Christmas throws up a few more style conundrums than usual, and all in a short space of time – office Christmas parties, lunches out with family, drinks parties at the neighbours and so on and so forth. These are the sort of occasions that most of my clients welcome a little sartorial guidance on in order to nail the elusive “smart/casual” look. So here we’ve put together six looks to see you through the holiday period with it’s varying activities.
For your office Christmas party, add festive flair to a classic work ensemble with your choice of accessories. If you look carefully, you’ll notice this shirt has a jacquard camouflage print giving a subtle twist to a work staple. Wear with this sumptous red velvet tie giving seasonal cheer and hold in place with this unusual silver stag tie slide. Continue the deep red tones through to the patterned pocket square to add further dashing appeal.
Grey single breasted wool blend blazer – Mr Rick Tailor at Liberty
Navy straight leg wool blend trousers – Alexander McQueen at Liberty
Camouflage jacquard white cotton shirt – PS by Paul Smith at Matches
Deep red velvet tie –Lanvin at Liberty
Silver stag tie slide – Mr Start
Square print silk pocket square – Canali at Mr Porter
An outfit for the school nativity play requires a nonchalant and laid back elegance. Swap jeans for cords, and shoes for brogued boots, and give a nod to Noel with a pine green checked shirt. Finish off with a blazer such as this knitted one which combines a tailored look with a comfortable feel, and allows plenty of movement in the arms for all that furious clapping you’ll be doing for your budding little star on stage.
Frede gingham check cotton shirt – NN.07 at Mr Porter
Grey slim fit corduroy jeans – Burberry Brit at Mr Porter
Crinkle knitted navy blazer – Club Monaco at Mr Porter
Brown leather belt – Alvaro at Mr Porter
Patterned lightweight scarf – Paul Smith at Mr Porter
Leather lace up brogue boots – Paul Smith at Mr Porter
I’m sure Santa would give many elves to swap his red suit for this fabulous cosy red sweater! Alas, it’s too late to change his style now, but whilst he gets busy in the chimneys you can take yours up a notch or two by donning this sweater with jeans and a relaxed bomber to head to the pub for the Christmas Eve celebrations.
Red and damson colour block sweater – Paul Smith
Damson wool blend bomber jacket – Paul Smith
Tapered fit dry indigo jeans – Paul Smith
Red twist stripe wool scarf – Paul Smith
Black Saffiano leather billfold wallet – Paul Smith
Burgundy leather Bernofsky chukka boots – Paul Smith
A bracing Boxing Day walk works wonders at refreshing you after the previous day’s indulgences. Keep wintery winds at bay with a jaunty red gilet layered over a chunky sweater, and add a sense of holiday fun with some striped gloves. A.P.C. have thoughtfully designed these stylish walking boots which will look just as good pounding the city pavements when you get back to town, as stomping around the countryside.
Freestyle quilted down gilet – Canada Goose at Matches
Wool and cashmere blend roll neck sweater – Inis Meain at Matches
1967 505 straight leg jeans – Levi’s Vintage at Matches
Striped wool gloves – Paul Smith at Mr Porter
Marled cotton blend socks – Anonymous ISM at Mr Porter
Alaska leather walking boots – A.P.C. at Matches
Personally I feel that dressing up on Christmas Day adds a lovely sense of occasion to the day. These tailored tartan trousers and holly hued sweater, are fitting for the festivities whether that includes lunch in or out, charades or cards, telly or talking, snoozing or losing at board games. The wearing of stylish socks at Christmas is also crucial for those house visits to the “no shoes inside” homes.
Checked slim fit trouses – Alexander McQueen at Farfetch
Forest green crew neck wool sweater – Moncler at Farfetch
Light grey cotton classic shirt – A.P.C. at Farfetch
Green cotton blend ribbed socks – Gallo at Farfetch
Black leather classic belt – Paul Smith at Farfetch
Black leather Oxford brogues – Grenson at Farfetch
Fine tune your acccessories to dress up your suit for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. This smart shirt has a double layered “origami” collar which adds an interesting point of difference to a classic white shirt. Step up the formaility by wearing a bow tie instead of a regular one, and give a refined finish to your outfit by wearing a small piece of art, in the form of a pocket square, which is the result of a collaboration between Drakes and the Royal College of Art. And finally don’t forget an elegant timepiece for the essential count down to welcome in the New Year!
Slim fit tailored blue suit jacket – Sandro
Slim fit tailored blue suit trousers – Sandro
White formal shirt – Banana Republic
Green knitted silk bow tie – +People at Farfetch
Green silk pocket square – Drakes X Royal College of Art
Sterlind silver Nevil chronograph watch – Triwa at Liberty
Black high shine leather Derby shoes – Sandro
