It is never too soon to be planning a Christmas party outfit. Here are my top 5 Strictly styles along with fabric and sewing pattern suggestions.
Saturday nights are worth staying in to watch the glamour burst onto our Tellies. I’m talking about Strictly Come Dancing of course! I might be comfy on the sofa in my jammies but I’m channelling my inner dancer and choosing my favourite outfits along with the performances. (no spoilers in this post!). These glamorous styles are perfect inspiration to make a Christmas party outfit.
There was a red-pink theme going on a couple of weeks ago (week 4), with Tess in head to toe red velvet tailoring and Motsi championing a fantastic pink and orange leopard print. Helen’s classic Spanish skirt for her Passodoble, Kim in a vibrant red and and pink dress. Molly and Fleur dazzling in burgundy sparkles.
I’ve selected my favourite outfits so far. There were so many to choose from and it is only week 5. I do love the sparkles and classic dance style dresses such as the ones worn for the cha cha cha. But I’ve chosen outfits that are more transferable into styles those of us not on the telly can wear.
My top 5 Strictly Styles (pre-Blackpool)
1. Nadia Bychkova, Week 4
Nadia’s dress was more than ‘inspired by’ the iconic white halter neck dress Marilyn Monroe wore for Seven Year Itch. Halter neck top, backless with a circle skirt. Head to Nadia’s Instagram page for a video of their dance and the full effect. This is the dress to make if you want to turn heads at a Christmas party, especially in red. This Butterick B6682 dress pattern would create an identical look, especially in a more drapey fabric than the cotton they have used for the sample. I also like Sew House Seven Rose City Halter as it is slightly more subtle with a gathered skirt rather than a circle skirt. It also has pockets, always a bonus. Both styles would work well in these soft drape vintage fabrics. If you prefer a style that covers the back then Barcelona from Maven is a good alterative.
2. Hamza Yassin, Week 4
Get tropical this winter and bring the sunshine back to the UK with a fun shirt. I loved the lose style and bright colours in the shirt Hamza wore for his fantastic salsa. A restriction free shirt to the night away in. Liberty have a unisex pattern, making it more cost effective and universal. Plus it includes a sleeveless version. This lose fitting style will work brilliantly in one of this 1980s Italian Polyesters from my online fabric shop.
3. Jayde Adams, Week 1
Tailoring mixed with lace, netting and sequins is always a good look in my book! Jayde wears it beautifully in white and pale grey. A fancy bra peeping through the sheer top is a nod to the 90’s clubbing era too. Season’s of East Winter in London trousers have a wide leg and work equally well with heels or trainers. Create with a formal tailoring fabric or a lighter weight crepe for a floaty drape. Note the detailing on Jayde’s trousers that travels from the front waist down the side seam of the leg. Mix with the Seasons of East Spring in London top made from lace or netting to create a sheer top similar to Jayde’s but falls off one shoulder rather than a high neck.
4. Helen Skelton, Week 4
This skirt was made for dancing! Helen looked fantastic swinging it determinedly during her Pasodoble. If you own a buffet dress style pattern then it is easily adaptable by creating a channel at the waist for a length of elastic, rather than making a whole dress. Helen’s skirt has one tier layer with a lining underneath which is great for swishing around pretending to do a Pasodoble (or maybe you can!). Size: Me Florence skirt looks exactly the same as Helen’s skirt. Add a lining to create more swish for dancing.
5. James Bye, Week 1
Monochrome is always a good look to stand out at a party. James’ shirt has a simple shape, it is the monochrome print that is doing the talking. Choose a simple boxy shape sewing pattern and create a bold style with a monochrome print vintage fabric. Any of the patterns I’ve already suggested would work to recreate this look along with one of these fabrics.
Who is your strictly favourite?