EMBRACE GIFTS FROM THE FASHION GODS...
From the catwalk to your wardrobe… Grace Cahill on the fashion fixes that work in the real world
IT’S AN IRONY OF IRISH WEATHER that one of the coldest months of the year is also the one that’s jam-packed with Christmas festivities. Temperatures have plummeted, so much so that this week I have considered thermal leggings over tights and trousers – not a good look when you’ve made after-work promises to people. Dressing for cold weather during Christmas can be a bit of a juggling act. You need to keep warm, while considering the various elements of your day – getting to work, office, meetings, events, festive drinks and, this week in particular, late-night shopping – while looking stylish and pulled together too.
The fashion gods have luckily been charitable this festive season, bestowing plenty of options that will keep those of us who are permanently cold in winter relatively warm. For example those faux shearling aviator jackets we’ve all been living in, stylish berets essential for keeping your ears and head warm, over-the-knee boots – because you can wear the ugliest pair of tights or thermals underneath a dress and no will ever know – and a trusty cable knit that can be thrown over a pleated midi skirt and heels for any festive occasion while still keeping you toasty.
It may sound like a cliché but layering really is an art and the answer to all of your festive dressing woes. Some women struggle with the concept – the trick is to try a belt around your waist to accentuate curves and to mix textures so you don’t overheat. Don’t forget too that you spend half of the festive season dashing to parties, catching up with friends, taking the kids to Santa and visiting relatives, so the best investment you can make is a coat that you really love. Mother Nature bows down to no one so the chances are you’ll spend the majority of Christmas in yours.
A chunky necklace is a nice way of accessorising collar-less, more minimalist coats, but if your coat demands more duties – desk to dinner – then statement styles or prints will work much harder. Never underestimate the power of a midi dress in winter either. Velvet in particular has day/night lasting power and it’s one of the most flattering and versatile fabrics, no matter what age you are. Personally I don’t think there is anything as mood-enchancing as soft, plush fabrics in rosy and midnight blue tones at Christmas – it feels special, romantic and memorable.
So you see, you can embrace the festive spirit while remaining gloriously snug. Clothes are equal parts psychology (designed to make you feel good) and practicality (designed to keep you warm), therefore festive style should not about shivering bravely in a silk blouse, nor is it about giving in to the same black coat over and over.
“LAYERING REALLY IS AN ART AND THE ANSWER TO ALL FESTIVE DRESSING WOES”