Forget winter drudgery and embrace the Christmas cheer

WINTER DRESSING CAN SOMETIMES BE FORMULAIC – generally boiling down to a statement trophy coat, a handful of oversized knits, skinny jeans turned up at the ankle and a selection of black boots that pack the same practical punch for cold mornings and weathering the storm home from work in the evening. Layering, experimenting with textures and exhausting every way of wearing cashmere is winter by sartorial nature but that is generally until Black Friday mayhem is over, stores have flogged most of their mid-winter stock and December 1 brings with it the high season. There’s an overriding feeling of festive cheer around the country, with Christmas carollers, markets, and a string of metallic, lamé, beaded and sequin-fused collections.

Seasons dictate what we wear and whether we prefer top-to-toe razzle-dazzle or a more subtle form of embellishment. Most of us tend to embrace Christmas’s shiny spirit in some shape or form, even if it’s just a tinsel-inspired reindeer on your pyjamas.

What to look forward to this year? Designers’ crush on plush, velvety fabrics. It has been winter’s biggest obsession thus far, worn in new guises mostly for day-wear but Christmas has jumped on the bandwagon too. Plush decorative coats are the easiest way of working the look into your festive wardrobe because they are easily thrown over a black dress or pants and instantly amp up the glamour for after hours. Every women knows the power of an LBD and the new-found confidence it brings to any wardrobe come party season. The right one will feel slinky but comfortable and you should be able to wear it for an early lunch, through to cocktail hour. If it’s slinky and delicate try a light polo underneath – sleek and tailored styles will work on-duty as they are, and off-duty once you accessorise and elevate with a flashy pair of heels.

Tuxedo styling is the easiest way to turn trousers and a jacket into an evening look and make day-wear work for night. Darker shades and sharply tailored silhouettes evoke after-dark attitude so if you’re looking for an alternative to your festive dress, androgyny in luscious rich textures adds plenty of drama. For a pared-back look during the day push your sleeves up to your elbows and roll up the ankles with flat ballet pumps. Those that struggle with mannish tailoring, a thick satin waist belt with cinch you in and work with your curves.

Lastly, before leaving the house, consider what your lugging around. December nights frequently trail into the early hours of the morning so switch up your work bag for a decent cross-body that will sit neatly on your shoulder and leave all the unnecessary objects you normally carry – diary, portable charger, make-up bag – on your desk or at home.

There’s an overriding feeling of festive cheer around the country