You could mistake these photos for having been taken in the height of summer, because hello bare shoulders. But that's the thing about the festive season and all of the celebrations that come with it; for some reason they make us (feel) invincible. No need for coats, goodbye comfortable footwear and hello goosebumps. Because if you can't dress OTT at this time of year, when can you? And besides, there's a reason we cherrypicked that drop dead gorgeous floor-sweeping gown, or embellished mini... to show it off! I've brainstormed a few ways in which we can add a little flamboyance to our festive party looks this season and so if you're looking to steal the show and do so wearing six inch stilettos and glitter on your eyelids, read on...


I'm totally standing by the idea of this season paving the way for the best styling opportunities; it's a chance to go OTT and know that everyone else will be doing the same. Though, the most important thing? Enjoy yourself! What would you love to wear to a special festive occasion this year? Let me know in the comments below!
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy >> Five 'Power Dressing' Tips | The Feminine Way
With love,
Gabrielle x
Dress - Lipsy
Bracelet - Clemara Faux Pearl Bangle c/o Ted Baker
Necklace - Elvina Enamel Mini Button Pendant c/o Ted Baker
Faux Fur Stole - Jaeger | Clutch - Biba
Psst! There are tons of gorgeous new season Ted Baker jewellery pieces available via John Lewis - enjoy browsing!

____________________
D R E S S M E U P
It doesn't need to cost the world, but if you (comfortably) can this season, budget for a new season dress that gives you that 'heart-eye emoji' feeling at first sight. For this look I've opted for a bardot Lipsy dress via ASOS. I'm a sucker for floor-sweeping gowns, and the ruffles across the chest are just enough to take the design from plain to special.
Things to look for: embellishments; glitter, sequins, pearls, feathers and ruffles
Things to avoid: designs that highlight your least favourite areas
____________________
T H E H I G H ER , T H E B E T T E R
Stilettos. That is all.
Things to look for: pointed toes and metallic heels
Things to avoid: wearing new shoes for the first time to a special event (break them in first!)
____________________
J E W E L L E R Y A L W A Y S F I T S
... and so it's something you can purchase in advance, despite the mass of mini quiches and fondant puddings coming your way next month! Rather than reaching for whichever necklace is least tangled in your jewellery box before heading out the door, start looking now for a couple of classic pieces that you can wear throughout, and long after, the festive season!
Things to look for: dainty designs for flamboyant dresses and statement pieces for block colours
Things to avoid: anything likely to catch and tear your dress
____________________
____________________
O N E F O O T I N T H E D O O R
Okay, okay. I know I mentioned 'tis the season to feel invincible and bare some skin, but I'm also keen on everyone staying healthy this Christmas and so... you'll need a coat to get to the venue. But not just any coat, because have you noticed most photos at a festive party tend to happen just as people are arriving and/or leaving? Opt for something unusual to ensure it's in keeping with your outfit. My advice? Reach for the faux fur, or throw a tuxedo jacket over your shoulders
Things to look for: faux fur, or a tuxedo jacket, and in a complementary colour for your dress
Things to avoid: that coat you throw on to pick up milk from the corner shop
____________________
T A K E A W H I F F
You're at the party, you're mingling. What's the first thing you notice about someone when kissing their cheeks? Their fragrance. It's hard not to notice what someone smells like when your face is pressed up against theirs, right? Don't forget a couple of sprays before heading out the door, and perhaps even slide an atomiser of the same fragrance into your purse for the occasion!
Things to look for: warm, inviting scents
Things to avoid: anything overpowering
____________________
I T ' S A L L I N T H E D E T A I L
As with any styling tips, I'm always sure to mention your beauty routine; because the devil truly is in the detail! The manicure wrapped around your champagne glass, the skin revealed when you step forwards in your thigh-split gown and the rose gold shimmer that becomes all the more visible every time you blink...
Things to look for: the perfect lip shade and a blow dry
Things to avoid: clumpy eyelashes and mani-free nails
____________________

I'm totally standing by the idea of this season paving the way for the best styling opportunities; it's a chance to go OTT and know that everyone else will be doing the same. Though, the most important thing? Enjoy yourself! What would you love to wear to a special festive occasion this year? Let me know in the comments below!
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy >> Five 'Power Dressing' Tips | The Feminine Way
With love,
Gabrielle x
Thanks to Ted Baker for working with me on this post!
You look so beautiful!
ReplyDeletexx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2018/11/styling-with-lookbook-store.html
I already told you on Insta but really you're so stunning in this dress.
ReplyDeleteThe place for this event was so beautiful !
I love to wear special gown for special events. It's not everyday we can wear a beautiful gown like this.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Amazing dress...love the place too. Gorgeous post lovely x
ReplyDeleteThis is magical...Love the dress SO much!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday, love!
xoxo, Vanessa
www.whatwouldvwear.com
The pearl bangle is gorgeous! Ted Baker is such a lovely brand, I always love everything they do. It's all in the details, and they do make you stand out in a crowd of people - it's what makes the difference!
ReplyDeleteJulia x
Last Post: Five Reasons to Visit San Diego, CA | https://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com/2018/11/travel-forget-la-five-reasons-to-visit.html
wow love the long black dress on you! the bracelet is so feminine and delicate - and I have the same feeling when I do a shoot outside when it's cold, I do feel invincible..it's the moments after when arghhh 'now i do feel how chilly it really is' XD
ReplyDeleteCate ღ 35mm in Style
Oooh, you can never go wrong with Ted Baker!😍 Love the bracelet!
ReplyDeleteTeresa | outlandishblog.com
Such a beautiful look!
ReplyDeletex Lisa | lisaautumn.com
The dress is so pretty, it would be perfect for a wedding or a party or for New Years Eve!!! You look amazing Gabrielle!!
ReplyDeleteYiota
pinkdaisyloves.blogspot.com
I can't describe you how I adore your style and your photography. These are so gorgeous,from background, til detail, dress and you. That dress is amazing, I really like details and that is dress which I wear for festive season in combination with faux fur stole. Thank you for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteBlog - http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0z4DJRubak
Gab, you're so gracious!! And you always pick the best locations :)
ReplyDeleteLove the dress and the bracelet!!
http://www.desiringsme.com/hacks-perfect-cohesive-instagram-feed/
Yes about focusing on the details!! And that dress is so stunning on you Gabrielle. Such a magic piece with the ruffle detail and elegant silhouette. Gorgeous background as always too. And yes, an extra spray of perfume can do so much. Have a lovely week! Xx
ReplyDeletewww.thefashionfolks.com
You are so gorgeous! And these tips are super helpful!
ReplyDeleteGabrielle, you look like a true screen siren! I feel like these are photos from a luxurious magazine. What a beauty and Ted Baker pieces are all so fab! xx
ReplyDeleteNaya
www.partyparrotblog.com
You look stunning Gabrielle! This is such a gorgeous look. The jewellery adds a nice touch to the whole outfit. :D
ReplyDeleteADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND
OMG babe you looked SO gorgeous ! Love that dress !!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
OMG such a stunning dress, such a stunning look- you look like a move star my dear xx
ReplyDeleteThat is such a stunning maxi dress on you! So perfect for a party. I like the gold accessories with all of the black too :)
ReplyDeleteHope that you are having a nice week so far :)
Away From The Blue Blog
Great styling tips, and you look amazing!
ReplyDeleteAnika | anikamay.co.uk
You would definitely stand out at any party in this gorgeous look Gabrielle! That dress is smashing and your delicate jewelry adds the perfect chic and feminine touch.
ReplyDeleteYou can stand outfit any function with such outfit dear. You are looking really stunning and cute. I love this outfit.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
Kisses <3
http://www.rakhshanda-chamberofbeauty.com/
Id love to wear a dress like this, but I don´t think I would feel comfortable in it right now, so I think I´d opt for a more loose fitted version.
ReplyDeleteAnne|Linda, Libra, Loca
How beautiful do you look here?! And the jewelry is the perfect touch!
ReplyDelete-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
It is so easy to stand out in such gorgeous and elegant dress!
ReplyDeleteLots of love ♥ January Girl
I totally love your dress and outfit *o* Ted Baker makes great products, I got a notebook from this brand and it's one of my favourite notebooks I own.
ReplyDeleteThe most elegant Gabrielle! I adore your dress so much and the location is amazing. The jewelry is dainty and pretty, my fave!!
ReplyDeletexo,
Tania
https://inspiremyfancy.com/
Glamurous <3
ReplyDeleteYou are the total party princess and belle of any ball gorgeous Gabrielle! Such a smokin' stunner in this timeless dress, made for all the sparkly party fever :) Your jewels are so on-point and pretty, all the delicate dreaminess. Total heart eyes for your faux fur stole too! ♥︎ This location is pure elegance and I'm loving all your tips, anything with glitter or sequins always gets my vote, same for pearls and feathers! Looking like a true starlet, all the ruffles and chic! ♥︎
ReplyDeleteSophie | soinspo xo
I agree with you, the festive season always makes me feel invincible, I always getting a little OTT at this time of year and I absolutely live for it. You look stunning as always and those jewellery pieces are beautiful, they're definitely timeless which is something I look for in my collections :)
ReplyDeleteRosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
Oh babe!! You look so so beautiful and so festive!!
ReplyDeletexxx
Ashley
www.missgunner.com
The jewelry looks absolutely stunning! I love how delicate the pieces look yet they still stand out.
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
That dress is truly a stunner, I love the style and it's perfect for the festive season upon us. I've not tried Ted Baker jewellery but my bf wears his jackets a lot. Lovely, lovely post Gabrielle.
ReplyDeleteFASHION TALES
You look absolutely amazing in this outfit! And Ted Baker always make such cute jewellery!
ReplyDeleteRaindrops of Sapphire
Looking absolutely stunning dear! Love the elegant look on you, and the luxurious jewelries pops out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteJessica | notjessfashion.com
You are amazing Gabrielle!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day and don't miss my latest post, now on my blog Eniwhere Fashion. Kisses from Italy and thank you for your visit,
Eni
#Shopping: Ventitré Calzature. Come scegliere una scarpa bassa.