Jacquard of all trades

Nope this is not a post about soft furnishings in stately homes, because thanks to Prada’s AW16 collection, brocade and jacquard are top of the party-wear hit parade and while a little black number may be a safe option, have some fun with a bit of print and colour.

Karen Millen has this Rose Gold Jacquard Dress £190 which would look amazing on dark haired and olive skinned beauties.

Or for a more sedate option there is this Gold Floral Jacquard Dress £170.

Whistles currently has a promo on its party wear and this Gwyneth Jacquard Dress is down to £115 from £195. A more Oriental design than a lot of jacquards which are much more traditionally ‘interiors’ looking.

If you are wanting to stay south of £100, then Warehouse has this Camo Animal Jacquard Dress reduced to £44. Terrible footwear here. Lose the chunky platform and go sandal, court or ankle boot.

And ASOS has this High Neck Mini Dress for £50 which I think is very lovely.

Or what about a Jacquard Jumpsuit for £65? Am strangely drawn to this but would almost certainly be a man/husband repeller.

On the skirt front, a midi would be the most on-trend style and this Warner Jacquard Midi Skirt £60 from Oasis is lovely.

Annoyingly it is more or less out of stock so for something similar, M&S has this Jacquard A-Line Skirt with Belt £49.50. The styling is very – well M&S – on their website but it doesn’t have to be. Pair with a simple sweater or t-shirt and a pair of courts or ankle boots. Definitely a 9-9 option for the party season.

New Look has this Apricot Black Jacquard Metallic Midi Skirt at a mere £32.

For something different, Coast has this Carmen High Low Midi Skirt £129.

If it is a mini that you are after, then Karen Millen has this very lovely Gold Jacquard A-Line Skirt £99. You don’t have to do dressy, you can dress this down with a sweater and some ankle boots.

Or if you can lay your hands on one of the few left, then Oasis has two different colourways of this Warner Jacquard Mini Skirt £38.

And in the blue. Now I have to be honest, while I have nothing in my life that requires me to wear heels and a party frock (the lack of an office party and all that – although my husband more than makes up for it with no less than three, plus a boozy lunch with friends and a black tie thingy – harrumph last night I cleaned the oven, I kid you not) I could square away a little skirt worn with a nice simple sweater because it strikes the right balance between dressy and casual.

Jacquard doesn’t end with skirts because you can also go down the trouser route too with these Carlotta Black Jacquard Trousers £110 from Reiss.

Or you could go suited with this Floral Vintage Jacquard Cigarette Trouser £40 and matching Jacket £60. Possibly a bit much for most though…

So ring the changes this year and swap your LBD for a Little Brocade Dress or don a skirt and get festive – even if it’s just for dancing round the kitchen with the kids to Mariah’s All I want for Christmas is You (not that that is me…) or something infinitely cooler.