The big man in the red suit hasn't yet paid his visit but that doesn't mean our social agendas haven't been celebrating his arrival already. Our diaries seem to take a battering throughout the period and lets not even start on the battering of our liver. But hey it's December, and any excuse for a month-long party, wouldn't you agree?
What is important for us at this time of year is our family, our friends, and our FASHION of course. I sometimes find it daunting to plan my outfits and always seem to change them at last minute (and again whilst the taxi is outside) but this year will be one of the hardest to decide because there are SO many options for whatever the occasion from high-end designers AND on the high street. We are spoiled for choice as street brands make waves in the look-a-like market and style tips are readily available across all our social media platforms. Although New Years Eve is a love it or hate it night, there's always an opportunity to dress well and feel even better as you wave goodbye to the year that has been. So no matter how your social agenda pans out, we may as well enter 2020 in style:
1. Cruising. Some of us will be lucky enough to be spending their New Years in a place of pure escapism. Hot climate New Years is on my bucket list, but whilst I sit at home and sniffle my way through a Bridget Jones marathon this year, I hope that at least one of you will be wearing a two-piece swimsuit with a cocktail in hand or an LBD with gladiator sandals wrapping around some tanned calves as you soak up the last of the '19 rays. Just remember to take your sun cream, because nobody want's to start the year BEING the lobster rather than eating it.
PRODUCTS FEATURED: Super Eight Tiered Chiffon Midi Dress, £575, Zimmermann (NETAPORTER) / Verona Cotton Mini, £110, Free People (SELFRIDGES) / One Sleeve Black Swimsuit, £240, LAZUL (SELFRIDGES) / Flexi Jelly Gladiator Black Sandals, £6, ASOS DESIGN / Scarf Sleeve Shirt Dress, £725, Balenciaga / Off-the-shoulder shirred printed cotton-poplin dress, £1,950, PRADA / Multicoloured 'Indah' Printed Dress, £49, Monsoon / Ondina Plaited Headband, £150, Missoni / Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses, £260, Loewe (SELFRIDGES) / Acetate Mask Sunglasses Amber/Gradient Brown, £360, LOEWE / Hollywood Round Orange Sunglasses, £20, Oliver Bonas / Ginger Printed Bikini Set, £200, LoveShackFancy (SELFRIDGES)
2. Boozing. Many will be hitting the town and sipping it (anything) down. For me, nothing celebrates painting the town red quite like a mini and shades of orange and yellow are going to be big for next year so you may as well get ahead of the game. As always, an LBD is a fail-safe option and can be dressed up with feathers and jewels like the one below, or else kept plain and simple with nothing but your dances moves to spice things up. The high-end picks below are more stylistic than prompts for purchase, but the colours (orange) and fabrics (velvet) are hitting top marks on the high street so you'll be able to find one from your trusted dealer with ease.
PRODUCTS FEATURED: Sequin Shirt Dress, £37, NASTYGAL / Ruched Stretch Jersey Turtleneck Dress, £1460, Monse (NETAPORTER) / Mustard Halter Neck Mini Dress, £20, Topshop / Kira Open-back Crepe Mini Dress, £840, Alex Perry (NETAPORTER) / Black Velvet Double Breasted Blazer, £65, River Island / Pink Polka Dot Organza Puff Sleeve Mini Dress, £35, Missguided
3. The Local Joint. Whether its the pub on the corner, the community 'do', or your neighbours annual NYE gathering, such a party requires something a little more casual, and gives us the opportunity to be a little more cosy. I'm talking figure-forgiving jumpers coupled with the lightest silks and satins, an all-black jeans and tee pairing covered with a high drama jacket, or a mid-length dress that demands attention as you stand but hugs comfortably whilst you seat. I am in love with the statue dress from Zara (below, centre) and would pair it with a long-sleeved roll-neck top and a pair of chunky black boots that conveniently hide the thermal socks you may be wearing underneath.
PRODUCTS FEATURED: Mont Blanc Hooded Metallic Quilted Jacket, £800, Cordova, (NETAPORTER) / Feather Trimmed Cropped Denim Jacket, £1485, PRADA / Nutcracker Knitted Jumper, £39, TOPSHOP / Statue Dress, Oyster White, £99, ZARA / Forest Print Pleated Midi Dress, £595, Victoria Beckham / Chevron Stripe Cotton Tiered Dress, now £95, TOAST / Check Seersucker Dress, £200, Ganni / Striped Blazer Dress, £25.99, Stradivarious / Kim Cropped Floral Woven Top, £210, Rotate Birger Christensen (NETAPORTER)
4. Putting on the Ritz. And finally, for those who have a real occasion to attend. Haute dining, haute dancing and haute dressing. Well, almost. You may not be invited to the ball but your dress should definitely make you feel like a Cinderella for the night. And the shoes? I'm all over each of these Jimmy Choos and definitely won't be leaving one behind.
PRODUCTS FEATURED: One-shoulder Crepe Mini Dress, £1500, Alex Perry (NETAPORTER) / Puff Sleeve Mini Dress £280, Rotate (NETAPORTER), Limited Edition Maroon Sequinned Dress, £149.00, ZARA / Silver Strappy Sequin Dress, £55.99, Stradivarius / Sequin Wrap Dress, now £95.00, Little Mistress, Debenhams / Lilac Tiered Maxi Dress, £100, True Decadence (HARVEY NICHOLS) / Smokey 100 embellished glitter heeled mules, £750.00, Jimmy Choo / Sereno 100 suede sandals, £795.00, Jimmy Choo / Bing 100 patent-leather heeled mules, From £695.00, Jimmy Choo / Gala platinum and flamingo ice glitter dégradé pointed toe flats, £425.00, Jimmy Choo
PLUS There's 30% off selected footwear at Selfridges RIGHT NOW, and yes, a few of these Jimmy's are in the mix. As New Years can sometimes threaten to fall 'flat', we may as well make it as fashionable as we can.
Happy holidays!
A x
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