Cathy Owen is making no apologies, this column is an unabashed celebration of sparkle, shimmer, velvet and tulle… just in time to plan your fabulous festive attire!
What is it about Christmas dressing? We’re true to our sense of style all year, and then suddenly BOOM, you’re oohing and ahhing over metallics, sequins and lace. But I say LET’S OWN IT! If there was ever a time to experiment and have fun with fashion it’s now and no one’s going to judge us across the sea of sequins!
Diving right in, thego-to place for full on festive dressing is Monsoon. This amazing sequin dress (£99) is a lot of sparkle, but still manages to look elegant because it skims the body rather than clings. I’d style this with sheer black tights, possibly spotty ‘a la’ Katie Holmes. Google it!
Staying with sequins – but going for more versatile separates – we’re stopping at Hush. You will get so much use from a skirt (£89) like this. Of course, it’s fabulous for a cocktail party, but also with a chunky jumper and boots, and even with trainers and a vest top at a summer barbecue… that’s a lot of mileage
Next up my other favourite party fabric, velvet. I’m so in love with the 60’s vibe of this dress from & Other Stories at ASOS (£75), it’s my perfect partner.
If you do have a more formal affair to attend, I don’t think it gets much better than the above dress of my dreams from Reiss (£325). It’s a little more pricey than the average party frock, but for a very special occasion this timeless design is so worth it.
And now for a little froth, but with a gothic edge from Oliver Bonas. Like the sequin skirt you will get so much use from a top like this (£55). It will dress up jeans, look elegant with a velvet skirt, but for Christmas I like the idea of mixing the lace with leather, try these trousers from Marks and Spencer (£199).
Finally, for us ladies footwear. Tis the season for the ultimate party shoes and while browsing my favourite shoe haunt Zara, joy oh joy, I found these babies! I’m not saying they’re practical, or easy to walk in, but oh my are they pretty –plus they come in hot pink too!
It’s not as easy for our guys to add festive flair to their wardrobe. Cover them in lace, sequins and velvet and we’re dangerously close to looking like Liberace! I love this jacket in Harris Tweed from The Edinburgh Woollen Mill. It’s the perfect combination of smart and stylish. I’d style it with slim trousers and a fine knit polo.
And now for out little angels. I’ve just purchased two of these lovely sequin skirts (£7.99) from H&M for my twin nieces and they are so super-cute. Style with a fluffy jumper, tights and chunky boots for a sassy edge.
I used to love dressing my son in velvet, bow ties and tartan at this time of year but now my nine-year-old teenager only wants to wear jogging bottoms and Fortnite T-shirts–not the best look for a Christmas party! I’m going to smarten him up in something like this from Next… with the promise of Fortnite after dinner!
Merry Christmas!