Ah, the festive party season, it sort of creeps up on you, doesn’t it? One minute you’re debating whether or not it’s the right time to doll up and then – bam! – the next thing, invites start dropping. From work socials, neighbourly gatherings and knees-ups with friends, your calendar can quickly fill up with rendezvous you’d be happy spreading throughout the entire year. Which begs the question, what to wear? A new outfit for each occasion would be marvellous, but then what about all that shopping? All you need is a few key pieces – accessories included – and you’d be amazed how you can upgrade a large chunk of what’s already hanging in your wardrobe. If you want to keep your fashion game on-point for an upcoming party,we have the ethnicessentials to get your hands on.

The ultimate party pieces, these mesh dresses in red and purple are quite the head-turner. Their simple, straight cut lends a casual, effortless touch to a design that might look high-maintenance at first glance. Sport them over embellished heels for a chic party look and add dazzling earrings and bracelets to provide just the right amount of on-the-go festive sparkle.

If you buy only one party-ready piece this season then make it this flared A-line outfit in peach. For that comfortable and easy-going look, this suit is the best option. With straight bottoms and a flowy frock with a breezy dupatta, makes it a perfect combination of comfort and style. A truly timeless ensemble, pishwas is the ethnic party season’s all time favourite.

All else can fail but you can always rely on the power of a pishwas to work wonders for any formal occasion. But what needs to be kept in mind when choosing your party pieces is the colour palette. Pastel hues are ruling summers every year, and they continue to do so this season too. Worn top-to-toe or as a standout piece in your outfit, hues like light yellow, peach and mint green must secure their place in your wardrobe. And much like black, these shades go with nearly every print, colour and texture.

Coordination & Styling: Thomas Fernandes
Designer: Timeless Creation
Hair & Makeup: Basit Zaid @ Ilyas Salon
Photography: Zeeshan Ahmed @ Yellow Jacket
Model: Palwasha Khaled