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Dresses vs trousers. Subtle sequins. The right coat. The Guardian’s Associate Editor (Fashion), Jess Cartner-Morley is here to help make dressing for the season effortless.
Do you have a favourite festive outfit you always return to?
Yes! An old, faithful Christmas party dress that feels as much a part of the festive season as getting out the same baubles for the tree every year. It’s very simple: a black crepe shift, above the knee, with long sleeves and a slashed boatneck trimmed with black feathers. The feathers and the flash of a bare collarbone make it feel fancy. But because it has sleeves it's cosy on chilly nights and flattering even after a few mince pies. That balance of special occasion razzle-dazzle with home comforts is what Christmas is all about.
How do you manage dressing for all eventualities in the Christmas calendar?
A luxurious sweater is the most versatile piece in your festive wardrobe. Christmas is as much about daytime socialising as nights out, so a sweater that can dress up a lunch outfit is a better investment than an evening gown. The jumper you need isn’t a novelty one, it’s dressy. It should be a bit extra – glitter thread for sparkle, or a high-maintenance pale colour, rather than the practical navy you will be wearing in January. A contrast of textures always looks chic: a statement necklace, or oversize chandelier earrings, worn with a soft knit.
Where do you stand on sparkle?
I’m a magpie, so I make the most of Christmas. But I love to pair sparkle with something that feels cosy, so that they don’t look too hard edged. For instance, my favourite silver sequin skirt with a white linen shirt, or a glittery top with simple trousers and boots.
Can trousers be partywear?
I am a recent convert to the trouser suit. I’ve never worn them to work – I find dresses are the easiest office wardrobe – but I have discovered how brilliant they are as a party option. I have a simple tuxedo trouser suit, and it’s three party outfits in one: a suit with a camisole, the jacket over a simple dress, or the trousers with a silk blouse. It feels super sophisticated and it’s so comfortable.
Anything new we should be trying?
If you change one thing about the way you dress this year, make it a switch to less tight-fitting trousers. A wider trouser silhouette was a universal trend at every fashion week. Switching from skinny to a generously tailored, pleat-front style will do more than anything else to update your look.
Tell us about accessories!
Christmas is a perfect moment for the classics: vintage-style earrings, a string of pearls, or a tennis bracelet. A clutch can be tricky if you are out and need to keep hold of it all night but, if you are at a friend’s, that’s a great opportunity for a clutch, as you can pop it down when you want to be hands-free for eating and drinking.
Are you team heels or team flats?
There are so many great flats that I rarely feel the need to rock a stiletto anymore. Look for the details that elevate a flat shoe – a chic almond-shaped toe, or a touch of shine from a buckle, will lift a flat into evening sophistication. A kitten heel is a great in-between and more useful outside of party season than a spindly sandal.
What about for everyday festive-wear?
Your coat is the headline piece of your winter wardrobe. The key is to make sure it’s practical enough for every day – there’s no point in something so flimsy you end up reaching for your dog-walking parka, instead. A wool coat feels cosier than a trench, and doesn’t crease – look for a neutral colour and a generous fit.
What's your No.1 festive-dressing rule?
Christmas is about joy. Dress to make yourself happy and bring that mood of celebration with you into a room. If sparkle and shine make you feel good, indulge yourself. But if you feel happier in a cosy sweater, then that’s what you should wear.
Jess Cartner-Morley is Associate Editor (Fashion) at “The Guardian”.
For wrapping up to delight others (and one thing for keeping to herself)
“A proper cup of tea tastes better in a bone-china mug, in my book. I would gift this to a friend who I love to catch up with over a cuppa. Might add a packet of chocolate biscuits to the gift, just for fun.”
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“Everyone loves a cosy pair of slippers at this time of year, and the fluffy fleece and ballet-slipper styling make these way cooler than your average slippers. My teenage daughter would love them.”
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“A sterling silver necklace, with a tiny Swarovski-stone-embellished kiss. This is so charming! What an adorable way to show someone you love them. This would be a perfect gift for a goddaughter.”
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“This is super simple, but feels fresh. The shape makes it truly versatile: it can be a layering piece under a jacket, and it will also look great layered over a white shirt. I’d give this to my very chic sister.”
“I’ve got my eye on the perfect Christmas shoe. I’d be over the moon to open these on Christmas morning. I’d put them on straight away – perfect to bring a touch of glamour to a long day on my feet cooking dinner.”
Gifts to welcome them to the world. Outfits for any adventure. Everything for the sweetest dreams.
