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From drab to fab: the six quickest ways to get Christmas party-ready

Party season is reaching its peak but you’re all out of jazzy wardrobe ideas – sound familiar? Fear not. There are cheap and easy tricks to make any outfit appropriately festive and they’ll fit in your bag to come to the rescue for last-minute plans too.

1. The statement hair clip



Valet Laura resin hair clip,
£35, Net-A-Porter.

The statement hair clip is the new blow-dry when it comes to pepping up your hair this season. Gucci, Versace, Simone Rocha and Shrimps gave the retro accessory the stamp of approval, and there are excellent more affordable options from cheaper brands too. Australian brand Valet has multicoloured resin clips for £35 to sweep up and pull back your locks, while Asos has freshwater pearl barrettes for £6.

2. The gift-ribbon choker

You don’t have to be revelling in the current 90s nostalgia trend to appreciate the elevating effect of a choker. It immediately gives a dressed-up finish to any casual or party look. Black satin, rich velvet, or jovial candy-striped gift ribbons are all great options. Start saving that gift-wrap – recycling never looked so chic.

3. The matt red lipstick

There’s no quicker way at Christmas to spice up your look than to paint your lips red. Opt for a matt finish for maximum impact: Mac’s Ruby Woo is a classic that lasts for ages and comes in a mini handbag size for £10. But if you prefer a lighter matt layer that still makes you look as though you have made an effort when you haven’t, then go for Glossier’s Generation G in Zip, £14.



Pack of five
sparkly socks, £10, Marks Spencer.

4. The sparkly sock

Whatever you wear to work – trainers, brogues, loafers or heels – behold the transformation when you add a sparkly sock. Believe us when we say this is a 30-second game changer, taking you from 9-to-5 to 24-hour party person. Marks Spencer’s pack of five for £10 has Monday to Friday covered.

5. The look-at-me eyeliner



Liquid fairy lights liners,
£15, Pixi.

While most of us opt for a black feline flick for 11 months of the year, December is the time to be daring with your makeup. We normally wouldn’t condone glitter anywhere near your face for fear of remnants sticking around until March, but Pixi’s sparkly Fairy Lights liners, £15, stay on all night and then easily come off with remover. Just paint on over your existing line, or go around the lid, just like Justine Skye’s.

6. The Christmas tights



Metallic polka dot tights,
£13, And Other Stories.

Swap out those trusty 40 denier for diamanté-studded hosiery, and hey presto! That skirt suit just got after-party approved. Other Stories’ metallic polka-dot tights, £13, and Monki’s glittery lurex pair, £8, will have you covered, and add a festive sparkle to your step.

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