Not sure what to wear this festive season? Going out might be a little bit harder, but who says you can’t dress up? I urge you to add a little black dress to your wardrobe
Oh no, she’s not…back to black?!
I know what you’re thinking. Annie’s got all those big, bold, razzle-dazzle colours to choose from for her Christmas outfits and she’s playing it safe with a little black dress.
Bear with me!
Bright, clashy, ‘in-your-face’ pinks, lime greens, acid yellows and electric blues are my usual go-to. They are great match for my silver hair after all. But there is something about this time of year that draws me to back to black.
Monochrome not monotone
There has been quite a bit written about the psychology of women who wear black. We have variously been described as ‘ambitious’, ‘emotional’ and ‘easily excitable’…as well as purposeful and sensitive. I’ll leave you to decide on those.
But while black might be a colour that’s associated with funerals, sombre events and business – it’s also elegant and chic. And it looks sensational with grey-silver or white hair. It’s the ultimate monochrome look.
Wardrobe staple
I’ve got three gorgeous LBDs in my wardrobe. They were all bought for hosting awards events and I loved that I could go over the top and accessorise them. I’d pep them up with funky shoes, big bold silver jewellery, and bright red lipstick. Not sombre at all!
Years later, I still bring them out and dress them up, or down. They look as good with a pair of chunky boots as they do with heels.
Frock hunting
My happy hunting ground for LBDs was Barkers in Northallerton, a family-run department store that offers quality clothes that were a little bit different but not too pricey.
Snooty Frox in Harrogate was another. I think this was one of the best kept secrets around! Plus, it had an absolutely top class café: The Wild Plum, run by Bethany, the owner’s very talented daughter. Food and fashion have always been an irresistible combination for me.
What to wear over Christmas?
We live out in the country and our Fox Red Labrador Sam loves to get muddy. So, dog-walking gear is a no brainer for the daytime.
But in the evening…
I’m very excited about this gorgeous black ruffled skirt (below) I bought last year. It’s from Hope Fashion – a fantastic brand catering for women over-50. It’s so easy to wear (elastic waist), but it feels and looks sexy and glamorous.
I’ve teamed it with a lovely black top from Coast, and accessorised with a stretchy belt and a bold red necklace from Sahara London. My funky boots from Adesso Shoes finish the outfit off and give the whole look a bit of relaxed glamour.
High street highlights
I’ve never been a label seeker, preferring to spot great finds wherever I shop. So, if the shop happens to be Sainsbury’s, that’s fine by me! I’ve always loved their Tu Clothing range and you can pick up some great little pieces if you’re lucky.
On my weekly supermarket shop, I recently homed in on this little black ‘pleather’ number. It fits really well and is a perfect comfy Christmas outfit. Just short enough to wear with some jazzy tights. Sometimes it’s worth paying a bit more for tights and going for a brand such as Wolford. I often find a pair or two in my Christmas stocking, from my lovely hubby! Maybe he has a stocking fetish? 🙂
Festive sparkle
I’ve managed to get to shops between lockdowns – and on a recent visit to Marks n’ Sparks, I was seriously seduced by this sparkly sequin jacket. Somehow it found its way into my shopping basket!
It will be getting plenty of wear this Christmas, and looks great with my black tiered skirt. I could see it pairing equally well with jeans or leggings. However, I may have to rethink the muddy dog-walking wellies. If I decide to give it a whirl, I will post a photo for you!
Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas. All good wishes for a safe and peaceful 2021. And, whatever you wear, I am sure you will look totally FAB-U-LOUS!
Annie xx
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