by You never stare blankly at your wardrobe before a festive celebration only to find the trusty LBD again (little black dress) have you seen through every such situation as far as you can remember? There will always be a place in our wardrobe for these reliable go-tos but this may be the year to spice things up.
Enter Sarah Corbett-Winder, a designer, consultant and former Vogue Russia and Boden staffer whose fun yet practical fashion tips, eclectic outfits and joyful approach make her a woman many others want to emulate.
While Corbett-Winder’s wardrobe may seem like a cacophony of prints, patterns, stripes and eyelets, her clothes are a big deal. Nothing is thrown together and meticulous planning lies beneath these seemingly chaotic choices. When it comes to party wear, Corbett-Winder follows a selection of rules to inject just the right amount of fun into her casual outfits, which are easy to adopt for any special occasion.
This season, her unique and eclectic take on dressing has resulted in a limited edition partywear collection for high street favourite, Monsoon. Launching online on Friday, the capsule is an array of essential party pieces, from a scarlet feather jumpsuit to a chocolate brown sequinned tuxedo suit and an olive green velvet jumpsuit. In particular, there is not a dress in sight. “Too predictable,” laughs the stylist.
Corbett-Winder’s tips for easy but impactful party dressing
1) Do a dress rehearsal
Rushing is not fun to get rid of. “With anything in life, it’s always 100 times better when you’re prepared,” advises Corbett-Winder. Break the habit of life and start planning your outfit as soon as the invitation lands (rather than when the taxi pulls in.) “When you have five minutes and you’re trying on 100 different outfits … that panic is terrible. I really believe it ruins your night.”
Instead of rushing, a full dress rehearsal is needed. “Try your outfit on with your accessories, bag, shoes, jewelry and you’ll know when you’ve nailed it.” Preparation is a skill Corbett-Winder learned from her mother. “She always lays out her outfit the night before… It takes the pressure off of having to race against time, which I think helps a lot.”
2) Mix and Match
It’s easier to find party wear that lasts over several events if you choose an outfit or coordinate that can be worn together then broken up and paired with other pieces. You’ll ace the cost per throw, too. “I’m very happy to wear things again but I like to add a twist,” says Corbett-Winder. “I made sure there was versatility in the Monsoon collection so you could wear the red coordinate together but the top would look really cool with high waisted cream palazzo trousers and mega heels.” Try the trousers with a little cardigan and loafer and wear your favorite party pieces on the day, to make more use of specials.
Red feather trim top, £69; red feather trousers, £79 (both Monsoon)
3) Dress yourself
Despite Corbett-Winder’s online presence (she has over 200K followers on Instagram), the stylist admits that social media can be a distraction. When planning a party look, her tip is to “be honest”. Avoid being tempted by things that may be great on someone else, but may not suit your body or taste. Instead, get a look that makes you feel great. “Be true to yourself … and you’ll have a much better time, because you’ll be confident and comfortable.” This is the year to put an end to any “I wish I had worn…” regrets.
4) Less is more
For day, Corbett-Winder takes a bigger approach to accessories. At the call of our Team, she is wearing a fistful of rings and a preserved ear full of holes. After dark, it’s a different story. “When it comes to party dressing, cutting it down is stronger. Let one thing sing. One bracelet is much more powerful than putting eight bracelets on your arm.”
This mini is definitely something to try at home. “Take a ribbon, 2cm wide, and tie it around your neck like a little choker. Match the color of the ribbon to your outfit for something really chic—and unique.” Corbett-Winder also recommends tying a ribbon in a bow around your neck or wearing a velvet ribbon around your wrist. The “small details” will pop. this is your full look.
5) Bin the black
Brown is one of autumn’s It colors and chocolate tones are on the high street this season. “Brown oozes luxury and glamor – and is warmer and kinder to anyone’s skin tone [compared to black],” says Corbett-Winder.
It’s a shade mostly seen in daywear, so Corbett-Winder’s sequin-encrusted brown suit is an unexpected gem. “Brown is also limitless. Any age can wear brown, but I think you have to be a little careful with black.” The chocolate outfit is Sarah’s choice to wear to her collection launch party and also for a daytime look, where she is styling the jacket with jeans and a white t-shirt.
Brown sequin blazer, £120; brown sequin trousers, £95 (both Monsoon)
6) Jump to it
A dress offers a one-and-done solution for those short on time, but a jumpsuit can be just as easy to wear and offers a multitude of benefits. Be brave and take the leap this winter. Corbett-Winder believes “Every woman feels great in a jumpsuit! They’re super smooth and there’s a beautiful structure underneath this one, so you feel powerful and secure.” The olive shade is such an unusual choice for party wear, usually revolving around Quality Street colours, and the detachable bow is a versatile choice for all night events.
Velvet suit, £125, Monsoon
7) Commitment to appearance
According to Corbett-Winder, if you need to carry a pair of flats in your bag, you should rethink your entire outfit. “I’m a firm believer that you should leave the house in the outfit you’re going to be in for the evening, because it should be comfortable.” Even though it’s for the winter festival, the weather can get in the way of the best outfit intentions.
Corbett-Winder recommends a simple outer layer, “so that it doesn’t come off the outfit.” She will be skipping the catwalk styling trend for parkas and sequin dresses. “You’re not going to see me in an anorak with a party frock underneath. I’ll be in a smart coat – with an umbrella.”
Sarah Corbett-Winder’s collection for Monsoon is available from November 8, at Monsoon
