I am a big fan of Marks and Spencer.  As with any long-term relationship we’ve had our ups and downs, even the odd trial separation; but I always end up coming back.

One of the reasons I like M&S is that every season they produce a handful of products which, dressed up with smart accessories and paired with higher-end product, punch well above their weight.  Items that look like designer product but cost a fraction of the price.

Here is a current example (also available in petite).

Now, we don’t know each other very well yet, but I am going to have to ask you to trust me here.  I know it doesn’t present brilliantly in this photo but it really is very stylish, with lovely heavy wool.  It looks great undone, just hanging open.  Screw up your eyes and imagine it over a black or grey turtleneck and slim pants: it looks like multiples of its £149 price tag, and it has a timeless appeal.

A bit more of-the-moment is this fabulous “ombre” black/white faux fur – it looks great in the flesh too:

And finally, how about an on-trend bottle green coat.  The M&S Best of British range has this classic collarless coat:

Very cosy, especially when topped off with a warm scarf – a worthy rival for Hobbs’ coat of the season, which comes with built-in scarf:

 

 

 

Yes I know it’s tastelessly early.

I did think of playing journalistic chicken and waiting for someone else to mention it first, but one thing that growing older teaches you is that preparation is what it’s all about.  (Yes I know, there’s inspiration and perspiration too…)

Only eight weeks from now we’ll be welcoming 2015, and between now and then you’re going to have to scrub up and Go Out several times.  Some of my wish-list garments are already thin on the ground and, while it’s tempting to try to save some money by holding my nerve and waiting for the Pre-Christmas Sales, I know that by the time discounted product becomes an option I’ll be otherwise engaged, finding last-minute presents, and shopping for food.

So here’s my Fantasy Festive Fashion League 2014.

I do like a bit of lamé, and this gold skirt from Net-a-Porter is beautiful – a real talking point.  Styled here with a black silk shirt and accessories, the skirt is clearly the HERO piece in this ensemble (see HIERARCHY on the RULES page for more on this subject).

This skirt from Coast is a mid-market alternative:

It works well with this good value silk shirt from And Other Stories, where you will also find plain, button-front silk shirts in black.

If you prefer to keep the focus up top, then Hobbs has another lamé option…

… which would look great teamed with a fitted and flared maxi skirt, for example this from Coast:

Alternatively, you could opt for palazzo pants like these bargain chiffon pants from Marks and Spencer:

These are the overall winners of this post.  Made from a double layer of synthetic chiffon (opaque through the body but slightly diaphanous at the margins), they are cut well so that they lie flat, and are sensuous and fluid in movement.  At £35 you really can’t go wrong.  They don’t look great in the video – or in the photos! – as they are a bit short for the model, but they are available in longer lengths.  I’d wear them with flats to ensure generous length and a little bit of drape.

Spend your savings on a fat belt to cinch the waist – for example this beautiful, minimal piece from Sportmax: