Now I don’t know about you, But as I approach my 37th Christmas, I’m a bit board of traditional festive party wear. I’ve worn all the little black sparkly, shimmering dresses, and the red spangled tops a girl can muster; I’ve procured more sets of matching bejewelled clutch bags and twinkling shoes than should be legal, and over the years I’ve curated a monstrous collection of faux fur collared coats … Nowadays, I just sort of crave edgier things I suppose. Perhaps this is what happens when people approach their mid-life crisis? Y’know what I mean – as we approach our 40’s we have a tendency to suddenly start wearing dungarees and Chuck Taylor high-tops (Myself included). Maybe this is just all about fashion wisdom? Maybe I’m just old enough to know what rocks my sartorial boat the most. (Dungarees).
Either way, as I set out on a Festive party-wear mission, no-one is more surprised about this highly intentional gold sequin snub than me.
Maybe there is a way to give crimbo a cheeky nod, whilst staying a little more individual? Edgy, like I said. Comfortable even? and dare I say it, warm.
Step forward Great Plains. A British boutique brand (French Connections little sister, no-less) with all the edgy, well-made and bang-on-trend fashion vibes a (fussy, 36 year old) girl could wish for this Christmas.
So whilst browsing the site for my desired festive clobber, what should I choose?
Why, a gold sequin pencil skirt of course. Damn it! (Old habits die hard).
But this one … oh this one is different.
A creamy, muted gold tone – Its lux-ey alright, but in a sweet and quietly sophisticated way.
Teamed with this OUTRAGEOUSLY gorgeous coat, this is winter wonderland dressing at its best, yet everything can be worn outside of Christmas. It still feels understated, yet super glamourous.
Now, whilst I would be very tempted to wear this outfit with some lovely Leopard print ankle boots, or up-scaled trainers even (I still might), on this occasion, I thought I’d bring out the red Topshop boots (one of my favourite purchases so far this season, and they look amazing with jeans by the way). Because I figure that since I’m wearing a plain jumper, I can afford to get my Mrs Clause-on in the shoe dept.
Speaking of my chosen top… No. No glitz. No sparkle. Instead – a fool-proof dressing rule which is great applied to this skirt, is the offset rule – take one thing, and bang it on with its polar opposite. In this case, a grey roll-neck wool jumper. Its lovely and comfy … and its WARM! (This skirt would also be great in the spring with a simple T-shirt using the same principle).
Product Links:
Siren Pencil Skirt (I’m wearing size 8 and it fits fine – I’m usually size 8-10)
Bergman Double Breast Coat (I’m wearing size small)
Maggie Flared Heel Red Boots
Anyway, enough about my skirt, how are you getting on with your Christmas plans? Have you sorted out your festive wardrobe yet? … what about gifts – Have you done your Christmas shopping yet? I have amazed myself this year with having already done it. I’ve just got a few small nicey bits left to get, some wrapping to do and then that’s it! (Incidentally, Do check out this page for gift ideas for Women, I noticed some lovely bits on there). Do let me know your party outfit plans in the box below – Are you anti or pro sequins?? I’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading, Anna x
This post is written in collaboration with Great Plains.
All photos by: @bangonstyle