For Winter Walks
One of the most glorious aspects of Christmas is in disregarding all the usual plans and responsibilities, instead making the time to go for long rambling walks amid landscapes dusted in frost with no particular end point in mind. The only thing better? Being rewarded with a hot cup of tea by the fireside and a good film when you come home again. These are the outfits we love for winter walking.
Barbour
Thirlmere Wax Jacket, £179
There is a reason that Barbour’s wax jackets never go out of style: they look great and do their job like no other. This example is simple, classic and built to last forever. Buy it here.
Penelope Chilvers
Shearling Patchwork Mittens, £80
There’s nothing like slipping your hands into a pair of shearling mittens for feeling toasty and warm. This pair, in lovely gold and cognac hues, are festive and warm. Buy them here.
Arket
High-Collar Alpaca Blend Jumper, £79
Polo-necks are never more welcome wardrobe staples than at this time of year. We especially love this one, for not only is it simple, easy-to-wear and cosy, it is also generous of length too, unlike many others. Buy it here.
Marks & Spencer
Water-Repellent Chunky Winter Boots, £49.50
Nothing can ruin a good walk faster than cold, soggy toes. This excellent value pair of boots are just the thing for keeping toes toasty. Buy them here.
Penelope Chilvers
Leather Blanket Carrier, £45
Who knows when, on a winter walk, the sudden need for a sit down and wrap up might strike? This neat blanket carrier has you, quite literally, covered. Buy it here.
Freight
Alpaca Cushion Soled Socks, Red, £22
No Christmas walk should be embarked upon without a really warm pair of socks on. This example, from lovely Freight, come in festive red and have cushioned soles. Style and substance. Buy them here.
Giannina Capitani
Moss Stitch Blanket Scarf In Red/Brown/Aqua, £130
Queen of stylish cosy knitwear, Giannina Capitani, can be relied upon to keep you warm and looking good on a Christmas walk. We love the red-brown-aqua combinations on this one, which will see you through this winter and many more to come. Buy it here.
Thermos
Retro Stainless Steel Flask, £21.74
You can rely on trusty Thermos to keep your caffeine-levels topped up on a winter walk, while never allowing your drink to go tepid. We like this version in wintry tartan. Buy it here.
Toast
Patterned Fair Isle Tam, £49
Keep warm as can be in this lovely Fair Isle tam in 100 per cent wool. Buy it here.
For Christmas Day
Whether you’re cooking or simply indulging on Christmas Day, the sartorial sweet spot is, surely, in looking festive while feeling comfortable. These are the frocks and accessories we love for the big day.
Marks & Spencer
Velvet Puff Sleeve Midi Waisted Dress, £49.50
Velvet is always a delight on Christmas Day. This M&S waisted dress is perfect: easy to wear and featuring just the right amount of sparkle, yet not so dressy you wouldn’t wear it the rest of the year. Buy it here.
Cabbages & Roses
Derry Dress In Red Needlecord, £425
Is this the perfect Christmas Day frock? We think so. Festive and comfy, you can wear it for everything, from a post lunch walk to church; plus, it is forgiving enough for an extra helping of Christmas pud (just don’t spill!). Buy it here.
Cefinn
Cordelia Floral-Print Twill Dress, £270
This romantic dress is sweet, pretty, has sleeves – and is just the thing for Christmas and well-beyond. Buy it here.
Seraphina
The Willow Dress, £350
Pretty, luxuriant, warm: we have had our eye on this midnight blue frock for a while. Could Christmas Day be just the excuse we need? Buy it here.
Clary & Peg
Phoebe Dress In Hot Pink Needlecord, £195
We adore this vividly hued dress; the colour, the neckline, the pockets. All absolute perfection. Buy it here.
H&M
Long Chiffon Dress, £29.99
This gently flared gold-flecked number makes a gloriously dramatic Christmas statement. Buy it here.
Camper
Peu Touring, NOW £68
One thing is for certain: we have no intention of tottering around on uncomfortable shoes on Christmas Day (or ever, for that matter). This pair of red plimsolls is exactly what we are talking about. Buy them here.
Jigsaw
Velvet Robe Coat, £285
Luxe, lovely, and perfect for dropping in at the neighbours’ Christmas morning drinks. Buy it here.
Anthropologie
Set of 5 Velvet Link Hair Clips, £26
These lovely hair clips will keep hair pretty, festive and out of the way for cooking duties. Buy them here.
For Fireside Relaxing
Fireside relaxing – whether you are installed by your own open fire or you commandeer a spot at your local – is what Christmas is all about. Maximise the joy of it by donning these cosy items.
Cabbages And Roses
Fair Isle Stole In Orange, £145
We are in love with this stole. Grab a pew by the fire and wrap yourself up in one, pronto. Buy it here.
The White Company
Velvet Bow Slider Slippers, £39
Once our feet slide into these beauties, there is not a lot of chance of them coming out again for the whole festive period. Buy them here.
Norfolk Carrier Company
Celtic Wool Jacket, £245
Technically an outdoor item yet, on really cold days, there is no way we’re taking this off. Buy it here.
Freight
Men’s Cable Knit Lambswool Jumper in Ochre, £115
This glorious men’s jumper is the ideal thing to give, and then later commandeer, this Christmas. Buy it here.
Marks & Spencer
Fleece Zip Through Dressing Gown, £28
When your dressing gown is this cosy, no one could blame you for refusing to remove it, whether staying in or going out. Buy it here.
Sweaty Betty
Fair Isle Base Layer Leggings, £75
Slippers plus hoodie plus these beauties: a winter uniform for the ages. Buy them here.
The White Company
Borg Funnel Neck Sweatshirt With Wool, £98
The White Company proves, time and again, that loungewear need not be unsightly. This cosy winter top is the stuff of lounging dreams. Buy it here.
Toast
Cable Knit Scarf, £125
Some scarves are too good to be saved for the great outdoors. This one will be adorning our (very warm) necks inside and out. Buy it here.
For Drinks Parties
Rejoice! We can finally meet, drink and be merry in person this Christmas. These are the frocks we’re eyeing up to cut a dash at the season’s soirees.
Zara
Sequinned Knit Dress, £99.99
If you can’t don a good sequin at Christmas, when can you? This sweeping dress is ideal for festive parties. Buy it here.
The Vampire’s Wife
The Crusader Toile De Jouy Cotton-Velvet Cape, £1,290
Capes are not nearly so staple a part of our sartorial lives as they should be, as proved by this spectacular velvet toile de jouy example. Buy it here.
V&A Shop
Fo Be Open Loop Earrings, £45
What is a Christmas party without a flash of dazzling gold? These earrings are fun and festive. Buy them here.
Boden
Abercorn Knitted Dress, £120
This festive cherry red dress is warm, jolly and super flattering. Perfect for dressing up for a party. Buy it here.
Reformation
Livia Open-Back Velvet Midi Dress, £300
Classic red velvet plus an open-back flourish: the quintessential Christmas party frock. Buy it here.
Scamp & Dude
Leopard and Lightning Bolt Print Silk Maxi-Dress, £190
Leopard print and lightning bolt motifs a-go-go. We love this stunning dress for a party. Buy it here.
Superga
2750 Lamew Rose Platinum, £65
Go glittery and stay comfy as you dance the night away with this pair of Supergas. Buy them here.
Ballerette
Gold Glitter V Vamp Flats With Tube Strap, €169
Or, for some serious bling, why not add dazzle to your party outfit with these eye-popping flats? Buy them here.
Marks & Spencer
Satin Pleated Midaxi Skirt, £39.50
Swish into party season with this satin pleated silvery number. Buy it here.
H&M
Sequined Dress, £49.99
Shimmer and shine in a loose-fitting v-neck style. Everything we look for in a party frock. Buy it here.
By Nancy Alsop
December 2021
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