A round of Santa-plause please for these festive fashionistas whose top tips and lit Christmas wrappings will have you looking amazing from head to mistletoe!
Fashion influencer and founder of Ardore London
Essex-based content creator Hazel inspires many followers across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube with her zest for timeless fashion. It’s even led her to establish fashion brand Ardore London (@adorelondon) which she’s currently setting up.
‘I love that timeless looks enable you to curate a wardrobe of pieces which stand the test of time,’ Hazel says. ‘It removes the need to keep up with trends and buy into fast fashion, instead allowing you to shop for your ‘forever pieces’ as I call them. This way you can find styles suited to you that enhance your figure, make you feel your best and empower you to boss the day!’
Hazel loves sharing pieces that can be styled in multiple ways and offer versatility.
‘A blazer for example can be worn to the office and after work for an event. It can also be dressed down and worn casually to run errands,’ she explains. ‘I think the same logic can be applied when putting together a beautiful festive outfit.
‘Finding an ensemble which is both flattering and comfortable is key. Confidence radiates far more than any outfit ever could so let that do the talking.
Brands Hazel adores for chic, timeless pieces that tick all the boxes is Odd Muse and high street retailer Mango.
‘I’m not a glitzy/sparkle kind of girl so again when it comes to Christmas, I like to focus on capsule pieces which can worn to events throughout the year,’ Hazel shares. ‘For the party season, a blazer dress is my go-to.
‘It’s smart enough to wear to a work-do and I team it the right accessories to add a touch of glam. My favourite colours are black or white, but you could also go for a gorgeous cherry red for the festive season which would also work perfectly for your Valentine’s Day outfit!’ I: @hazelwoodx
Designer and maker of women’s bespoke tailored clothing
Recognising professional women’s desire for clothing that exudes individuality, practicality and femininity, the pieces Claudette creates exude formality with a runway attitude. She understands the fast-paced life women today lead, designing collections that can seamlessly transition between day to evening and that look just as good at a business meeting as they do on a night out.
‘I love clean, contemporary styles that are timeless and elegant,’ Claudette says. ‘This has influenced the collections I’ve created that are based on cut and fit with a focus on detail and use only the best quality fabrics.’
The use of colour plays a vital role in the brand’s current collections, featuring rich warm tones of fuchsia pink, crimson red and orange, dashed with punchy citrus shades, and effortlessly blended with midnight blue tones and graphite greys. Pure new wool, cashmere, silks and wool play a dominant role for their versatility and comfort.
‘When it comes to finding an outfit for the festive season my advice is to keep it simple,’ Claudette adds. ‘Avoid using too many pieces and focus on one detail like the corsage on a jacket. You can keep your accessories exciting with colour, texture or style.
‘My absolute favourite outfit for the holidays is a brocade jacket with leather corsage. The jacket is cropped with a peplum and cuffed balloon sleeves. It looks great with a wide-leg silk trouser and the highest heels.’ claudettejoseph.co.uk
Head of design at Sosandar
‘Christmas is the perfect opportunity to add glamour and sparkle to your outfit, so embrace sequins, shimmer and vibrant colours,’ Joanne says. ‘Know the silhouette that suits your shape the best and stay true to this when selecting a party outfit. This will give you extra confidence, as well as lots of compliments!
‘Remember accessories add versatility. By changing accessories, you can wear the same outfit repeatedly, but it looks and feels different. Statement jewellery pieces, a luxe belt and metallic strappy sandals will add a festive flair to your partywear.’
Sosandar is one of the fastest-growing women's fashion brands in the UK. The fashion retailer opened their store on Bond Street, Chelmsford, earlier this year.
'Our Occasion Collection is designed to ensure they offer a party outfit for every woman’s taste and shape,' Joanne shares. ‘For AW24, metallics continue to set the tone. Iridescent silvers and delicate golds dominate our partywear with rich jewel tones to create the WOW factor. A range of luminescent fabrics in the form of fluid lamé, lurex and sequins bring mesmerising shimmer to our dresses, blouses and tailoring. Metallic knits and coated denim add extra sparkle to our premium daywear.’
Texture is also key throughout the collection, with statement pieces in jacquard, velvet and satin, alongside soft dresses and pretty blouses with ruffle detail, offering a truly feminine look.
One of their best-selling festive pieces is the Black Silver Sequin Bow Knit Jumper. ‘It’s the chicest festive knit around and the statement sequin bow will take you from the office party to New Year's Day and beyond,’ Joanne says.
‘Meanwhile, figure-flattering silhouettes and chic monochrome pieces deliver iconic Sosander designs, ideal for building a capsule, easy-to-wear wardrobe. Print also continues to influence our AW24 collection with signature mono spots, dark-based florals, boho paisley prints and a resurgence of neutral leopards.
‘It’s impossible to pick a favourite ensemble. We have an outfit for every occasion whether it be for a festive dinner date, the office party, a glitzy ball or desk-to-bar drinks with the girls.’
For Christmas Eve, Joanne recommends Sosandar’s limited-edition Ruby Red Sequin WOW Dress. ‘It’s the ultimate showstopper,’ she adds. ‘A party dress with sleeves, structured shoulders and a plunging neckline designed to create a stunning silhouette.
‘Our easy-to-wear Emerald Green Luxe Velvet Diamante Detail Belt Jumpsuit is ultra-flattering and perfect for Christmas Day. Just add jewelled heels for that extra special touch.’
To impress on New Year’s Eve why not try their Black Split Detail Feather Trim Jersey Maxi Dress? ‘It’s designed to show off your curves and the sexy split-to-the-thigh hem will deliver the wow factor. It will forever be your go-to party dress,’ Joanne says.
‘And finally, for any Christmas drinks or meals, it’s always ideal to have that extra-special jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit to fall back on. This is where our Iridescent Sparkle Sweetheart Neckline Top is perfect. The gorgeous shimmer of the top’s metallic plisse is outfit transforming. Style with our Black Coated Kick Flare Jeans for a truly elevated look that will sleigh the runway this festive season!’ sosandar.com
