Get out the Prosecco, it’s officially Christmas time! But if your wardrobe is lacking sparkle, don’t panic — this year many favourite brands are making sure their festive collections are bigger, bolder and better than ever.
Sequins are first. Monsoon’s long-sleeved ruby mini, above left, is seriously festive. If red’s not your colour, ASOS’s shimmering halterneck number, second from right, with oversized aqua paillettes has plenty of drama, and a super-low back, for those evenings when you want to make a proper entrance.
Kate Spade’s matching top and skirt, fourth from right, in the prettiest of pink sequins can be worn together, or mix and match with other pieces to tone down the sparkle factor.
Left: Dress, £99, monsoon.co.uk; sandals, £80, dunelondon.com; earrings, £160, sorujewellery.com. Right: Top, £185, valleandvik.com; trousers, £125, kitristudio.com; sandals, £130, dunelondon.com; headband, £45, giulioaccessories.com; earrings, £245, laurence-coste.com; ring, £135, katespade.co.uk
Left: Jumper, £85, skirt, £150, boden.co.uk; sandals, £80, dunelondon.com; earrings, £245, laurence-coste.com.Photo right Dress, £415, valleandvik. com; mules, £45.99, bag, £29.99, zara.com; earrings, £28, karenmillen.com; necklace, £16, accessorize.com
You are not a big fan of sequins. A subtler option is shimmering satin. The yellow satin maxi from Norwegian brand Valle & Vik, fourth from left, is an investment but will have longevity beyond the festive season. Or for something really fun, Kitri’s pink satin trousers, second from left, have show-stopping, fluffy, feathered hems.
Left: Top, £250, skirt, £250, kate spade.co.uk; sandals, £29.99, zara.com; earrings, £160, sorujewellery.com; bangle, £350, monicavinader.com; bracelet, £25, orelia.co.uk. Right: Dress, £395, beulahlondon.com; sandals, £343, deeocleppo.com; bag, £360, aspinaloflondon. com; earrings, £225, laurencecoste. com; headband, £40, fenwick.co.uk
Ruffles can look very stylish when they are done in navy or black. Boden’s sophisticated skirt (third from the left) is a great example of this. It pairs well with fine knits. Mint Velvet’s strapless, ruffled jumpsuit is also made of ruffles. You can also choose a classic velvet dress, which will be timeless for many years. Beulah London has many designs and colours so you can find your ‘forever’ frock, third from right.
And don’t forget accessories. You want to be glamorous this season. You can think of statement earrings, metallic heels and jewelled headbands, as well as fluffy evening bags. After all, Christmas is the perfect excuse to wear something fabulous — even it’s just for a kitchen disco.
PLeft: Dress, £120, asos.com; mules, £99, kurtgeiger. com; bag, £24, riverisland. com; bangles, £12, accessorize.com; earrings, £195, laurence-coste.com. Right: Jumpsuit, £199, mintvelvet. co.uk; sandals, £325, terrydehavilland.com; bag, £396, aspinalof london.com; earrings, £28, orelia.co.uk