Feelin’ Festive With Free People

…or seasonal dressing sans sequins?

When it comes to festive dressing and evening wear, you can guarantee I’ll be the last to the party (pun absolutely intended). I’m pretty expert at leaving things to the last minute- be it ordering a turkey (which we actually have to do this year- hai adulthood) or making sure I have stamps/presents/cards to actually send out before the 25th.

This year though I’d like to think I’m coming at things with a little more forward planning. Although I’m still comfortably behind when it comes to whipping up a fruit cake (blame it on the fact I’ve not seen enough Mary Berry baking on BBC yet this year) and making sure I have enough baubles to cover more than a quarter of the tree- wardrobe-wise, I’m doing pretty well. After doing a thorough sort out and spending ban, identifying the gaps for the next few months became suspiciously easy- and dressing for both day to night (cliche, but true) was clearly where the gaps were.

So perhaps call this my lazy gals guide to nailing seasonal dressing (without having to invest in endless pieces you won’t be wearing ever again)- and that is certainly something Free People get right every. damn. time (so much so my NYE dress from them has already been purchased)…

The fact that both of these outfits (with, or without beret) could pass for something party appropriate- or even be further snazzed up with the addition of some heels, makes them pretty fail safe in my book. Take this dream blouse for example. I’m am extremely partial to a bitta silk come winter, and paired with some velvet kick flares (to amp up the festive vibes) and some patent boots- makes them pretty all weather (and all dance move appropriate too).

This dress is another piece that definitely defines an all rounder- and one I know I’ll literally be wearing until summer. Having picked up the cream version last winter for my trip to Australia, it’s amazing what a little change of colour can do for a failsafe piece. Despite being light and linen, it’s low neck and button detail make it a little sexier than a typical day piece- and although I styled it with some favourite cream boots, paired with some chunky heels and statement earrings (we’re talking hair up and red lippy, ladies)- I know it’ll be serving me long after the clocks go back- which is the kind of multitasking I can get behind. Now to start writing cards…

(Look 1: Hat: Topshop, Shirt: Free People, Trousers: Abercrombie & Fitch, Boots: Topshop (old but similar here), Bag: & Other Stories, Look 2: Jacket: & Other Stories, Dress: Free People, Boots: Office)