These celebs will be dressing to impress this Christmas

Cut a festive figure this year with fluid fabrics and a little sparkle, says Clodagh Finn

YOU know what they say: if the Little Black Dress (LBD) doesn’t fit, buy a Larger Black Dress (LBD), cut off the size tag and feel fabulous this festive season. More and more, the message from designers, fashion experts and, most important of all, stylish women themselves is this: let the woman wear the dress, not the other way around.

In fact, we should forget fashion altogether, says Alyson Walsh, author of Style Forever. She says fashion changes every five minutes and no woman is going to look good in every trend.

Shopping doesn’t have to be demoralising — or confusing, she says. The challenge is to spend time finding clothes that fit and flatter you. “Wear what you always feel good in… Fashion should be fun — not something to make you feel bad about yourself or your body. A decent hairstyle and well-applied makeup go a long way. Add the right clothes — a few basics and the right styles for you — and every woman can look gorgeous.”

Don’t be afraid to splash the colour this Christmas, either, though stylist and boutique owner Sharon Lewis warns that structured or shiny/matching fabrics can add years to a person.

“Keeping things soft and fluid or wearing natural fabrics can take years — and pounds — off. If you want some structure, go for a really good jacket teamed with funky jeans for a casual look or a simple, well-cut dress for an occasion,” she says.

Highlight the good bits and camouflage the bad bits’ - Lorraine Keane

DON’T sweat the small stuff is the advice TV presenter Lorraine Keane has for anyone in a flap over what to wear this festive season: “This is a time to celebrate and to embrace your loved ones, not a time to worry about what you’re going to wear,” she says.

Though, she says she would change her outfit four times a day if she had reason to. “I love fashion. It’s my most preferred hobby. It’s escapism. The important thing is not to take yourself too seriously.”

And if there is one tip she would give to women, it is to buy what suits them. “It’s very important to know what suits you. I have lumps, bumps, and bits I would like bigger and smaller. Try to highlight the good bits and camouflage the bad bits.”

She says she wanted to wear round-toed shoes when they were having a moment a few years, but gave it a miss: “I have really small feet (size 3½). They would have looked like full stops on the end of my feet.”

Realising what suits her and deciding not to follow fashion have meant she has had fewer faux pas than in her 20s, she says.

The next Keane on Style event takes place in the City North Hotel, Gormanston, Drogheda, on January 30 in aid of Drogheda’s Boomerang Youth Centre and Café in Co Louth.

‘You are almost obliged to get the sparkle out’ - Lottie Ryan

Though normally a ripped jeans and bomber jacket gal, when it comes to Christmas Lottie Ryan likes to go all-out girlie glam.

“I think it’s always fun to dress for the occasion. You kinda have to — you are almost obliged to get the sparkle out in some shape or form. So whether that means going for the full sparkly dress, if you are brave enough, or maybe a token sparkly item like a top — I think it’s nice to get something out at this time of year that’s a little bit festive,” says the 2FM presenter.

Lottie Ryan: Believes in comfort before fashion.

For anyone who is carrying a few extra pounds her advice is simple: comfort before fashion.

“Everyone has that one item of clothing or one thing that they always know they feel confident and comfortable in. You should never force yourself to wear something that you are not comfortable in just because you feel it’s appropriate for an occasion. And if it’s not sparkly or super dressy, play with your makeup and your hair.

“When you feel confident in yourself it doesn’t matter what you are wearing.”

Aged 30, she strongly believes that Christmas is about connecting with those who are near and dear to you.

“It’s important to get the message across that people shouldn’t be putting pressure on themselves, that the season is about having fun and being with your friends and family, and while it’s great to enjoy dressing up and putting on a sparkly top or dress — at the end of the day, it’s not really the most important thing in the world. ”

‘Adding high heels will make you feel better’ - Mary Kennedy

Nationwide presenter Mary Kennedy thinks women are far too hard on themselves, which has contributed to the ‘size zero’ culture.

“It doesn’t look well if you are too thin. There are such beautiful women of every size,” she says.

Mary Kennedy: There is nothing worse than wearing something that is too tight for you. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Having said that, she says there is still a week to go to Christmas, so don’t start overindulging just yet and make sure to stay active over the festive season.

But whatever you do, wear something that is comfortable and makes you feel good on Christmas Day. “There is nothing worse that wearing something that is too tight for you,” she says.

Mary Kennedy herself favours a style that has a sense of occasion but is “straight down and no-nonsense”. And she adds it has to have some “wriggle room”.

For a more forgiving look, layers are great she says. And high heels will always make you look and feel better, she adds.

‘I’m a complete magpie – I love sparkle’ - Emma Hannigan