WINTER_BALLIt’s impossible to have not heard anything about the upcoming DSU Winter Ball, because everybody is breathing words of excitement and pre-planning on outfits and such things that we all look forward to with big events.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be planning what you’re going to wear a few weeks in advance, especially if you’re an online shopper! This will stop you from buying anything that might arrive late, only to find that it doesn’t fit or it’s generally not suitable. But, if you plan on playing it safe, heading into Highcross to find a dress might be easier – but you risk getting the same outfit as someone else, and we can’t be having that!

So I’ve put together a few ideas for outfits in different styles that you might want to consider for the Winter Ball, whether you’re feeling a dress or something a little out of the ordinary. All of these looks are paired with Public Desire shoes because they’re a great, affordable footwear brand to definitely look out for!

The Grunge Girl.

This particular style is a little bit tailored to me. Okay, a lot tailored to me. I love a good grunge-style outfit, from dark colours to a mismatch of textures, anything goes as far as grunge is concern – as long as it has a modern Courtney Love or Zoe Kravitz feel to it.

For this look, I’ve put together a gorgeous Oh My Love midi skirt in a shimmery grey-lilac colour, which will be perfect for the Winter Ball. Adding to that, there are two choices of slightly cropped tops that would look great with this skirt, this plain black ASOS tee, or moon-themed Urban Outfitters vest, which paired with the skirt will be comfy yet cool – because that’s what we’re aiming for essentially.

I adore the socks-heels look, so these Public Desire shoes with white Topshop socks will make you the star of the night.

The Classy Lady.

Sometimes, amidst the short skirts and dresses, there will be a few of you who are going to take the Winter Ball and spin it on it’s head. Why opt for a short skirt that might make you feel wary all night, when you can wear a gorgeous jumpsuit and feel covered yet classy and beautiful?

This gem from Missguided will be sure to make you feel all those things, the t-shirt sleeves, slightly cropped trousers with an added rose gold belt will ensure that the jumpsuit is completely flattering and unique for this kind of occasion. Accompanied with these Cher Horowitz-esque Public Desire heels and this nude River Island at ASOS clutch, this outfit will bring you right out of that plain, all-black outfit, and straight into perfect formalwear.

The Glitz Queen.

We all love a good sparkle, don’t we? There’s something about a glitter pair of heels or shimmering dress that make us akin to magpies, especially over the winter period! Forever 21 have an incredible range of mini dresses perfect for occasions such as this, and glittery ones are all I can think about, especially this sequinned one, which is available in nude or silver.

Thankfully with an outfit like this, very minimal accessorising is needed, as the entire ‘wow factor’ is in the dress. However, this boohoo.com arm cuff is a cute addition to add a bit of edge into a quite overpowering outfit, along with these heeled sandals from Public Desire and ASOS moon choker that will have you turning heads!

The Co-ordinator.

A long time ago, I made a decision that sometimes, when it comes to occasions and formal dressing, it’s not all about the dresses. If you stand by this view too, why not try a co-ord? For those of you who are reading this a little unsure of what on earth I’m talking about, I’ll explain: a co-ord consists of a top (blazer/top/jumper) and bottom (shorts/trousers/skirt) that match in colour, material, texture or pattern.

These kinds of outfits are great for nights out with friends, family meals or date night with your special one. More often than not, a plain t-shirt, vest or shirt will be paired with a co-ord like this one from ASOS – I love the idea of a roughed-up band t-shirt or loose vest to be tucked into the shorts and slightly covered by the blazer. Pair with chunky heels – like these incredible sling-back beauties from Public Desire, once again, and you’ll be the odd one out at the Winter Ball – but in a super good way! PS – check out that Pretty Little Things clutch, fashionable lunch bag anyone?

The Sporty One

Is the idea of dressing all fancy not making you happy? Well don’t worry too much – that’s the main thing. I’d like to think I’ve got a solution to pretty much any fashion crisis (within reason) so together we can tackle this. I don’t like the terms ‘girly’ or ‘tomboy’ when it comes to fashion – because anything goes – but if you’re a fan of playing the occasional hockey match or kicking a football around, sport luxe is right up your street.

This short ribbed back dress from Zara combines navy, white and red to be quite formal, but very cool and simple. Teamed with some white chunky boots and an equally white clutch, your days of painful outfit choosing are a thing of the past!

Monochrome Maven

I think that sometimes, black and white is not only a safe option, but a good one as well. It allows you to feel confident in what you’re wearing, whilst being on trend and looking fabulous wherever you are. Whilst scanning the online high street for good choices, I was struck by this somewhat odd representation of the monochrome scheme in a playsuit from Missguided.

The overlapping of black and white from one side of the playsuit to the other is both striking and heavily appealing, so give it a try! With simple black heels and perhaps a white clutch (or visa versa!) you can achieve that monochrome look fairly easily and still look incredible.

The Trend Setter

This figure-fitting H&M dress is very similar to that of Chanel, Marni and more, with it’s embellished floral pattern, meaning it’s very on-trend and desired by many. With standard H&M pricing, this dress is an absolute bargain and can be worn many times for any slightly formal occasion.

With some over-the-knee Public Desire boots and this croc print clutch from Zara, this outfit, along with a few touches of silver in jewellery if you feel that way – will be sure to make you the person in your friendship group who sets all the trends for the upcoming season.

So whatever the weather, and more importantly, whatever your style and taste – you’ll be sure to find something for the upcoming Winter Ball! If you haven’t got your tickets yet, click here to get them before they’re gone.