The invitation has landed and the question is the same as every year: what do I wear? This season the answer is richer and calmer than the sequin rush of years past. Think deep colour, fabrics with a soft sheen, and pieces you will happily wear again in January.

Here is how we would dress for every kind of Christmas party, from the office drinks to New Year's Eve.

The colours of the season: burgundy, plum and forest green

Bright Christmas red is giving way to darker, moodier shades. Burgundy, plum, wine and deep forest green look expensive under low light and flatter almost every skin tone.

For her, start with the Saraya one-shoulder gown in burgundy for a formal party, or the Kelsey burgundy satin dress with bishop sleeves if the dress code is smart. Deep purple works the same magic: the Amaya satin party dress is cut to move on a dance floor.

For him, a burgundy or wine shirt under a dark jacket picks up the same palette without trying too hard. Our Elston Wine shirt is a quiet nod to the season.

Velvet: the fabric of December

Nothing says party season like velvet. It catches the light, feels soft against the skin and looks right from a work do to a candlelit dinner.

Our Eva velvet little black dress is made from a bamboo and organic cotton velvet blend in our London studio, finished with a sheer chiffon neckline. It is the one dress in this edit we would pick if you only buy one.

Liquid satin for evening glow

Satin with a fluid drape is everywhere this season, and it is the easiest way to look polished with very little effort. A bias-cut satin midi needs nothing more than a heel and a good coat.

Try the Willa cowl neck satin midi in emerald, or the Alaw champagne satin slip dress for a softer, golden glow. Our satins are made from recycled fabric, and like everything we make, they are 100% vegan.

Not a dress person? Go for sharp separates

Two-piece dressing is one of the strongest party looks this year, and it is the most versatile. A tailored blazer over a satin blouse, with wide-leg trousers or a pleated skirt, works for the office party and for Christmas Day lunch.

Pair the Kleitos peplum blazer with Tenes wide-leg trousers and the Nera champagne satin blouse. Swap the trousers for the Pigres pleated skirt and you have a second outfit from the same pieces.

For him: the party shirt and fine knits

Men's Christmas party outfits are moving away from novelty jumpers and towards textured knitwear and crisp shirts.

• Smart casual party: a ribbed knit polo like The Julian in black or navy, with dark trousers. Elegant, warm and no tie needed.
• Office party: an Elston bamboo-blend shirt in white, navy or slate grey, with a smart jacket on top.
• Cold evening: a quarter-zip knit like the Aurelius in espresso brown, worn over a collared shirt.

Buying more than one? Our men's shirt and knitwear bundle takes 15% off two pieces and up to 30% off four or more.

Black tie and New Year's Eve

When the invitation says black tie, go long. A floor-length gown in black, red or champagne is timeless. The Saraya black one-shoulder gown, the Scarlett strapless red gown and the Dalina multi-way champagne halter dress are all made for the big night. See our full range of formal and evening dresses.

Why choose a party outfit made to last

A party outfit should not be worn once and forgotten. Every ADKN piece is designed and made in small batches in our London studio, from recycled, organic and plant-based fabrics, and is always 100% vegan. If anything needs fixing, we repair it for free in the first year.

Shop the full Christmas Party Outfits edit for her and him, or go straight to our Christmas party dresses.

Christmas delivery in the UK: order made-to-order pieces by Monday 7 December, and ready-to-wear pieces in stock by Wednesday 16 December (or Sunday 20 December with express delivery). ADKNLux orders need to be placed by Friday 27 November. Dressing for a party earlier in December? Order at least two weeks before the date. Standard UK delivery is free.