Vicky McClure brings timeless glamour to the NTAs in the LBD that's perfect for party season
The star did not disappoint with her party-ready take on the style
The royals might not have been in attendance at last night’s National Television Awards, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t influencing the night’s fashion. Vicky McClure stepped out in the Beau sequined cocktail dress by Zara Tindall's go-to brand Rebecca Vallance, proving exactly why the designer is such a figurehead for evening attire.
Rebecca Vallance has built a well-earned reputation for high-end evening wear, combining sophisticated, feminine silhouettes with bold, party-ready accents. Vicky’s NTAs dress is the epitome of this, with its clean, form-fitting silhouette and shining embellished sequins.
Her look brought a playful flair to the classic cocktail dress through its all-over sequin embellishments, while the dress also featured delicate lace trims along the neckline to add extra nods to glitz and glamour and update the classic look of the ageless LBD. The dazzling accents also meant Vicky could keep her accessories simple – really simple – and she needed no more than a pair of strappy black heels to tie everything together.
Recreate Vicky McClure's NTAs look
This new season dress from Rebecca Vallance is one we'll be thinking about for a long time. With all-over sequin embellishments and delicate lace trims along the neckline, it is a sophisticated take on the LBD that also feels fun and full of glamour. Dare we start thinking about NYE?
If you love Vicky's NTAs look but want more coverage from your evening wear dresses, this Phase Eight maxi might just be for you. It's embellished head-to-toe in black sequins, with a figure-hugging shape accented by short puff sleeves and a feminine V-neckline.
Vicky accessorised her statement dress with no more than a simple pair of strappy black heels, like this pair from Next, which complemented the one-colour palette while also making sure to not overpower the embellishments.
Despite its modest cut and long sleeves, this all-over sequin midi has a really sultry feel to it. The V-neckline and empire waist draw the eye and elongate the figure, while the floaty, falling skirt skims the hips to add subtle definition.
Delicate angel sleeves give the perfect amount of upper arm coverage to this dress silhouette, with their soft cut emphasising the elegant fit-and-flare shape of the sequined bodice and skirt.
Sleek, simple and perfectly elegant, these New Look heels are a timeless shoe that offer endless versatility. Plus, they're made with the brand's comfort technology and boast a flexible sole, as well as toe-to-heel cushioning.
No matter the season, nothing beats black evening wear as the most timeless option for occasion dressing, though you might still want to steer clear of the hue when choosing what to wear to a wedding this season. Still, there’s something especially perfect about the LBD when it comes to autumn-ready occasion attire and date night outfits. Rich, deep and moody, the hue emulates the darker colour palette of the season, while its timelessness means it can remain a re-worn staple in autumn capsule wardrobes year after year.
Vicky’s look is a great reminder that the timelessness we love the LBD for can be updated and refreshed without losing its appeal, with the all-over sequins and lace accents on her dress lending a modern feel. The key is that the sequins themselves are black, which offers a polished and mature take on the high-impact sparkle. While brightly coloured or overly glossy sequins can read too bold, grounding them with the sophisticated hue of black creates a more muted finish and, as Vicky’s dress proves, this feels perfectly elegant.
To balance out the bold, embellished look, Vicky’s dress boasted a simple, form-fitting silhouette to give it a more understated feel. Her lack of jewellery played into this, though it might have been tempting to add a necklace to that stunningly low neckline that's highlighted by only the thinnest of straps. This shoulder-bearing style might not be for everyone, but it works hard to create a taller torso and balance out the shine with some skin-baring contrast.
