LOUNGING AROUND

IT’S the week for elasticated trousers and not knowing quite what day it is when you wake up.

The week for eating chocolate in metallic wrappers and staying in your PJs until the afternoon. Depending on the size and dysfunction of your family, like me, you could be repeating your Christmas Day right up until December 31.

It’s an awful lot of celebrations, and you’ll need a suitable number of outfits that can comfortably accommodate a carbohydrate-filled belly.

Fortunately, tinsel earrings, reindeer headbands and Christmas jumpers stop being cute on Boxing Day, so post December 25, I’m opting to wear something that is as cosy as a tracksuit but as smart as a co-ord.

The pretentious word for it is loungewear – not to be confused with gym gear – which at no point should be worn to a family gathering, no matter how comfortable it is.

Chinti & Parker do the cashmere loungewear of my dreams, but the last time I checked I hadn’t won the lottery, so I’ve hunted down the best knitted co-ords from the high street.

Zara of course has amazing knitted joggers and palazzo pants, Pretty Little Thing does great knitted co-ords in neutrals of grey, stone, black, burgundy and white, while Asos has come up with a skirt and loose-knitted sweater combo which is the ultimate compromise between smart and cosy.

The trick to making lazy party dressing acceptable is to tart it up a little with accessories, a knotted headband or an embellished barrette makes a stylish alternative to big earrings – another lazy girl tip, as both are perfect for hiding the fact you can’t be bothered to wash and style your hair for the umpteenth time.

They also look amazing for big nights out.

If you fancy a head ornament to finish off your New Year’s Eve look, check out Anthropology and Topshop.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and very stylish 2019!