Holiday party dressing, decoded

Festive means colour, shine or texture — pick one, not all three. It is the least precise dress code on any invitation and the easiest to overshoot.

What it means

A holiday party can be an office event, a friend's flat, or a black-tie gala with tinsel. The invitation rarely says which. Work backwards from the venue and the hour: before seven and in an office, keep it closer to smart daytime. After eight and off-site, sequins are correct.

What works

• Sequins or beading, if the event is evening and social
• A deep colour — claret, forest, ink — as the alternative to shine
• Velvet, which reads festive without any sparkle at all
• Sleeves. December venues are cold and coats come off at the door

What to avoid

• Sequins at a daytime office party
• All three of colour, shine and texture at once
• Anything strapless if you will be outdoors between venues
• Novelty. Festive is a fabric decision, not a theme

One more thing

If it is an office party, the rule is that you should be able to have a conversation with your most senior colleague without thinking about what you are wearing.