The Festive Season |

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.

gold skirt

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.