Here's How To Be The Best Dressed Person This Party Season

Own the night – and leave a lasting impression at any outing – with these recommendations

By Manish Mishra | LAST UPDATED: JAN 14, 2026

The month of December calls for statement-making clothes!

With only a few weeks left for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s time to loosen up a little and push the envelope when it comes to dressing up.

Looking for some style inspo? We’d recommend referencing actor Charlie Hunnam’s velvet Gucci look he sported at an art + film gala event in LA. The Monster actor offset his fully logo-ed Gucci shirt with a pair of black trousers and a horsebit buckle belt. The sheen of the velvet shirt amplified the drama in this suave-meets-sinister look. Stylist Isha Bhansali roots for velvet this season. "Velvet works both for a wedding and even for a party. I'd recommend either a velvet shirt or a blazer. In fact, I see a lot of velvet trucker jackets now. I'd also suggest investing in velvet pieces which come with washes, so the sheen is more understated and refined," she shares.

Charlie Hunnam in GucciInstagram

Sandeep Gonsalves, co-founder of label Sarah & Sandeep seconds that. "Velvet remains a perennial favourite for evening wear — its depth and texture create natural sheen without appearing loud," says Sandeep. He recommends the brand's Dynasty navy tuxedo in embossed velvet and the Obsidian velvet tuxedo crafted in silk-blend velvet as both exemplify how surface texture can replace overt shimmer.

If velvet is a tad much for you then another way to incorporate sheen in your party look is by including a kicky leather piece. What do Alexander Skarsgård, Nicholas Hoult and Pedro Pascal have in common? These clotheshorses know the transformative power of a striking leather piece. Recently Alexander wore a pair of come-hither Ludovic Saint Sernin leather pants at a screening of Pillion in London. Nicholas Hoult showed up in a badass leather jacket at a photocall for Superman. And Pedro Pascal at the premiere of The Last of Us in Hollywood, California rocked a pair of over-the-knee Saint Laurent boots - sassy, thigh-grazing, and unmistakably bold. Back home, our very own Ranveer Singh rocked a Versace leather biker jacket. No stranger to bling, Singh accessorised it with necklaces, a gold wristwatch and a pair of aviator sunnies.

Alexander Skarsgård in Ludovic Saint Sernin leather pantsInstagram/Ludovic Saint Sernin

Another way to stand out this party season is by embracing tonal layering which is all about striking a harmony — blending textures within the same colour family to create depth. "For example, pairing a brushed suede jacket with wool trousers or a herringbone overcoat with silk shirting gives dimension without breaking silhouette flow," Sandeep quips. 

For colour blocking, deep jewel tones like emerald, oxblood, and navy pair beautifully with neutral foundations. "We encourage clients to treat fabrics as a palette — leather, velvet, and wool each add their own tactile energy to a monochrome look," he adds.  Winter knits which come with lurex threads also make for great party layering essentials.

Besides textiles like velvet, leather and knitwear, heritage tailoring is having a moment and could be a chic way to layer a party ensemble. "I recently came across a tartan bomber, and I'd recommend investing in an off-kilter piece like that or a cashmere jumper," adds Isha. 

With Hollywood male celebrities like Jacob Elordi and Pedro Pascal carrying more and more sling bags, there has been a cultural shift towards men's accessories in terms of how they're styled and perceived. While earlier accessorising for men meant a sturdy backpack but today a shoulder or a handbag makes a nifty statement especially for a night out. A case in point being Pedro Pascal's Chanel tote at the label's ready to wear showcase in Paris which broke the internet.

If a macro sling bag is a bit much for you then there are chicer options like Loewe messenger bag, Bottega Veneta's Andiamo messenger bag and Valentino Garavani Superstar two-toned tote. Complete your party look with either a pair of leather sneakers, boots or Chelsea boots and your favourite evening fragrance and you're set for the night. 