The Chic List: How to style out party season

To leave a party without saying goodbye and thank you to the host is known as a ‘French exit’ in the UK, an ‘Irish exit’ in the US, a ‘Polish exit’ in Germany and an ‘English exit’ in France. The idea is that if you don’t make a fuss about going, no one will notice – especially after a few drinks – and everyone will assume you stayed happily for hours. But the fact that a sneaky slip away is often pinned on a nation’s rivals suggests that everyone agrees it’s bad manners to vanish without a proper farewell.

Yet, as the social season gets in full swing, my view is that the art of knowing how to sneak out of a room unnoticed is vital for your health and wellbeing – not to mention your sanity. Of course, if there are fewer than ten guests present, a French exit (or whatever you want to call it) is just weird and rude.

But, as an experienced host of Christmas drinks parties, I really don’t mind if anyone leaves without saying goodbye. Truth be told, I’m all air-kissed out by then anyway, so, exit away. When the tables are turned and I do a vanishing act myself, I always send an email in the morning thanking my host for a wonderful time. If there are multiple parties or catch-ups to go to in one evening, a French exit is the only way to conserve energy for the next one. After all, it’s a marathon at this time of year, not a sprint.

When it comes to festive party style and dealing with the demands placed on your wardrobe (and your wallet), here are some other tips to help you through those sparkling nights.

• First, remember you don’t have to buy something new for every invitation. At each gathering there will be different guests and they won’t know what you wore to your previous party. This is a shot of realism that immediately takes off the pressure. Yet who doesn’t feel their brilliant best in a new dress or trouser suit? I always allow myself to pick one new piece that I can wear out after Christmas, too.
• Look for a designer outfit on your favourite preloved website or in store. These can serve up designer cuts and quality for half the price, and the right piece never dates. Otherwise, spice up an old outfit with festive shoes. This is a common trick used by fashionistas who have left it too late to find something new or have chosen an old favourite. And don’t forget that great hair, make-up and jewellery go such a long way to making an impression.
• Finally, if you’re still panicked about finding the perfect party dress, ask yourself this question. Can you remember what anyone wore to a party last year? Most people won’t have the foggiest.

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A FESTIVE SHOE-IN

In oh-so-now burgundy, these soft velvet heels with diamanté detail from Russell & Bromley epitomise all things festive. They’re going straight on my wish list.

EAR CANDY, ANYONE?

I love these sculptural gold-plated earrings by Completedworks that will elevate everything in your wardrobe. They make the ideal gift for someone special.

PEARLY PERFECTION

Add some on-trend pearl details to your outfit with this wonderful belt from Camilla Elphick. A bestselling hit for the London designer, it’s slim enough to wear through jeans and wide enough to wrap around dresses and jackets through to New Year and beyond.