It’s the midst of Christmas party season, and at HerCanberra we are quickly finding ourselves running out of options wardrobe-wise.

Enter Birdsnest, one of the country’s most popular online retail stores (it also has a gorgeous boutique in Cooma). The team at Birdsnest are super helpful and passionate about finding each customer’s individual style, and we found lots of goodies on the website perfect for the Christmas season. Although we all have very different styles, we ended up gravitating towards black tones (probably because it’s one of those colours you can safely take from desk to drinks). So here’s our version of the little black outfit, worn five ways…

Amanda, Head Chick

“Let’s just say my winter weight has decided to stick around for Summer, so I’m not in a skimpy party dress frame of mind. I decided to go for a dress that would bring my wobbly bits into line but with some added colour. The Belle Bird Slim Control Dress ($169) is one of those ‘essential’ dresses that you can dress up or down with accessories. The drape neckline, keyhole back and flattering draping all make for the perfect LBD. The best part? It has a control underlay which acts like built in Spanx. For the finishing touch, I slipped on the Boho Bird Feather Breeze Kimono (on sale for $40) which provided camouflage for my upper arms as well as a festive flavour to a simple and sophisticated black frock. I’ll be wearing this to Christmas drinks – it’s a great reflection of my always classic – sometimes with a touch of Boho – style.”

Laura, Senior Journalist and Communications Manager

“This Bird Keepers ‘The Side Insert Dress’ ($89.95) is the perfect LBD for work or play. It’s dressy without being over the top and the side panels and length make it super flattering for any figure. I’d wear it to work with a blazer or to drinks with some red lippie, vintage curls and pumps. Although the dress is fitted, it’s still comfortable enough to move around in thanks to the stretch fabric, which seems to smooth out any wobbly bits. Super handy for all those upcoming Christmas parties!”

Beatrice, Editorial Coordinator

“I loved this Goddess One Shoulder Maxi Dress ($99.95) dress mainly because it hid a multitude of sins which, in my opinion, makes it an absolutely perfect outfit for Christmas eating. It could easily go from glitzy Christmas Eve to relaxed Christmas Day BBQ to New Years Eve shin dig with the right accessories and shoes; pair it with black pumps at night, wooden platforms for daytime and use your choice of belt to dictate the level of dressy-ness. The ‘blank canvas’ nature of the dress also makes it perfect for pairing with any colour, meaning that you can wear it with your favourite berry lipstick one day or Christmas colours the next. The material itself is heavier than I expected – not in a cumbersome way whatsoever, just a thicker, more luxurious way that made me feel confident that it was never going to be see through like some other draping fabrics. Truly the one to wear when eating lots or packing light! I felt completely relaxed in it knowing the material was sleek but not shiny and draped in such a flattering way.”

Javier, Creative Director

“During summer, I like to wear natural fibres like cotton and linen. They feel light and keep you cool, whereas synthetic materials are uncomfortable and difficult to wear in the heat. This jham ‘Funnel Neck Stretch Cotton Top ($99.95) and jham Wide Leg Linen Pant ($129) is made of natural fibres, whilst the cut is contemporary and interesting in classic black. I love both items for their wearability. The wide leg linen pants are roomy and could be dressed down with a pair of flats and simple tank. The cotton top has an interesting neckline and would look great with jeans and a pair of heels, or tucked into a pencil skirt for work.”

Belinda, Events Coordinator

“I’ve never been game enough to give wear a jumpsuit because I thought my short legs wouldn’t suit the style. However, I was really drawn to this one so I consulted with the HerCanberra team and they said ‘heels will fix that!” So I did it and I didn’t regret it! I love this Bird Keepers Cross front Jumpsuit with Belt ($119.95). The fabric falls beautifully, it doesn’t crease and I felt really comfortable with the gathered waste. The belt adds that extra bit of glam to it and you can always add more accessories to really dress it up. I’ll be wearing it a lot this summer. It’s perfect for Christmas parties, work and a night out at the movies with my hubby!”

All photos by Ashley St George. 

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