For the year-end party season, Nikhil Thampi shares his take on what’s trending this season from his collection.

Sure, a little black dress or Le Smoking suit is always on par for the party scene, but who says holiday dressing should be so cut and dry? From velvet suits to full-on sequin dresses, Nikhil Thampi shares his 5 not so basic ideas for switching it up and looking festive this season.

1. Nikhil believes that metallic act as the ultimate neutral for the year-end party season. Take the hue to new heights with a pair of silky, wide-leg gold pants styled with a sheer metallic blouse. Also, mixing a sheer metallic top with a deep burgundy skirt works very well

2. If a full-on sequin dress is not your cup of tea, try working festive beads into your look with one statement-making piece
3. For your office holiday cocktail parties, off-the-shoulder tuxedo dress sets the bar high

4. While you can never go wrong with a classic little black dress, give the staple wardrobe item a refresh with some feather or sheer detailing. One can also opt for a suit done in all velvet in a deep red or green color. A shade of deep merlot still feels festive without straying too far from your go-to black uniform

5. From Christmas parties to New Year’s Eve, don’t miss a full-on sequin dress instantly becomes the life of any party and its always a fun look.