You know how it goes at this time of year. You’ve bought all the presents and now you’re rushing around adding in a few more because you’ve lost your nerve about the youngest’s, or your sister just mentioned that all she wants are slippers.
On top of that you’re experiencing the usual case of Festive Me Fever. You have something suitable to wear, a blow-dry booked, a lipstick that’ll make you look extra holly berry on the day, but still your Christmas buzz has not kicked in. You’re looking for that extra something to boost your mood. The fashion equivalent of a cold glass of bubbles by a roaring log fire.
Let’s keep this easy. Let’s say no to trying on, or at least no to changing rooms (you might slip on a jacket). No to anything that could be described as ‘useful’ – the whole point is we’re looking for fizz and something to put a smile on our face. And no to anything over £100.
So here goes, ten ideas for putting the magic in your look (and there’s nothing stopping you putting a couple of them under the tree).
Splendid scrunchie
Actually, the thick black velvet scrunchie from Marks & Spencer (£12.99, marksandspencer.com) is useful for keeping your hair out of the turkey gravy, but it’s also a great way to polish up a ponytail and dress up a Christmas Eve sweater and trousers.
Christmas jumper
Not a silly one with a reindeer nose and flashing eyes that’s Boxing Day landfill, but one of those old-style Scandi ski jumpers, with a red, white and blue patterned yoke, which looks hand made and expensive.
These are not for everyone, but if you do like them (and I love them) they put the hygge in Christmas and brighten up a room. M&S does an authentic-looking red Scandi jumper (£35) for a quarter of the price of others on the high street.
Cracker shoes
I’ve had my eye on some bronze Quality Street kitten heels (£35.99, zara.com) for a while and now I’ve got just the excuse for buying them. What to wear with either trousers or a dress on Christmas Day that have extra festive oomph and a barely there heel? Bingo.
Bejewelled jacket
Zara has lots of jewel-festooned jackets, but the one with the most Christmas Day pizazz is a plain cropped black jacket with three big diamante bow clasps down the front (£55.99). You could wear it with wide fluid trousers, button it up over a turtle-neck and jeans, or slip it on with a longer skirt and boots. If you’re outfit is not quite there, this could help.
Christmas Eve fur
You’re heading out on Christmas Eve and suddenly your navy puffa feels the opposite of festive. Switch it for a glossy black faux fur jacket from Zara (£69.99) or its great leopard-print faux fur jacket (£109). Admittedly this breaks the limit by £9, but maybe we can make this one exception.
Faux fur collar
Cos’s glossy fur collars in black or cream (£55, cos.com) tie in a bow at the neck with slim leather laces and will luxe up a wool coat faster than a diamond brooch.
Sparkly top
I’m not a fan of lots of sequins at Christmas but a metallic knit (especially if it’s in the sale) is a great way to introduce some Christmas sparkle. Hush’s black and silver tinsel crew-neck jumper (£70) has the important advantage of being ‘itch-free’ and subtle enough to wear casually into the new year. Wear under a velvet jacket with trousers or on its own with a skirt.
Giant scarf
In a colour like bright blue this Hush scarf (£40, hush-uk.com, pictured above right) will electrify anything you sling it on over.
Cocktail ring
Why bother at this stage to buy a ring, of all things? No reason other than that pretty hands cradling the stems of cocktail glasses look festive.
Cos does some good costume jewellery, including a ‘floating freshwater pearl’ ring – an open horseshoe-shaped one with a pearl on either side (£35); and H&M does a super sparkler – a rhinestone cluster ring (£27.99, 2.hm.com).
Waist-cinching belt
It might seem counter-intuitive to put on a belt when you’re about to tuck into Christmas pud, but a sliver of a belt adds extra occasion to a pair of trousers, looks smart over a slim sweater and happens to be the new must-have accessory (not just for Christmas).
Arket does one in silver (£57, arket.com) but shiny patent is a better investment.
