December is usually the month when my social life kicks into overdrive. Thanks to work parties, fancy dinners and all-day pub lunches, my liver, bank account and wardrobe all get put through their paces. If January through November is a steady jog, December is an all-out sprint.
But, as we all know by now, 2020 doesn’t play by the rules. Clicking through my diary, the next few weeks are looking unseasonably sparse. While the break from weekday boozing is actually quite welcome, the fashion lull is not.
Normally, I’d pick out several new pieces for the season, gravitating toward rich velvets and festive sequins. Then I’d spend ages mixing and matching them with my existing wardrobe, dreaming up new outfits for each occasion. It’s one of my favourite things about this time of year – which is why I’m determined not to give it up.
Just because I’m not going to be dancing to All I Want For Christmas in a club at 2am, that doesn’t mean I can’t put some styling effort into the activities I do have planned. Here’s what I’ve got coming up...
Errands and optimistic pub visits
Over the past several months, I’ve learned that planning outfits for everyday activities actually makes me a lot happier. In the days before Christmas I’ll be making multiple trips to the shops, so instead of just throwing on jeans and my favourite hoodie, I’ve decided to raise the bar. I can never have enough cardigans, and this bright leopard-print knit teams nicely with comfy leather joggers and patent-leather boots. Throw on a classic khaki trench coat and I’m ready to hit the high street.
And if pub visits are allowed, this look is ideal for stopping by my local for a couple glasses of mulled wine on my way home.
Christmas dinner with my family
I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to spend Christmas with my family this year, which means I’m busy planning my outfit. My mom always hosts the dinner and she loves to remind us of her dress code: no jeans at the table.
I usually go for a cocktail vibe – last year it was a gold velvet suit – but this satin maxi wrap dress would be perfect. Paired with statement earrings and a bright lip, it’s suitably festive. Plus, I can throw on a cosy jumper after dinner when it’s time to relax on the sofa.
Expert-level lounging
I’ve got some time off work between Christmas and New Year’s – which means I’ll be partaking in my favourite wintertime activity: working my way through my Netflix queue. But just because I’m being lazy doesn’t mean I can’t look chic.
2020 has done for loungewear what the 2000s did for low-rise jeans. There’s no escaping it – which means the options are more stylish than ever before. I love the all-cream trend, so I can’t wait to wear this chevron sweatshirt paired with luxurious oatmeal trousers and warm socks.
Shop the looks below.
Discover more of our favourite new season pieces at Simply Be
