On nights where you’ve got half an hour to get dressed and zero headspace to put together a ‘look’, you need some chic, fuss-free items in your wardrobe that you can just throw on and go. For better or worse, black usually feels like the easiest option at such times, and this double-breasted jumpsuit is an effortless winner. Just add resin earrings and bold lipstick. £34.99, H&M

The genius of a high-necked, long-sleeved, dark-toned dress is that it looks appropriate at almost any evening event. Going to a formal drinks do with work folk? Wear with sheer black tights and Mary Janes. Tearing up a party with your mates? Go bare-legged and pile on the chunky gold jewellery. It’s 60s-inspired, velvet and covered in gold polka dots – perfectly festive. £56, Warehouse

We’re now several years into the Great Women’s Suit Renaissance, and a blazer-trouser combo is still the quickest way to project an air of no-nonsense cool. Switch up the tops you wear underneath a black suit, and you can wear it multiple times a week without anyone caring (hey, it’s almost like being a man!). Start with cropped suit pants (£69.99), then shrug on a belted blazer. £89.99, Mango Violeta

Frazzled after a long day at work? Lost all faith in humanity after spending the afternoon battling your way through the Christmas shopping crowds? Chuck on this black jacquard wrap dress and you’ll be transformed into a vision of elegance and serenity – externally, at least. It’s beautiful enough to wear with nothing but minimal heels, but we’d add a delicate necklace for extra polish. £165, Kitri

Yes, we’re recommending more metallic-spotted black velvet, but that’s because velvet and metallics are innately Christmassy. And thanks to its low back and loose trousers, this jumpsuit embodies both glamour and comfort – which are, of course, December’s key aesthetics. Worn solo, it’s sexy without being OTT; over a fine mockneck, you’ll feel warmer and more laidback. Versatile! £40, Monki