J’AIME DECEMBER 2021

FA S H I O N
Festively fabulous
CHRISTMAS PARTIES ARE BACK - AND AFTER A 2020 FESTIVE SEASON SPENT IN LOUNGEWEAR,
THIS YEAR IT’S TIME TO GO BIG OR GO HOME. BUT CHOOSE WISELY, SAYS AMY NORBURY
IF everything goes to plan, we’ll all be making up for lost
time this month with the first Christmas parties, festive
friends get-togethers and New Year’s Eve celebrations
since way back in 2019 - you know, before the C-word had
even been uttered and changed life as we know it.
So it’s unsurprising that, after spending last Christmas
at home in loungewear, this year we want to party like
it’s 1999 - and with outfits to match. Out go the hoodies,
joggers and sensible shoes, and in come all things glitter,
sequin and fabulous; after all, party season is the time to
have fun with your wardrobe, experimenting with texture,
colour and bold accessories.
But if there’s one thing the last two years have taught us,
it’s to be more mindful of what we buy. Over the party
season especially, it’s all too easy to fall into the fast fashion
trap, spending on party pieces which will be worn once
and never see the light of day again.
The fashion industry, thankfully, seems to be taking lessons
from such torrid times, with more of an emphasis on
sustainable style and timeless classics than ever before.
So if you’re splurging on a new outfit for the Christmas
party season then the key word is ‘investment’. Go for
something well-made and with enduring appeal, which
you will be able to look and feel fabulous in for many more
Christmases to come.
Key trends which come along year on year during the
festive season include bold embellishments - think sequins
and feathers galore - as well as sumptuous fabrics like
velvet, leather and satin, which will all make for a pretty
safe investment bet.
For a more pared-back party look, classic leather trousers
or a slinky satin slip skirt teamed with a chunky knit
jumper offers effortless chic.
If you’ve already got the perfect party piece hanging in
your wardrobe, then it’s easy to refresh your look with
some well-chosen statement accessories. Add some cool
heels, and go for big earrings - the sparklier and closer to
your shoulder, the better - to make even the simplest outfit
party-worthy.
M&S COLLECTION TOP, £29.50, M&S COLLECTION
TROUSERS, £39.50, MARKS AND SPENCER.
WWW.MARKSANDSPENCER.COM
60 www.jaimemagazine.com