The 10 style rules of Christmas
PARTY season has begun, and with it the annual brain fog of what to wear. As diaries stretch like Santa’s waistline, expect to be in full demand and looking fabulous 24-7.
Not an easy task, especially if post-work Wonder Woman changes in the ladies’ toilets are required; not to mention the probability of rocking the same frock to the same event as three others.
If your heart is set on an entrance worth its wrapping, then some quick-and-dirty tips are in order. Behold the 10 style rules of Christmas.
Looking well-heeled should not necessitate tendonitis, a twisted ankle, or a baby giraffe imitation. Propping one’s person upon a set of six-inch obelisks, while rationalising that third glass of mulled wine, is a dead cert for the A&E, or, at the very least, a Facebook wall of shame. Why risk it? Fashion’s insatiable love fest with flats has redeemed both pride and podiatry bills — plus, they look pretty snazzy to boot. Both H&M and Zara boast some gorgeous, glittery specimens, from brogues to loafers; boots to ballet shoes. What’s more, you can use your fast footwork to steal away from any unwanted mistletoe overtures. Win win.
A decoration isn’t just for Christmas — it’s for life. Remember that when swayed by the errant impulse to splurge on novelty earrings or an elf’s hat. You will not only be forced to match the jocular energy of such adornment with an equally fa-la-la-la-lademeanour, but might also be forced to explain those LED-lit holly boughs dangling from your ears. Suggestion? Something that sparkles with perennial sophistication, like these Lulu Frost ‘Reflection’ earrings (€265), from Loulerie boutique (Loulerie.ie).
In keeping with the season of good will, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. So, when flashing the cash for that notice-me dress, don’t forget to address the undercover agents that keep VPL and side boob bulge at bay.
Underwear brand, Commando, make seam-free unmentionables worth shouting about (Net-a-Porter.com); while Fashion Forms (BrownThomas.com) do the honours when it comes to backless, strapless and downright daring styles.
Granted, it’s a head-scratcher, but much like finding the right tree, finding the right dress sets the tone of proceedings. Get it right and you’ve got yourself a chorus of angels. Get it wrong and the blister of bad choices will ring in your ears like Slade on repeat. Hit the high notes in a simple silhouette, in an eye-catching colour. Leave the swathes of sequins to Ceasar’s Palace. Here’s a hint: Irish designer, Niamh O’Neill (NiamhONeill.com), wows with her retro-inspired creations (from €375); with highstreet hero, L.K. Bennett (LKBennett.com), vying for a close second.
Not gone on a gúna? No worries, my friend. Covering those gams doesn’t make you a style Scrooge. Quite the opposite. Design inspo is coming straight from textured interiors this season. That means brocades, satin, and tapestry all round. Our pick? Finery London’s (FineryLondon.com) wide-legged velvet trousers (£89; approx. €123.33) are cool and oh-so-comfortable. Word of caution: Be judicious in execution, lest you resemble a mid-century sitting room. Less is always more.
We get it. Unless cloning goes mainstream in the next fortnight, chances of you having any time to get anything done, let alone get changed for that work do, is a bit like asking Santa for Michael Fassbender to appear on your doorstep wearing nothing but a big bow and a smile. (Trust me. I tried. No dice.) In instances such as these, an all-in-one solution is required. Look to jumpsuits (and look no further than Penneys or Littlewoods) as a base layer, adding a polo neck and belted shirt dress (1970s throwback, anyone?) for daytime dressing. Come evening, simply shed the excess, add some heels, a clutch and a look of smug satisfaction.
You’re tight on time. The kids are sick, the babysitter is late, the Christmas lights are on the fritz and you’ve yet to get dressed. You’ve got two minutes to make a decision that invariably defaults to the trusty black dress. Give herself a turbo boost of holiday cheer with a pin-worthy pair of tights. Try this season’s 15 denier, with a sexy backseam or a Wolford’s, limited-edition legwear (Wolfordshop.ie). Instant outfit turbo boost.
Glittery clutch — tick. Embellished skirt — tick. Sparkly nail varnie — tick. Tinsel-clad top — tick. Shiny shoes — tick. Shiny, embellished, glittery necklace — tick. STOP! Step away from the bling. Turkies are the only ones to get all the trimmings. Avoid falling ‘fowl’ (geddit) of unwanted retinal-scarring by applying the same approach as you would to Christmas dinner: Start with a colourful, well-presented plate. If it still needs some oomph, sample the gravy boat — just don’t go overboard.
Bad hair days happen to good people. Sometimes, a shortage of patience and an excess of horizontal rain determine a less impressive crowning glory. When the universe decides to be a b*tch, make sure you’ve got a Babyliss Brilliant Shine ionic brush (Boots.ie, €38.99) hidden in your mála. This little wand of wonder sorts out frizz and follicular frenetics quicker than you can say ‘Mine’s an egg nog’.
Unless your idea of a good time is carrying your shoes in one hand, and dignity in the other, while flagging down non-existent cabs at 3am, then I’d say the lure of fuzzy slipper and a hot scald is more enticing than any lock-in. That’s why it’s crucial to expand one’s definition of ‘after party’ to soft slippers and lovely loungewear. The Rosie for Autograph range, at M&S (MarksandSpencer.ie), is the business for the pretty, yet practical; and nothing quite beats a pair of cosy novelty slippers. (Tiger Stores nails it.) Hey, it’s all about balance.
Happy party season!
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