10 Easy Ways To Update Last Year's Party Dress

Christina Hendricks
Christina Hendricks
(Image credit: Jim Smeal/BEI/BEI/Shutterstock)

If money is a little tight, or you're trying to cut back in time for Christmas, you might find yourself wondering whether you can get away with wearing last year's party dress to this year's crop of festive gatherings. Good news - with some nifty styling know-how, you can make that tired LBD feel like a brand new frock EVERY time you wear it. None of our top 10 tips and tricks will set you back more than £30, but each and every one is guaranteed to make you feel like a million dollars... 1. Never underestimate the power of the flower

Thought oversized corsages were reserved for bridesmaids, show ponies and Carrie Bradshaw? Think again. Steal Christina Hendricks' favourite styling trick by pinning one to the strap of your favourite party dress.

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2. Test your mettle

A metallic belt will make almost any dress look designer.

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3. Shrug it off

A sheer embroidered shrug will lend a chic 1920s vibe to a simple black dress.

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4. When in doubt, add sparkle

A statement collar-style necklace will have your old favourite frock feeling (and looking) brand new.

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5. Layer up

Love strapless and sleeveless dresses but hate your arms or decolletage? Layer a lace turtleneck top under your old party dress for a fashion-forward, bugbear-banishing twist.

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6. Opt for a statement shoe

When your footwear packs more sparkle than your Christmas tree, who's going to be looking at your dress anyway? You'll be able to dance all night in these bejewelled beauties, thanks to their extra wide fit and comfy block heels.

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7. Amp up your hosiery

Step away from the opaques and give the tan gloss a miss, because a pair of pretty lace tights is all you need to revive that tried-and-tested ensemble.

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8. Get crafty

Iron-on patches aren't just for kids. Put your own stamp on one of winter's biggest trends by putting your faith in the stars. Whether or not you believe in magic, a sprinkling of stardust is guaranteed to bring a tired old LBD back to life this Christmas.

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9. Try a tux

A velvet tuxedo jacket will revitalise the most overworked of ensembles, not to mention tap into this season's biggest trend.

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10. Go for gloves

No, opera-style evening gloves don't have to be (a) made of silk (b) armpit-skimming or (c) confined to the royal box. This polka dot pair is sure to bring new life to that dress you thought was on the critical list.

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Samantha Rnic

Samantha Rnic is a fashion stylist and writer from Colchester. She has worked for titles such as Grazia, The Sun and Look magazine. She is currently studio bookings manager at Matches Fashion.