It’s Officially Party Season – Here’s How You Can Nail Every Dress Code
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2 hours ago
Black tie, Christmas drinks and everything in between – Phase Eight's partywear edit has this season covered
With summer now behind us, our sights are set on what’s next: party season. And with invitations coming in thick and fast – black tie dinners, office Christmas parties, neighbourhood drinks and NYE gatherings with friends – we can expect a busy calendar stretching from October to December. Each occasion deserves its own wardrobe, but with events clustering together over the next few months, it will pay to have a plan in place long before party season rolls around. And this year, we’ve turned to Phase Eight to make the most of the season.
Phase Eight has long been our first port of call for occasion dressing (its summer edit carried us from race day to the last wedding of August), and its autumn/winter 2026 lines pick up exactly where that left off. Think velvet in forest green and burgundy, satin with a cinnamon sheen, diamanté that catches the candlelight and sequins that sparkle under party lights. Below, we’ve mapped it all out by invitation, (alongside a few cosy essentials for the journey home).
Phase Eight's 2026 Partywear Edit
For Black Tie
With longer nights ahead of us, we can certainly expect a black tie function or two. The rules are pretty clear-cut for black tie dressing: floor-length gowns, smart suits, sumptuous fabrics like velvet, satin and lace. Phase Eight’s take on the dress code this year spans a stunning forest green velvet number, a navy slip edged with lace and slinky burgundy number that will certainly steal the show. And with a dress as wow-worthy as this, the accessories must follow suit. Browse the full Phase Eight occasionwear edit for more.
For Christmas Parties
A Christmas party, meanwhile – whether it’s at the office, in a friend’s kitchen or upstairs at a members’ club – calls for something a little more playful. And, thankfully, Phase Eight has the ultimate collection of party dresses to get your through back-to-back festivities. There’s long-sleeved minis decorated with sequin florals, a black velvet swing skirt made for the dancefloor and, for those who prefer a colour drench moment, a glittering fuchsia pleated maxi. Top tip: style with satin slingbacks or a low block heel so that you can keep dancing long after midnight.
For Drinks, Dinners & Everything In Between
Not every invitation demands a dress. For supper clubs, theatre trips and drinks that may or may not turn into dinner, partywear separates offer more flexibility (and can be re-worn in endless combinations come January). Our favourite ways to do it come courtesy of Phase Eight: matching satin sets, the classic ‘jeans and a nice top’ or a long sleeve shirt paired with a sparkling maxi skirt. Hardworking accessories, like a suede clutch or pearl earrings, elevate even the most laid-back look.
Cosy Winter Essentials
There’s also the small matter of staying warm (a tough challenge in the face of UK winter). Between events – as well as the mad dash from the car to the venue – you’ll need a capsule wardrobe of winter essentials to get you through the season. Think soft, wooly jumpers teamed up with a smart casual trouser (an ideal pared-back Boxing Day look), a faux fur scarf to fling over your coat as you head out the door, and a pair of boots to carry you well beyond the party and into spring.
Shop Partywear
Whether your diary is already full or the invitations are still trickling in, Phase Eight’s partywear has every dress code covered, from black tie to Boxing Day. Explore the full collection at phase-eight.com
