special occasion dressing Archives

If it were anytime prior to Christmas 2020 we would be fast approaching the busiest time of year in our social calendars. The task of choosing our party outfit would have been high on our agenda! What to wear for Christmas - 2020 style may look a little different.

With a global pandemic to contend with, partying may not be top priority. However it is still an opportunity to wriggle out of our leisurewear in favour of something a little more special. We still want to feel good, right?

You may not be heading far and the party atmosphere may be more subdued this year so selecting something that lifts our mood is a good start. How about opting for something a little more glitzy and glamorous? Remember the power our clothes have to make us feel good?

Ready to Party at Home?

So what to wear for Christmas - 2020 style when we may not even be heading out of the door?

I am an advocate of choosing outfits that offer real flexibility so opting for pieces that can mix and match with others is a good strategy. Despite the year we have all experienced, it is still essential to incorporate some sparkle this season. So don’t forget the opulent velvet and standout sequins. Here are some of my favourites this season:

Dark Green Sparkle Top by Whistles

The Sparkly Top that you can wear at home with jeans or easily paired for an evening out with smart trousers or a skirt. Although this year, a sparkle in the trouser department is bang on trend.

TOP TIP: If you are the Christmas Chef, only dress your bottom half whilst you are doing the ‘messy’ bits, then all you have to do is change your top. Don't be tempted to cook the Christmas lunch in any new item of clothing. You don't want to risk any spillage on its first outing!

Amy Embellished Flats by Boden

Don’t forget the embellished shoes that add some daytime glamour. If you are heading out, remember of course that they will not withstand much wet weather nor snow, if we are dreaming of a white Christmas!

Nothing says Christmas quite like sequins and can be found on dresses and tops alike and will become wardrobe staples for year after year!

Nancy Velvet Top by Boden

I love the 'feel appeal' of velvet which looks great on for a luxurious festive look – I particularly like the wide leg trousers with a floaty feminine top taking you effortlessly from Christmas drinks to Christmas Day.

A Jumpsuit is a great alternative to a dress or separates – one piece and you’re done! They tend to be very flattering for most body shapes. Depending upon the occasion, they are an easy item to dress up or down – flat pumps for a party at home and heels for a ‘bubble party’ elsewhere.

What if I am heading out!

So (if like a friend of mine) you are planning a special celebration that includes a country walk to a cosy pub, I recommend a toasty knee length skirt or trousers and jumper combo with a fab pair of opaque tights. Your outdoor boots can then be switched to a smarter pair when you arrive. Equally a jumpsuit tucked into wellies is another option with a change of footwear at the end.

Don’t forget to wrap up this season so look out for the variety of faux fur hats, scarves and wraps.

Any when you are ready to cosy up?

At the end of the day, returning to the cosy and comfortable in a favourite pair of PJ’s and slippers Hygge style, is a choice you can easily make.

Hopefully you are more clued up about what to wear for Christmas - 2020 style but for some further inspiration, take a peek at my Christmas Sparkle Pinterest Board here. Do hurry if you wish catch some price reductions in the pre-Christmas sales. It's also worth remembering the smaller boutiques and independents will really appreciate our support this year.

If you’ve been following my ‘live’ #SustainableStrides series over on Facebook, you will remember me speaking of the feel good factor associated with choosing clothes more sustainably. This could be wearing and re-purposing the clothes we already have in our wardrobe or selecting new pieces from manufacturers and brands - transparent with their sustainable credentials. If we choose our clothing carefully for Christmas, these special items will come out year after year. Read more here.

Do get in touch if you'd like to learn more about the colours that best suit you or the styles that suit your body shape, lifestyle and personality. I would love to hear from you. Did you know that I also offer GIFT VOUCHERS for my services? You might wish to pop one on your list for Santa.

May I take this opportunity of wishing you a very Jolly Careful Christmas and wish you all that sparkles.

Stylishly Yours

Jackie Crawford

07494 644788

Published by Jackie Crawford in Christmas, Dressing for Christmas, Holiday Dressing, Seasonal Style, Shopping Mindfully, Special Occasion Dressing, Sustainable Fashion

Tags: Dressing for Christmas, Hygge, image consultant york, image consultant yorkshire, seasonal dressing, shopping mindfully, special occasion dressing, sustainable fashion, Sustainable style, what to wear for Christmas, yorkshire image consultant, Yorkshire Stylist

With no less than nine Racecourses in the beautiful county of North Yorkshire, the horse racing season is galloping towards us! Dressing for a day at the Races is unlike dressing for any other event in our social calendar and believe me, it can be confusing to those new to racing.

So you can enjoy the excitement of a day at the races, I share some thoughts and ‘top tips’ on getting your fashion etiquette ‘on the money’.

There are a number of important elements to consider when planning your outfit. As always your chosen outfit should combine your individual colouring and clothing style to suit your body shape and personality and therefore should make you look and feel fabulous whilst being perfectly comfortable. It can be done I assure you!

Female Etiquette

Of course you are able to go racing without the need to dress in your finest however York’s Racing Season including the prestigious Dante and Ebor Festivals in May and August offer. Think classy sophistication and you won’t go far wrong.

Image credit York Racecourse

Did you know that York Racecourse hosts the wonderful Ebor Fashion Lawn for the duration of August’s Ebor Festival where racegoers are invited to take part and showcase their fashion and style on the cat walk? You may click on the link here for further information.

The levels of formality vary between courses and enclosures, check with your course on the dress-code before you attend

Unless you are attending an evening meeting, the races are held during the day so exposed mid-riffs and eye wateringly short skirts should be left behind

Don’t over-do your make-up. Keep it as natural and as well-blended as possible – the natural light will expose any heavy application

The weather can fool us here in the UK, remember a jacket or pashmina will protect you from a breeze to a heat-wave – a lobster coloured décolletage is never a good look and in this case I opt for Tancream which combines self-tan and sun protection of SPF50.

Hats

Headpiece by Rose and Flo & image credit Olivia Brabbs

Hats are essential for the special race days whether a full head-piece or fascinator. Always take your outfit with you when shopping for your head wear – the outfit dictates the style and scale of hat. In Yorkshire, we are fortunate to live in a region rich in artisan and magnificent Milliners. My favourites are York-based Rose and Flo who are accomplished bespoke Milliners and extremely helpful and talented.

An elaborate hat is best paired with a simple outfit and similarly where the interest lies in a bolder, flowing or patterned outfit, a simpler and neater hat works best. Do not be tempted to do both. It’s one or the other!
As a rule, hats are worn down to the right and up to the left and should flatter the shape of your face and your overall proportion
As a rule, the brim should never be wider than your shoulder
The wider the brim, the taller the hat should be
Your hat does not need to match your shoes and bag – a more balanced look is created with the hat matched to the same colour as the outfit
Certain racecourses such as Royal Ascot require hats to remain on throughout the day and even provide guidance as to the brim size

Shoes

Considering that you will stand for long periods of time and occasionally on the grass, your choice of shoe is important if you wish to remain in comfortable elegance.

Wear shoes that have a thick heel to avoid you sinking into the grass
You may regret wearing brand new shoes (unless you first break them in)
Wearing heels for the whole day may present a challenge so take a second pair (perhaps some flats) so you can make your journey to the bookmaker and then home with your dignity intact. Leaving the course bare-foot or with shoes held over your shoulder is another positive image faux-pas.

Handbag Essentials

Like a Bride on her wedding day, we should always be prepared for every eventuality so I suggest packing a few MUST-HAVES in your handbag. It goes without question that your favourite lipstick is already packed!

Sunglasses
Plasters (in case you have worn new shoes that I suggested you didn’t wear!)
Party-Feet gel cushions – you may be standing for much of the day
Safety pins for any emergency repairs
Spare pair of tights/stockings – the only ‘runners’ should be the horses

So, there you have it, I hope you have a better idea on enjoying dressing for a day at the races….however if you are still at a loss and need guidance to put this or any special outfit together please call me on 07494 644788 or visit my website here.

Enjoy!

Published by Jackie Crawford in Racecourse Dressing, Special Occasion Dressing