Tis the season to be jolly, and one guaranteed way to spread joy amid all the uncertainty is to fully embrace this season’s trend for opulence; get properly dressed up, even if you then don’t leave the house.
A new look is possible if it’s an option. Check out H&M’s fabulous new collection, Circular Design Story. It really is High Street party-wear like we’ve never seen before.
This voluminous, polka dot organza design is second from the right. It makes an impressive statement that will keep everyone at bay. It’s surprisingly pricey for H&M, so if you want to save your pounds, re-invent one of your existing dresses by elevating it with accessories.
Left: Dress, £46, riverisland.com; earrings, £145, soru.com; brooch, £47.50, Butler & Wilson at qvc.com; ring (right) £350, deborahblyth.com; ring (left), £80, laraheems.com; pink shoes, £225, camillaelphick.com; pink bow, £90, camillaking.co.uk. Photo right Jumpsuit, £135, warehousefashion.com; glasses, from £295, cutlerandgross.com; earrings, £290, and jewelled ring (right), £390, both deborahblyth.com; ring (left), £29.99, pilgrim.net; bangle, from a selection at merola.co.uk; bag, £95, islarisa.com; bow on bag, £55, henriettevongruenberg.com; gold shoes, £314, deeocleppo.com; yellow bow, £25, giulioaccessories.com
All eyes will be on the small details at Christmas. An easy and cost-effective way to revive old pieces is by adding a pair of striking earrings, statement bags or shoes. Let’s start with bags. If you thought cross-body designs were just for daytime use then think again — they’re perfect for the evening, too. Just look at Dune’s practical but striking quilted designs in eye-catching colours (above, centre).
Treat yourself to classic fabrics you’ll never forget. Emma Garner uses rich velvet and sumptuous silk on her Isla Risa bag (second from the left, far right). And there’s a plethora of fancy footwear out there. You need a pair high-heeled heels to complete your wardrobe, no matter where you are located.
Sparkling sling-backs with crystal embellished slip ons or glittering court shoes are all options.
Left: Green ruched dress, £279, maje.com; earrings, £10.99, tkmaxx.com; neck bow (worn in hair), £65, henriettevongruenberg.com; headband (underneath), £17, Oonagh&Moomin at etsy.com; ring (left), £390, deborahblyth.com; ring (right) £59, daisyjewellery.com; quilted bag, £70, dunelondon.com. Photo right Pink velvet dress, £99, coastfashion. com; drop earrings, £14.99, zara.com; headband, £180, camillaking.co.uk; rings, from £29.99, pilgrim.net; quilted bag, £70, dunelondon.com; gold sparkly sandals, £149, kurtgeiger.com
High heels aren’t your only option. You have never had so many options for flats. You can dance till the early hours with these Dee Ocleppo metallic designs, second from left.
For the perfect finishing touch, jewels are the pièce de résistance. More is most definitely more this season — it’s fine if you sparkle more than your tree.
Look for earrings with a shoulder-sweeper at Zara (centre left). Otherwise go for sparkling rings, such as Deborah Blyth’s handmade designs, and you’ll find bold bangles at Merola. Hair accessories are perfect for adding two cherry on top. Millinery is having a moment and not only for bespoke hats — look for headbands, bows and sparking clips.
You’re aiming for a walking, talking disco ball this season; anything less and you should be disappointed.
Left: Dress, £299.99, hm.com; earrings, £125, merola.co.uk; rings (right), from £27.99, pilgrim.net; ring (left), £350, deborahblyth.com; bag, £175, maisonmlondon.com; platform shoes, £89, kurtgeiger.com. Photo right Dress, £69, nobodyschild.com; hair bow, £95, camillaking.co.uk; earrings, £240, deborahblyth.com; necklace, £17.99, zara.com; rings, from £27.99, pilgrim.net; bag, £135, islarisa.com; flower shoes, £259, lkbennett.com