The thing that unites Who What Wear readers is a love of dresses—it's the one topic that in my role as a fashion editor I can never seem to write enough about. John Lewis & Partners has made my job a little easier this party season by launching an exclusive capsule collection with a select number of brands that know how to create beautiful dresses better than anyone. No one understands Christmas quite like John Lewis & Partners—and for this year's festive period, it's asked the likes of Ghost, Whistles and Warehouse to each create a party outfit that defines the festive season to them.
The result is a 12 Days of Christmas Dresses collection, which has something for every event in your diary over the next six weeks with something to suit everyone—including jumpsuits and trouser suits for those who want an alternative to dresses. There's a cosy knitted skirt set, which would look beautiful on Christmas Day with a pair of sparkly heels, and a paper cracker hat, the rich red velvet Ghost number is the ultimate party outfit for those who like to really dress up, and the dark green velvet slip dress by AllSaints with barely there spaghetti straps and a delicate lace trim is a favourite in the Who What Wear office.
It might be called the 12 Days of Christmas Dresss collection, but there are two options for those who prefer tailoring—Reiss has created a tuxedo-style jumpsuit, and Jaeger designed a green velvet trouser suit, which would look just as good with slippers at home as with stilettos.
"We know that the festive period can be tricky with so many different events, dress codes and occasions," says Perushka De Zoysa, partner and buyer at John Lewis & Partners. "That's why we wanted to create a collection of pieces that would solve any fashion dilemma this Christmas."
I went to the launch dinner for the collection and looking around the room, it was clear that this truly is a capsule that caters to many different definitions of dressing up. Whichever style you go for, each piece is a classic that you can wear throughout this year's festive period, into 2020 and well beyond.
Keep scrolling to shop the 12 party looks from Whistles, Finery and more that are exclusively available at John Lewis & Partners.
1.Ghost:
This is basically Christmas in a dress—the delicate buttons down the front are a beautiful added detail, and the open back certainly delivers the wow factor.
2. Reiss
Pair this tuxedo jumpsuit with crystal earrings and statement heels and you'll stand out at any festive party.
3. AllSaints:
Wear in the day with a chunky knit and ankle boots, and at night with mules and a festive headband. PS: Our girl Monikh wore this to the John Lewis & Partners Christmas dinner.
4. Jaeger
A velvet suit is a no brainer in December, and this mossy green looks particularly elevated.
5. Finery:
We would pair this midi with knee-high boots and a tailored coat for the perfect desk-to-dinner outfit.
6. Mint Velvet:
If sequins are your thing, then this Mint Velvet dress is the ultimate New Year's Eve dress.
7. Toast
This is a classic Christmas dress silhouette, and the mustard yellow shade makes it a little unusual.
8. Warehouse
Green is arguably the trending colour of the year, and this pine shade is wonderfully festive.
9. Whistles Dress
Whistles has long been our go-to for party dresses, and this print reminds us of the fanciest Christmas crackers (in a good way).
10. Jigsaw
The delicate ruffle detailing makes this dress particularly special.
11. Hush
When in doubt, go for a star print.
12. Pure Collection
Knitted co-ords are selling out at record speed this winter, and we love this cosy grey set.
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