It’s the school October holiday week and I’m writing this in bed while my kid watches movies beside me…
I haven’t got any of his Christmas presents planned (let alone bought), my house is in a state of half-decoration – even though we moved in almost a year ago – so Christmas outfits are far from my mind. But, love it or not, party nights, family dinners and New Year celebrations will soon be upon us in the shake of a reindeer’s tail. So, in the spirit of giving (and helping you tick off one more thing on your mum’s to-do list) here are my fabulous festive dressing top picks:
Velvet Pleated A-Line Midi Skirt, £35; M&S
I try and buy pieces that can be dressed up, but also worn on less ‘fancy’ occasions. I already own this velvet M&S skirt in navy and have worn it several times; with a slogan t-shirt, a silk shirt and with a cosy jumper. The gold version is so luxurious, perfect for festive dressing, yet for less formal events it will look great with a chunky knit and knee high boots. The saffron colour and velvet fabric are also giving you two trends in one – now that’s value dressing.
Stiletto Heel Trim Pointed Court Shoes, £35; M&S
And while on the subject of M&S… these shoes! They are less than forty quid, available in several colours and a lower heel height. In fact, they have an amazing collection of shoes this season, such as velvet sling backs, grosgrain bow mules and glitter heels, go check them out!
Milda Velvet Gathered Detail Dress by Malene Birger, £215; Very Exclusive
Back to velvet and in case you haven’t noticed yet this fantastic fabric is THE current trend. If you are looking for more of a showstopper look no further than this velvet By Malene Birger dress, available from Very Exclusive. I have seen this on and the colour is striking, it creates a defined waist and gathers gently over the tummy to flatter. It’s quite simply a sexy stunner of a dress to wow in this winter!
Double-breasted Tailored Jacket, £79.99 & Flared Flowing Trousers, £39.99; Zara
Looking at other trends and one colour tonal dressing (not black!), particularly in red, is a very strong look and ideal for a Christmas party. This burgundy suit from my beloved Zara is ideal. Wear with nothing underneath, statement earrings and shoes and you will stand out in a sea of sequins.
Dangling Pearl Earrings, £15.99; Zara
As Christmas is meant to be a time for giving, let us also consider what our clan might wear. I love H&M for kids because my son grows so fast and they offer cool clothes that don’t cost a small fortune. My Dylan will look gorgeous getting in on the velvet action with this jacket!
Velvet jacket, £24.99; H&M
M&Co also have a super cute range of kids’ clothes and I’ve had my eye on this purple dress for my twin nieces for a while. It’s not velvet, I promise, it’s described as cord!
Checked Bow Cord Dress, £26-£28; M&Co.
What about our Misters? My husband hates dressing up – in fact he’d go to Christmas dinner in his PJs if he could. By way of compromise I may let him celebrate in a jumper – but not just any old jumper! A super soft cashmere design which just happens to be unisex; you see where I’m going with this?
Houndstooth Knit, £349; Cross Cashmere
The Houndstooth from Cross Cashmere is perfect. The pattern adds just enough flamboyance for a festive occasion and the 2 ply cashmere provides the comfort he craves. You can even elevate this purchase and commission your own colour combo. I’m thinking navy and camel!
So, two movies in and I’ve dressed the entire family for the festive season. My work here is done. Now as reward for my son’s patience we’re off for a trip to the cinema… how many movies can this kid consume in one day?
Cathy is a freelance creative with experience in PR, fashion show production, model agency manager and casting agent. Her greatest achievement to date is managing to style a shoot with kids, animals and a hot air balloon!
Find Cathy’s blog at cathyowencreative.wordpress.com or follow on Twitter