LADY IN WHITE Snowy tones are the cream of the crop this Christmas.
Beauty
Maggie Gibbons
If ever there was an excuse to sparkle it has to be Christmas. This party season offers the most wonderful opportunities to glam up and don the glad rags. From silky, pleated skirts teamed with velvet jackets to sequinned dresses and tartan trousers, it might be time to leave your comfort zone and razzle dazzle ’em. The style this autumn was very glam, so you only need to notch it up a bit with the sparkles for Christmas!
Velvet featured on all the catwalks this season, and it looks like it’s going to stick around for Christmas. The boutiques are full of the most divine jackets, trousers and tops in this ultra luxurious fabric. If you can get something in red, burgundy or jade green you will stand out for all the right reasons. It’s a huge trend for men also this season.
White and shimmery
The little black dress may have been pipped at the post this year with the arrival of the little white one adorned with sparkles, draping and fringing. Not everyone can wear white – I find ‘winter white’, which is more creamy, a great alternative.
Neat feet
Shoes are embellished with crystals, fur and sequins. The heels are more kitten style, not too high, which helps with the comfort levels. However, the toes are very pointed, so not so good if you suffer with corns of bunions. Ouch! (I always have a packet of corn plasters at the ready, ’cos I’ll never abandon the high heels. Even when I injured my foot recently I just couldn’t resort to flats!)
Change stripes
Pin stripes have become a major trend, and this time around they’re feminine and ooze glamour. Pick the pinstripe to suit your lifestyle. For a new spin on the pinstripe suit, pick separates that are well cut. Mix and match your stripes and smarten with a white shirt, or dress it down with a T-shirt. While you can buy your stripes in most colours, I think the navy/grey is by far the nicest and most sophisticated.
Clashing plaids
Last season was all about mixed prints, and clashing prints like spots and stripes were de rigueur. This season it’s the plaids that are clashing. It’s a fun trend and can be worn by anyone, though ‘less is more’ as we age.
Belt up
The nipped-in waist has to be the most feminine trend ever, and luckily this timeless trait has returned. A lot of the dresses right now need the addition of a belt to look good, as the waists on many dress are elasticated. Tip: If like me you don’t have a ‘waist’ you will find that the belt looks better under the bust, as this is your narrowest part. It should be a narrow belt on this part of your body though.
Strike a cord
Corduroy is making a lovely comeback; soft and comfortable to wear it will be everywhere in the coming season. I was at a few fashion previews recently and loved the cord trousers, suits and skirts.
Accessories
Earrings will almost touch the shoulder. Forget about the novelty ones this year and buy a pair you can enjoy long after the party season ends. Treat yourself to a pair of chandeliers or tear drops. I have a friend whose signature is her fabulous earrings and she always looks amazing.
Necklaces will come in all shapes and sizes; chokers, pendants and lots of fur embellished neck adornments. Pop into your local chemist where you will be pleasantly surprised with the enormous selection of jewellery available.
Happy Christmas all.
Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.