Musician Hashy Yusof and fashion girl Rachel Wong’s holiday season guide

Food and decor aside, it’s the people and the ambience that truly make a party. While we don’t really need an excuse to dress up, planning an outfit for a party is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with unconventional looks. The always-stylish Rachel Wong @rchlwngxx gives us insider tips on how to dress for the party season while musician Hashy Yusof @hashyyusof shares her favourite holiday playlists.

Rachel’s Fashion Must-Haves

You like a touch of sparkle but not a full-on sequinned dress – what would you recommend?

Rachel: I think mixing textures is always a good idea when it comes to sequins. I’d pair a sequinned top with jeans for a more casual, less “dressed-up” look. Alternatively, a sequinned skirt with a basic T-shirt works just as well.

What’s a fuss-free party look?

Rachel: I always love a simple fitted blazer and black stockings paired with loads of jewellery… and don’t be afraid to mix gold and silver. More is more!

If you don’t want to spend too much on a “party” outfit, how can you make the most of what’s already in your wardrobe?

Rachel: Reimagine your basics and pair items in new ways – such as styling a blazer with a bold skirt or jeans with a sequinned top. Think of basics combined with a statement piece as your go-to formula for dressing up.

Can leather look festive?

Rachel: For a party look, I’d definitely recommend pairing it with something sheer for the contrast, like wear a leather jacket with a sheer slinky dress!

How can you style velvet without looking like you’re stuck in 1985?

Rachel: I believe velvet is best styled in small doses. I don’t own a lot of velvet, but the pieces I do have are usually short or small – like a mini skirt or a cropped top. I feel that too much velvet can make you look overly mature. I’d pair a mini velvet skirt with a black pullover, gold hoop earrings, and a pair of boots to keep the look modern, fresh, and still festive.

How about hair accessories as a cute party get-up?

Rachel: A jewelled or statement headband, velvet bow, or festive hair clips can add to that holiday sparkle.

Hashy’s Holiday Music Recommendations

How do I curate a holiday playlist?

Hashy: Create a mix of holiday tunes and your personal favourites, aiming to keep them all at a similar “frequency.” Avoid following an upbeat track with a slow, chill number. Instead, it’s better to gradually build the mood from mellow to upbeat.

Would you mix up the holiday playlist with a blend of old classics, urban tracks, and pop, or stick to similar genres?

Hashy: Definitely a good mix of classic holiday tracks – think Mariah Carey and Michael Buble. Laufey, Clairo, and FKJ fit perfectly in between. I’d also include some pop, soul, and nu jazz. As the night progresses and we’re enjoying our tipples, I’d add some afrobeats to the playlist

How would you start the flow of your playlist?

Hashy: I love creating playlists for my personal events, setting the flow to match the planned ambience and mood. When guests start arriving, I play festive and warm songs to create an inviting atmosphere. As we move on to the cheeseboard and drinks, I switch to something more mellow to help guests settle in and converse. During the main dinner, I typically play a mix of festive tracks, pop, soul, and nu jazz, gradually transitioning to more upbeat tunes as the evening progresses.

What is a safe genre of music to play in the background?

Hashy: The Christmas Coffeehouse playlist on Spotify. It gets a little boring but it’s safe!

How about some modern favourites?

Hashy: Winter Wonderland by Laufey! That voice is… chef’s kiss! I love warm instrumental versions of Christmas favourites. Being a naturally mellow person, I enjoy the cosy, comforting feeling they create when I’m at home with my loved ones. I’d also recommend any tracks by Lana Del Rey or Cigarettes After Sex. Their music is perfect for the “cool” December season.