My Style: My perfect non LBD party outfit

Satin ruffle long sleeve blouse, Limited Edition at Marks & Spencer  | Bird jacquard print skirt, Limited Edition at Marks & Spencer | Stiletto high heel bow sandal, M&S | Leopard clutch bag, Karen Millen | Photography: Eleanor Skan

Let’s not fanny about. Some of us are a bit over little black dresses for parties. I know I am.

I think it *may* have had something to do with the fact I wrote annual features on the ‘fifty little black dresses under £50’ every year without fail for the twelve years I was a fashion editor. That’ll generally kill a party dress trend, to be honest.

And anyway, I’m all about comfort these days. Nothing too tight about the midriff, thanks very much. Let’s scoot right over those hips shall we? Do you have anything with a lower heel? And whoa there with your knee lengths! Give me that midi, young man. Etcetera etcetera.

So it is with the utmost delight that I have found a party ensemble that not only ticks my pre-requisite boxes, but could have been made with me in mind! And it’s all from Marks & Spencer!

I spotted the bird print skirt online – I loved the print, colours and the statement A-line shape – which reminds me a bit of the Finery skirts I have. And then scrolling through the blouse section, I saw this ochre coloured blouse – the exact same colour as the yellow in the skirt. Well, it had me at tier-on-tier ruffled sleeve.

The velvet bow shoes (£29.50!) will totally be taxi shoes, but they’re actually pretty comfortable thanks to their Insolia lining. So a heels klutz like me can more than cope with these for partying.

I’ve added a leopard clutch bag to amp up the print clash and baby, I am ready to party!

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