While some of us may already have started planning out our Christmas outfits, it seems the number of occasions that call for a thoughtful outfit increase every year. From something special for Christmas day or for visiting the family on Boxing Day, to the office Christmas party and the annual meal-out and impromptu dancing with friends, it can be difficult to keep up.
It doesn’t always seem necessary – or right, given the current fast fashion climate – to buy something new for every occasion; and yet, it’s nice to dress up. It’s nice to have something new to wear and to feel glitzy and glam for the festive season.
From sequins to metallics, pops of red to velvet and silks, we really are inundated with beautiful sartorial options at this time of year. But how about approaching your festive outfits in a more mindful way? Not just taking into account repurposing and re-wearing for next Christmas, but how it can worn for more than one occasion this season too.
While those sparkly and special items are highly distinguishable – making it less tempting to wear it on more than one instance in such a short space of time – they can be wonderfully versatile too. A sequin top for example – tucked into a pair of black high-waisted flared trousers, worn under a velvet pinafore dress, teamed with a metallic pencil skirt or a pair of tailored shorts. Velvet has made a welcomed return, as it does every year around Christmas, being such a festive fabric. A pair of navy velvet shorts can be teamed with gold, silver, black (yes, really) or coppery tones.
Even a simple black shift dress can make a festive and versatile option: paired with a sequin blouse, over a thin red knit or with a sparkly pair of tights and heels for the office get-together.
While I’m all for fashion that is highly impractical and fun, I think choosing festive favourites that work cohesively with other items in your wardrobe is a sensible choice. An all-over sequin top – whilst seemingly impractical – might actually pair with a wide array of items, making it a wearable option for more than one occasion.
I’ve included a few of my favourite festive choices for this season below. Some of which can be paired together or worn independently – perhaps with something you already own in your wardrobe.
Velvet Wide Leg Trouser | Whistles | £119
Metallic Midi Skirt | Kate Spade | £325
Black Lace Top | The Kooples | £118.50
Marie Floral Sequin Blouse | Anthropologie | £98