Dressed to party

It is the season for parties, balls and making merry. Here are five different looks for different budgets

1970S GLAMOUR

Over-the-top earrings, feathered shoes, multiple rings and ruffles on shirt - a party is the perfect opportunity to go over the top.

Women, take note: Show off dramatic earrings and bare shoulders by slicking back your hair into a ponytail.

PHOTOS: DIOS VINCOY JR FOR THE STRAITS TIMES; STYLIST: LIRONG, ASSISTED BY SHAUN CHEN; HAIR: MANISA TAN/PALETTE INC HAIR USING BED HEAD BY TIGI, LA BIOSTHETIQUE; MAKE-UP: GINGERLYNETTE/FAC3INC USING URBAN DECAY; MODELS: SUN JUNG AND HYUN MIN FROM MANNEQUIN STUDIO

On him: A skinny-fit tuxedo ($286), tailored shirt ($53.90) and skinny-fit trousers ($129) from Topman; bowtie (price unavailable) and pocket square ($19.90) from H&M; leather bracelet ($739), skull ring with onyx ($369), silver ring ($369), ring with black cubic zirconia ($549) and Fleur-De-Lis ring ($479) from Thomas Sabo; and Pakenham boots ($359) from Kurt Geiger.

On her: A glittery one-shoulder dress ($99.90), suit trousers ($89.90) and tasselled earrings (price unavailable) from H&M; satin cummerbund, stylist's own; gold bangles ($150 each) and champagne bottle clutch ($660) from Kate Spade New York; and Cavendish high-heel sandals ($749) from Kurt Geiger.


PLAYFUL TEXTURES

Make a metallic, long-sleeved pleated dress and velvet blazer work by sticking to a solid colour for the whole outfit. Casual yet stylish- looking footwear balance the statement-making pieces perfectly.

On her: A metallic pleated dress ($4,850) from Loewe; gold disc earrings (price unavailable) from H&M; circle drop necklace ($23.90) from Topshop; disco ball claw ring ($5,000) from Diah D; and leather gladiator sandals ($1,590) from Bally.

On him: A velvet blazer ($3,990) and trousers ($990) from Bally; neck sweater ($43.90) from Topman; leather bracelet ($739), skull ring with onyx ($369), silver ring ($369), ring with black cubic zirconia ($549) and Fleur-De-Lis Ring ($479) from Thomas Sabo; and velvet loafers ($770) from Bally.


ELEGANT AND SOPHISTICATED

Dressing to the nines does not mean you have to be prim and proper. Incorporate playful details such as a disco-ball clutch to go with an elegant gown or a lace shirt with a formal suit.

On her: An Odessa off-shoulder evening gown ($623) from Badgley Mischka at www.outnet.com; Arrow ring ($3,500), Slither ring ($7,000) and Octagon diamond ring ($5,000) from Diah D; metallic round clutch bag ($59.90) from H&M; and high-heel sandals with ankle strap ($180) from Steve Madden.

On him: A slim-fit blazer, ($2,695), slim-fit Italian lace shirt (price unavailable) and silk tie, ($295), from Burberry Prorsum; trousers ($1,250) from Burberry; pocket square ($19.90) from H&M; double leather bracelet ($549), leather bracelet ($739), skull ring with onyx ($369), silver ring ($369), ring with black cubic zirconia ($549) and Fleur-De-Lis ring ($479) from Thomas Sabo; and leather wingtip brogues ($1,250) from Burberry Prorsum.


DAY TO NIGHT

Her on-trend metallic skirt and his printed pants might seem flashy, but pair them with plain separates such as a basic top and jacket and the look can take you from day to night - perfect for parties straight after work. Match the colours of your shoes and jacket to pull the look together.

On her: A modern rib funnel top ($83.90) and pleated ankle grazer skirt ($136) from Topshop; silver wire earrings (price unavailable) from H&M; winged amethyst ring ($9,500), blue skeleton pyramid bangle ($8,000) and purple skeleton pyramid bangle ($7,000) from Diah D; and quilted crossbody Eclipse bag ($2,390) from Bally.

On him: A leather jacket ($1,900) from Coach; neck sweater ($43.90) and skinny trousers ($79.90) from Topman; and slip-on penny loafers ($129) from Pedro.


UNEXPECTED AND QUIRKY

A bustier dress with a tulle underlayer is made cool with a quirky sweet clutch and lace-up peep-toe heels, while a dark green tuxedo shows off an unconventional yet understated fashion sense.

On her: A tulle gown ($756) from Marchesa Notte at www.outnet.com; Putting On The Ritz earrings ($80) and candy wrapper clutch bag ($650) from Kate Spade New York; silver wire necklace ($14.90) from H&M; and Gong high-heel ankle boots ($359) from Kurt Geiger.

On him: A green suit tuxedo ($159) and green suit trousers ($79.90) from H&M; tailored shirt ($53.90) and teal Tonic tie ($26.90) from Topman; and derby shoes with buckle detail ($129) from Pedro.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 24, 2015, with the headline Dressed to party. Subscribe