Get the look: Festive fashion

As the festive season rolls around, thoughts turn not only to the gifts we’re going to buy, but the shopping we’re going to have to do in order to find the perfect look to suit every party, event and happening that blocks out our calendars right from late November to New Year’s Eve.

While a brand new party dress is always a mood-booster, in the spirit of being grateful for what we have, festive season is also a great way to take stock of what we already own, and use the sales and overstock of Christmas items to buy carefully and sensibly, picking items that will go the distance for many years to come.

With this in mind, here are five outfits to suit all of your holiday engagements, cleverly built from wardrobe staples that can be brought out again and again as we enter a new decade. You should also have a look at MoonMagic for some unique and affordable accessories.
 

Everybody loves a good pair of Christmas pyjamas, but if you’re going to go full novelty, invest in good quality that will wash and wear for years to come. Cath Kidston’s matching set is adorned in sweet illustrations that don’t dip into tacky territory, in an array of sizes to fit every member of the family. 

Team with fluffy slippers and a sleep mask for dozing on the sofa, or go for a full pamper night with a plumping face mask and pine-smelling candle—two gifts-to-self that are guaranteed to get you in the mood for the big day. 

Outfit: Cath Kidston Pyjamas £55, Monsoon Slippers £16, New Look Sleep Mask £5.99, Body Shop Face Mask Duo £32, Diptique Pine Candle £30

Nobody likes to sit in the office in full party gear, but there are some subtle ways to add a little Christmas spirit to your workwear wardrobe. 

A tartan skirt, roll neck and tights can be restyled throughout the year, and look great with chunky boots that allow you to dash through any snow. Working with a simple palette of black and red, it’s a great way to introduce a splash of colour into a more formal dress code. 

When after-work drinks roll around, it’s all about the accessories. A brooch and novelty hair scrunchie are low-cost investments that can be reused each Christmas, alongside a simple glittery manicure. This, & Other Stories duo set only requires one coat of each polish to add some serious sparkle. 

Outfit: Gap Roll Neck £24, Joe Brown Skirt £40, H&M X Giambattista Valli Boots £199, Jon Richard Brooch £10.50, Matalan Scrunchie £4, & Other Stories Nail Polish Set £11

The dread of the last-minute shop is one that can cause serious Christmas stress, especially when you’re trying to balance the cold of outside against the hot-and-bothered bustle of the local supermarket. 

The key is dressing in layers—a jumper and snuggly coat for easily removable warmth, contrasted against the breeze of a bare leg under a heavy maxi skirt. Leather boots, bag and a red lip will add an air of put-togetherness that can take you straight to drinks once your list is complete—after all, you’ve earnt it! 

Every season brings with it a glut of new Christmas jumpers, but if you’re going to indulge, the simpler the better. Opt for a slogan print (not too cheesy) that can be integrated into your regular wardrobe to ensure you’ll get plenty of wear. 

Outfit: Jules Jumper £50, Dorothy Perkins Skirt £24, Monsoon Boots £40, Hollister Coat £55,  Kate Spade Tote Bag £225, Nars Audacious Studio 54 Lipstick in ‘Mona’ £20.80

Be it a romantic date or a full evening do, every Christmas season calls for one solid party outfit. The temptation is often to go for full sequins or embroidery, but these details can fall apart and very few of us take the time to repair rather than replacing them. 

Instead, get your shimmer fix from a dress woven with lurex thread, which is much more durable in the washing machine and won’t look out of place worn earlier in the year. 

Pick a solid colour that can integrate with the dark shoes and bag you probably already own, and add colour through accessories—a bold eyeshadow or metallic hair piece will add just enough detail and can be teamed with a myriad of other outfits. 

Outfit: Oliver Bonas £69.50, Accessorize Shrug £25, Dorothy Perkins Heels £21, Phase Eight Bag £49, Oliver Bonas Hairslide £9.50,  Nars Cosmetic Vogageur Eyeshadow Palette in Quartz £35

When the family are round, comfort is key. The novelty tops can still come out to play, but t-shirt style gives you plenty more options—tuck into jeans or a skirt, layer over a contrasting high neck top or under a pinafore, even wear to bed on chilly nights. Instead of your old pair of joggers, update your look with a luxe velvet trouser—comfy and cosy but easily smartened up with a high-heeled boot. 

Built around just two simple pieces, you’re free to layer up with the novelty accessories. Slipper boots are an inevitability on most Christmas lists, but don’t forget to pucker up with a Brussel’s spout lip balm, the perfect stocking filler for family and friends of all ages. 

Outfit: Sainsburys Wham Jumper £16, Weekday Velvet Joggers £16, White Stuff Slipper Boots £27.50, Matalan Earrings £4, Read My Lips Brussel Pouts Balm £2.25

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