Dress codes can be hard to read. Is a floor-length dress formal enough for black tie? What shoes constitute smart casual? And perhaps most terrifying of all, what exactly is cocktail-appropriate attire? If you find yourself with that divisive dress code this festive season, we have you covered. The perfect looks strike a considered balance between formality and ease. Think sculptural dresses, silk slips, or tailored separates for the ladies, and blazers over tees, loose trousers, and loafers for the lads.

From the effortless glamour of Alaïa, to the playful silhouettes from Staud and P. Johnson’s classic tailoring, here’s our ultimate guide to nailing a cocktail dress code this Christmas.