The Nod Shop15 Oct 20242 MIN

How to ‘fashion girl’ your festive wardrobe

Have cocktails at 7pm followed by a card party at 10? Here’s a definitive list of essentials you can dress up or down, no matter the occasion

Model Manya Mitra in a blue kaftan dress by Sangita Kilachand

Sangita Kilachand kaftan; Aparajita Toor sandals

Photographed by Sarang Gupta; Styled by Naheed Driver

Party season is now officially upon us and before you know it, it’ll be December with all its end-of-year soirées and reunions. Attending a dozen (or more) gatherings through this last stretch of the year is tiring already, so getting dressed shouldn’t feel like another task. The smartest way to go about shopping during this period is not stocking up on things you’ll wear once and forget about after the festivities are over, but items you can wear through the year.

Sequins may seem like an obvious choice, but that shouldn’t stop you from wearing them. Few things are more impactful than diamonds, or a crystal-studded bag that you can use for every Diwali party or wedding during the season, and for weekends out later on.

As for clothes, consider pieces that you see yourself wearing to a card party and also to grab drinks with friends or while on holiday. Like a kaftan-style dress that goes right down to the floor—it’s an investment that can be dressed up or down for all manners of events.

If you’re going for a more pared-down route, complementing your outfit with the right accessories is essential. For example, a pair of delicate heels that you can pair not only with a slinky sari, but a slip dress or jeans, too. Remember, it’s all about balance. Below, see the best fashion girl-coded items to invest in right now, handpicked by The Nod’s style desk.