We’re now at that point in the year, when those two little words which fill me with abject dread come into sharp relief: festive dressing. Must we? Must I? In a month’s time, the further chilling “Christmas jumper day” will ricochet through my house as my daughter once again squeezes her way into a santa-hat wearing unicorn motif sweater, and regional commuters fill up All Bar Ones with their “jolly” supermarket knitwear.
Now that I’ve got that whinge out of my system, I shall aim to be of some use. What to do about it all… In the spirit of never keeping anything for best and making the most out of all wardrobe items owned, I favour the mix and match method. Or, for want of a trending phrase - the wrong fashion formula.
This is not really a new concept. Fashion-y types have always subscribed to the idea that to make your outfit interesting or in any way cool, you need to throw something off. It’s why you have trainers with suits, which is that bit more nonchalant than a loafer; it’s a ballgown worn with chunky boots at lunch, luxx-y looking statement jewellery with a cosy cardigan, a parka over a party dress. It’s very Jenna Lyons, of Housewives of New York current fame, and something she made A Thing in her previous life overseeing J. Crew.
Which brings me to this season’s saviour — the maxi cocktail skirt. When it comes to party dressing - especially the mid-week variety- a good skirt really comes into its own, and can be a lot more useful than a dress. Really - who has time to change? Wearing a razzy dress all day can make you feel a bit Strictly (and not in a good way). A skirt can be happily paired with a jumper, under which you may pop a simple vest if the heat rises in your evening venue. See incoming British Vogue chief, Chioma Nnadi, who wore a riveted Tory Burch maxi skirt with a grungy red knit to Burch’s party at the American embassy last week. Perfection. Note also the silver shoe and bag which neatly ties it all together. It’s giving low key dressed up, which feels just right for now.
There are racks of shiny pleated midi skirts around, but I would avoid, feels a bit staid. However I’m very into a slinky satin just-off the floor- maxi. Ghost has issued a new longer length version this season - the Adrianna (£95, ghost.co.uk) of which I am living in the black, but considering the cream one too. It’s as good with the matching tunic top, as a T-shirt and knit tank top.
If you must sequin, then get inline on Thursday for H&M’s Paco Rabanne collaboration. Its gold skirt (£189.99, hm.com) with graduated circle-sequins is really quite fabulous. As is Wiggy Kit’s new party collection, the resort wear supremo’s first venture into after dark. The result is rather delicious, not least her black and white houndstooth option (£475, wiggykit.com) and rainbow striped sequin wrap skirt (£495). I’d also hard recommend Whistles’ sequin silver number which is just the right shade of subtle sparkle (£139) and will look great with many knit options - I’m into Zara’s striped one (£35.99) which would throw it off nicely. Employ a wrong-shoe, too. I like the idea of heft-ing it up with a Dr Martens boot, equally if I’ve not convinced you, the silver boot is about to have another seasonal moment. Aeyde’s chunky heeled ones (£445) will see you through.
Victoria Moss's Wishlist
Sequin skirt, £139, whistles.com
Reformation Bella skirt, £228, thereformation.com
Nora champagne skirt, £195, motherofpearl.co.uk
Silver patent ankle boot, £445, aeyde.com
Striped open knit sweater, £35.99, zara.com
Steffi panther necklace, £230, shop-daphine.com
Dolce & Gabbana Devotion eau de parfum, £99.20 for 100ml, johnlewis.com
