dressing up a simple outfit during party season?
Eva: Accessories can transform a look, and when it’s festive season, more is most definitely more! I love to add lots of sparkly pieces to my looks, whether it’s jewellery, shoes and particularly bags. A fully bedazzled bag like the Knot Diamante Bag is bound to catch eyes and elevate a simple look!
Eva doesn’t just wear the holidays well - she embodies them. From family-first Christmas traditions to sparkle-filled NYE styling, her approach proves that festive fashion doesn’t have to be complicated to be chic. Her formula? Comfort when it counts, glamour when it matters, and a capsule wardrobe built on pieces that last beyond December. If you’re looking for confidence, creativity, and a reason to add sequins to your basket, consider Eva (@whatevawears) your seasonal style North Star.
Feeling inspired? Shop Eva's Partywear Edit.
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