WHAT TO WEAR THIS WEEKEND
JUST ENOUGH GLAMOUR
WITH so many changing tiers, rules and regulations, the last thing you need is a complicated wardrobe this Christmas. And if you’re after a shortcut to looking festive, you can’t go wrong with velvet. Sumptuous yet comfortable, you can rely on this soft, tactile fabric to bring just enough glamour to the big day. Even just a hint on a headband peps everything up, or go head-to-toe in the Reiss berry jumpsuit I’m wearing here.
CHRISTMAS DAY SHINE
VELVET’S appeal is down to how it’s made. It’s woven either with a silk or a cotton, the pile of the material giving an extra warmth at this time of year. And, of course, the fabric’s sheen looks so luxurious, too. While we may not be allowed to hug some of our nearest and dearest, velvet does the job of enveloping you snugly. It’s this subtle sparkle, less dazzling than sequins and metallics (save that for New Year’s Eve), that makes it so perfect for Christmas Day.
GO FOR MATT NOT CRUSHED
BACK i n the Nineties, I wore crushed velvet complete with a velvet choker necklace, but the way to wear velvet now is by opting for more sophisticated matt versions such as the ruffle dress (below) from Seraphina. My five-year- old daughter will also be wearing velvet t omorrow, but we won’t be matching. That said, there are plenty of ‘mummy and me’ styles out there for those who do like Identikit dressing.
MIX AND MATCH
WHILE velvet needs little accessorising, it does mix and match well with contrasting fabrics. The white lace collar on the grey velvet dress from Ghost (below) is the perfect finishing touch, while the black velvet on Zara’s black jacket (also below) is the perfect foil for the beautifully ornate embroidery.