Festive fashion buys by @billie_bhatia

Billie Bhatia is a fashion feature editor and columnist and here, she shares her favourite buys for fashion fans this festive season.

 

 

Gorgeous fashion picks to enjoy this Christmas 

 

After a year’s hiatus of real-life celebrations, Christmas is back on with a cracker-like bang, and I couldn’t be more excited. As much as I love wafting around the summer months in floaty dresses, it’s when the trees goes up and the lights are switched on that I hit my sartorial stride. The thing I love most about festive dressing is that it’s impossible to be too dressed up. There is no occasion where sequins are over the top, or where a festive velvet bow in your hair renders you more of a present than a person – it’s all completely acceptable. 

 

The festive fun brings with it an opportunity to get dressed up for a multitude of occasions that go beyond just the big day. There are parties, dinners, drinks in suitably cosy pubs and in grand Hotel foyers; there are frosty walks in the park and days where it’s impossible to do anything but lounge on the sofa. And the best part? There is an outfit for all of those moments. 

Christmas is a marathon, not a sprint  so you need these hardworking pieces from La Redoute in your wardrobe that are going to get you over the finish line in style. 

 

 

 

It’s imperative to have go-to dresses that you trust for the festive season. With a jam-packed schedule of fun, there is no room for dawdling on your outfits. La Redoute’s polka dot midi dress is a wardrobe fail-safe. Elegant and easy-to-wear, this throw-on dress will work wonders for all your last-minute occasions. Long leather boots and strappy sandals will elevate the dress to evening event worthy, while chunky boots or trainers make it the great run around outfit. There is always room for a mini in my arsenal of Christmas dress – it’s fun and frivolous and encapsulate the season so well. This peachy number is the perfect palette cleanser to go big on your accessories. There’s even a relaxed knitted dress for when you’re wanting to do nothing more than sink into the sofa with a festive film and a box of chocolates. 

 

 

My love for a grey roll neck jumper knows no bounds. They are versatile, chic and the most useful layering tool. Paired with high waisted trousers with chunky hoops is my favourite version of the staple, but there are endless options from slip skirts to relaxed jeans and even tailored trousers. While my arm can’t be twisted into a traditional Christmas jumper, but I’m not adverse to something subtly festive. This alpine-inspired patterned jumper feels like Christmas without the usual tinsel, and when I’m wanting to pair it back a bit more but still keep it fun, I’ll be reaching for this ruffle high-neck jumper – a smart casual sweet spot. 

 

 

Adulthood brings with it a knowledge that a good coat is your outfit sorted. Nothing says sorted to me like a classic navy wool coat. Universally appealing, a navy coat has the unique ability to make everything look expensively put together, even leggings and a hoody. A tailored fit is key to making this look a luxury as possible. When tailoring is a stretch too far, I’m all in for this faux shearling teddy jacket that has a relaxed Parisian feel about it.  

 

 

The festive season is incomplete without accessories, this is really your moment to go big or go home. Give your stomper boots a Christmas do-over with these lacquered versions with velvet laces – an easy (and comfortable) pairing for dresses, skirts and jeans. Finish off your looks with something sparkly, I’ve got my eye on this gorgeous mini pouch bag, ‘tis the season after all. 

 

  

 

We love Billie’s picks and can’t wait to add them to our Christmas list. Head over to the Hub to see how Kat Farmer styles the three most important days of the festive season.