The Christmas and new year period can get very expensive. Here are some super affordable & stylish outfit suggestions to help ensure you celebrate the festive season in style. Always be sure you dress for the “dress code” on the invitation and ensure your outfit suits the venue or environment.

Smart casual – This is probably the most popular dress code for parties. Jeans are a safe option; they can be teamed up with a nice top or blouse. Skirts or pants paired with a top or a little summer dress are also great options. This season a-line skirts, both knee length and maxi skirts are a big trend- both spotted on recent Fashion Week catwalks. If you feel a bit casual, then dress up your look with  statement jewellery, a nice bag or a scarf. Remember, it’s always better to overdress than to underdress.

Cocktail or ‘After 5’ –  A little dress that is on or just above the knee in length is a great option. Ladies could also wear a tailored pant or skirt suit, teamed with a nice top. A pretty skirt teamed with a dressy top could also work, be sure to dress it up with heels and accessories.

Black tie or formal – Traditionally women wear longer ankle length dresses, however it is becoming increasingly popular for hemlines to be creeping just below the knee. Lace, beading and sequin details also make an outfit look more dressy and formal. Women can also rock a tuxedo style outfit with a black jacket, black pants, white shirt and heels. Keep the look feminine with a red lip and wear a statement necklace in-place of a bow tie.

Cobalt blue is massive this season. For a casual occasion, pair a tee with a pencil skirt and add some wedges and a scarf. This little blue dress is a complete style steal for $30. You could wear this casually with ballet flats or sandals or you glam it up with heels and a clutch.

Orange is the new black. A fabulous fun colour for summer. For a casual or smart casual occasion try a maxi skirt. When wearing a voluminous maxi skirt ensure the top is fitted such as this black cami. Gladiator slides and a tote complete the look. If you are off to a bar for a cocktail, this cute little wrap style dress is perfect. It even cleverly drapes over your tummy to help hide any lumps or bumps. Add these snakeskin looking clutch and heels to add some extra glam.

Jeans paired with a nice top and heels are great for a smart casual occasion. Add a scarf or jewellery to help dress up the look. This cute pink a-line style dress is not only a bargain for $30, but it can be worn day or night. For day, pair it with a pair of gold sandals and at night add these black pumps and clutch.

Floral and tropical prints are MASSIVE right now. The above looks are all available in bigger sizes which is fabulous. A pair of floral print pants are a must this season. Pair them with a crisp white blouse and flats for a casual occasion or you could add a heel and a blazer for a dressier look. A floral print dress can get you from day to night with ease. For a dressier look, add these T-bar heels and perfectly matching clutch.

For a more casual occasion such as a picnic, bbq or drinks at a friends place, why not pair some cute dress shorts with a top and add some comfy loafers. I love this tropical print so much. For a more glam look, this a-line print dress paired with these black and white accessories will ensure you’re the belle of the ball.

If the invite says ‘Cocktail’, ‘After 5’ or ‘Glam’, then this is for you. These pieces from the chic ‘Runway to Rack’ collection are a must. I’ve paired a lace top with an a-line skirt or you could also rock this divine lace dress priced at just $119 (but looks a million bucks). Both outfits would look great with a nude heel or a metallic heel.

Wearing head to toe white is a big trend right now (Just stay away from the beetroot salad). Wearing all white is also very festive. The a-line skirt paired with a fitted top can be dressed up or down. Metallics look incredible with white, especially gold. For a much more formal occasion, go all out with a white tuxedo blazer, white pants and top. Add a dash of black with some heels for that on-trend monochrome look. You may need some sunglasses to shield you from all the camera flashes, because you’ll be looking A-list ahhhmazing!

When in doubt, a LBD is always the perfect back up plan and it will get you from day to night with complete ease. These 3 dresses are all $30. For a more casual occasion simply add a wedge or sandal and a nice bag. But to turn up the glam factor, just add heels, some jewellery, a clutch and ensure your hair & makeup look fabulous too.

All these outfits are available right now from www.target.com.au

I am here to help you look and feel fabulous. If you have a question simply ask me. Just follow me on Instagram and include the hashtag #askdonny. If you would like a makeover simply visit www.donnygalella.com.au and click on “Apply for a free makeover”.

Happy Styling!

DG