It’s the Christmas Holidays, and so we expect the usual church services, cocktail parties, dinner parties and family dinners. This week we show you a few appropriate looks for these occasions. To create the looks we chose to use silk, satin and brocade.

Look 1 has a deep plunge, so that makes it a bit too revealing for church; however, it is appropriate for a family dinner, and is a simple A-line dress in a printed silk. It has a brown sash at the waistband that breaks up the monotony of the print.

Look 2 is a brocade pencil skirt. The pencil skirt is a simple and flattering silhouette and a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe, so you can rock the cloth and have one in every colour. Here it’s done in gold brocade that is textured and has flecks of ivory, brown and pink, and is a great choice for the holidays with its luxurious finish. Worn with an ivory chiffon blouse, this look is appropriate for church as well as dinner parties.

Look 3 is an LBD in black satin. This dress is incredibly versatile and appropriate for all occasions, depending on how it is accessorised. Worn here with a gold statement necklace, the neckline is accentuated. Shantia is well dressed here to welcome dinner guests.

Look 4 is the same LBD, but we pair it with a pashmina that adds a burst of Christmas red.

To make the dress:

1. Cut front and back of dress and facings

2. Insert darts – back and front waist darts as well as bust darts

3. Attach facings to necklines and armholes then topstitch

4. Join front to back along sides and shoulders

5. Finish seam edges

6. Hem.

Model: Shantia Bailey | Photos: Marc Evans | Make-up: Angelie Martin-Spencer