When dressing for a black-tie event or formal party, it’s easy to worry: will I just look the same as everyone else? A formalwear essential since the late 19th century, cufflinks are an easy way to show your personality, adding a flourish to traditional garb. A failsafe example, this TOM FORD pair is cast from shining sterling silver in a timeless design – modelled on early styles that were made from silk and tied in a knot.

There is much to consider when it comes to bow ties, and not just if you can tie one. Pattern, colour and shape are all great ways of conveying your character, while velvet and silk – the most popular fabrics – add shine and depth to monochrome eveningwear. Then there’s the classic: a plain black option that will always look right with a crisp white shirt. Made in Italy, this Gucci version is cut from lightweight silk, subtly adorned with a gold-tone GG logo. Very dapper.

Drinks are on you – but is your wallet ready for its close-up? A sleek design in black or brown leather is a failsafe choice, though at Christmastime there’s ample opportunity to have some fun. Bold in gold, Loewe’s Puzzle cardholder is made in homage to the brand’s famous leatherworking heritage, expertly crafted by hand in Madrid where the house was founded in 1846.

Is perfume an accessory? Certainly. Few things are as powerful as scent – and studies show that 75% of positive emotions are triggered by smell. Inspired by the ‘perfumed court’ of Louis XIV, Parfums de Marly invokes the splendour of the time with its outstanding fragrances named after distinguished breeds of horses. This Pegasus Eau de Parfum honours the mythical winged steed, opening with an exceptional balance of fruit, wood and spice. At its heart, floral notes of jasmine and lavender fuse in delicate harmony, while its base holds notes of vanilla, amber and sandalwood.

A statement belt is often overlooked when considering ways to boost an outfit – but gone are the days when designs need be simply black or brown. Part of Balmain’s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection, this checkerboard version is made in Italy from durable canvas and suede, and is patterned with a geometric PB monogram, the initials of the house’s founder. But best of all: the large gold buckle. It’s a belt with as much flair as jewellery.

We can hear your concern: unless you belong to a heraldic family, aren’t signet rings rather pretentious? No longer. Originally used as a portable seal, a signet ring is a perfect party accessory – and still imbues status. Whether you prefer sculpted minimalism or playful detail, there are, however, some rules. Stick to one, and choose a size in proportion to your hands. Vivienne Westwood’s gold-tone version is particularly impressive. Set with a single sparkling crystal, it’s embossed with the brand’s signature orb, inspired by those worn by sovereigns as a symbol of power.

Don’t think sunglasses are just for the summer months. Having risen from functional accessory to centrepiece status, there are styles in-store to suit all tastes. Oversized visors and bold ‘bubble’ silhouettes have earned the title of It-frames this season, while popping colours and high-octane metals – as seen on Dolce & Gabbana’s gold-frame aviators – are simple ways to lift a party wardrobe instantly.

You can wear the best suit and the finest watch in the business, but taking care of your skin is just as important come party season. As temperatures plummet for many of us, dry and cold air weakens the skin barrier, causing irritation and depriving our faces of moisture. So it’s wise to invest in a calming moisturiser like this from Dior for face and beard. Lightweight and non-sticky, it’s enriched with cactus extract to calm inflammation and leave your face soothed, soft and rejuvenated – and smells like the brand’s best-selling Sauvage fragrance, notoriously sold every three seconds.

Loafers are perhaps the most versatile shoe, suitable for formal and laidback events alike. A patent leather pair will look perfect with a tux, while an embellished design – like Gucci’s iconic Horsebit style – is equally natural with a suit as with jeans. Jimmy Choo’s Foxley loafers have been expertly crafted in Italy from the finest patent leather sourced from Florentine tanneries. Their woven tassels add a touch of flamboyance and will always be in style.

To quote Oscar Wilde: “Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking Champagne.” When it comes to the finest, few brands can rival the expertise of Armand de Brignac – situated in the tiny French village of Chigny-les-Roses, the Cattier family have cultivated vineyards since 1763. Made in collaboration with Harrods, this exclusive edition of Blanc de Blancs Champagne is made using the first-pressed Chardonnay grapes of the season, then blended with two other vintages and aged for a year in French oak. The result is rich, toasty and subtly sweet, with hints of nuts, gingerbread and buttery pastry, making it perfect for opening this Christmas.