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From velvet tailoring to lace slip dresses, Reiss’s latest drop has us thinking about the events in our winter diaries already.
I know, I know: it’s October. We’ve only just got our heads around wearing coats again, and already the shops are filling up with velvet, sequins and clothes that have us thinking about party season dressing. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of leaving occasionwear shopping until approximately 48 hours before an event, it’s that getting ahead always pays off.
And Reiss’s latest partywear edit makes a pretty convincing argument for starting now. Rather than going all-in on Christmas sparkle, the collection focuses on pieces that feel special without being restricted to one month of the year. There’s rich velvet tailoring, sheer fabrics and delicate lace alongside beautifully cut dresses and jumpsuits in deep reds, teal, chocolate brown and classic black.
That also means there’s plenty here for the winter weddings, birthday dinners, work parties and other events that tend to fill the diary between now and the new year – and beyond. Some pieces require little more than a great pair of heels and earrings; others could easily be dressed down and brought back out long after the last Christmas party. These are the ones worth knowing about.
Reiss Wren velvet mini skirt
If buying an entirely new party outfit isn’t on the agenda, a velvet mini skirt is an easy way to make the things you already own feel more evening-appropriate. This one is part of Reiss’s Wren tailoring family and can be worn with an oversized white shirt and slingbacks for dinner, or add a fine black knit, sheer tights and knee-high boots when it’s properly cold.
Reiss Starla sheer ruched sleeveless maxi dress
Red always comes into its own during party season, but the Starla feels far more striking than your standard festive dress. The sheer finish and all-over ruching add texture to the simple sleeveless maxi silhouette, while the rich red shade does most of the work when it comes to styling. Add barely-there heels and simple gold jewellery for a winter wedding, or a great clutch and pointed shoes for Christmas drinks.
Reiss Jodie halterneck belted wide-leg jumpsuit
For anyone who would rather not wear a dress at all, meet Jodie. The halterneck top, wide-leg trousers and belted waist make this feel every bit as formal and fancy as an evening gown, while the all-in-one element removes the need to work out which top goes with which trousers five minutes before you’re supposed to leave. It’s the kind of piece that could take you from a winter wedding to New Year’s Eve simply by changing the shoes, bag and jewellery – exactly what good occasionwear should do.
Reiss Wren velvet tailored waistcoat
Velvet is one of those fabrics that comes into its own as soon as the temperature drops, and this waistcoat offers a particularly good way to wear it. The real appeal, however, is the matching tailoring. Worn as part of the full Wren suit, it makes a brilliant alternative to a party dress – polished enough for a work event or dinner, but a bit more modern than the black tailoring already hanging in your wardrobe. Afterwards, split the suit up: the waistcoat will work with jeans, while the matching trousers can be worn with everything from a silk shirt to a fine knit.
Reiss Robyn strapless asymmetric midi dress
For winter weddings and those invitations where the dress code requires a little more effort, the Robyn is the sort of piece to have bookmarked. The strapless neckline and asymmetric midi silhouette give it plenty of impact without the need for excessive detailing, which means it’s particularly good if your approach to occasion dressing tends towards clean, simple shapes. Add a sculptural earring and pointed shoe rather than overloading it with accessories.
Reiss Hendrix sheer-panel maxi dress
Sometimes you want a dress that requires very little further styling, and the Hendrix falls firmly into that camp. The floor-skimming navy silhouette is broken up with sheer panels, giving a classic maxi dress a more interesting evening feel without relying on embellishment or sparkle. Add pointed heels, a small clutch and a great pair of earrings and you’re done. It would work just as well for a black-tie winter wedding as it would for a smarter Christmas party, which makes the £280 price tag a little easier to justify.
Reiss Robyn ruched sheer long-sleeve top
This might be one of the most useful buys in the entire edit. A great evening top solves the perennial problem of wanting to wear jeans or trousers while still looking like you’ve made an effort, and the Robyn’s sheer fabric and ruching do exactly that. Pair it with wide-leg black trousers and heels for a work party or wear it with your favourite denim and a great bag for drinks. It’s also an easy way into the sheer trend if a transparent dress feels like rather more commitment than you’re prepared to make.
Reiss Veronica lace-trim mesh-detail maxi slip dress
Naked dresses are always a big hit on the red carpet, but rarely easy to wear in real life. However, Veronica changes that. It feels romantic without becoming overly sexy and has the sort of 90s simplicity that means you won’t look back at photographs in two years and wonder what you were thinking. We’d wear it with barely-there heels and keep everything else simple.
Images: courtesy of Reiss
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