5 outfits for Christmas

I haven't bought many new pieces this Christmas and the reason is linked to the fact I'm currently not working, for the first time ever.  I haven't had any office parties to think about. If I did, I have a rich seam of dresses that have only been worn once or twice. Here are five outfits for Christmas. I have left my Boxing Day outfit for another post (yep, it's the jumper.....).

Christmas shopping with Mum 

I always go to Plymouth a couple of weeks before Christmas to spend a few days with my mum, who's 84, and to see my brother and his family. Mum is a widow, very independent and enviably sociable: she's social secretary for a couple of organisations and is on a constant whirl of lunches and day trips. She loves buying clothes, usually in bright colours: she hates the idea of being a "beige old lady."  Here she's wearing a collarless coat and teal polo neck jumper. I'm wearing my green coat from Marks and Spencer and an embellished jumper from Boden which I absolutely love  (it is about three years old).

Christmas carol concert

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the wonderful BT Christmas Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. We had dinner beforehand at one of the venue's restaurants, the Elgar Grill. The concert includes singalong carols, the Royal Marine Band, Chris Hollins (as MC), an orchestra and choirs, and two guest opera singers. It's an exuberant celebration ending with a rendition of "Merry Christmas Everyone", fake snow and indoor fireworks.

Green is my favourite colour and as it's so mild I didn't need to wear a thick coat with gloves and scarf. Out came the M&S green coat, a green jumper from Boden, necklace from Etsy, burgundy boots and navy trousers.

Christmas party dress 

I love a sequin like most women. I've only worn this dress from Hobbs once - I feel it's a bit too short on me.I paired it with a white faux fur stole that I've had so long it has the label "St Michael"  (which used to be a brand name of Marks and Spencer).

I have a bit of a shoe crisis.  I decided a few weeks ago that high heels were no longer for me. I gave away several pairs to the charity shop.  But my usual ankle boots and flat shoes don't look great with my party dresses, so I had to improvise with sandals I normally wear in summer. I wouldn't usually wear tights with open toe sandals, believe me.

The LBD every woman needs 

You've probably got a dress like this in your wardrobe, whether it's from Vivienne Westwood, Aleia or in my case, Marks and Spencer. It's designed to flatter the figure and is conservative enough to wear to more restrained functions, but can be dressed up for more ritzy parties. 

Mine is a little longer than I would like. The mid calf, midi trend, was not one I greeted with enthusiasm. I find knee length a more flattering length.  The block heels are a good substitute for high heels when you need something more than a flattie. Mine are from Dune. 

Here I have added my glamorous black velvet coat - bought more than 15 years ago.

Sequin skirt and ruffle sleeve jumper

This skirt still has its label attached because in the two years I've had it, I've never found a top to go with it.  I wanted something in a vibrant pink but this is a colour the stores forgot this year. I finally found a ruffle sleeve jumper by Lost Ink which fit the bill.  I had sore misgivings to start with: I feared it was going to be a crop top and ride up.  Wearing tops loose doesn't suit my shape - I need to create definition at the waist or with my big shoulders and bust I can look like a fridge. Fortunately the jumper tucks in OK.

So those are my main picks for Christmas. I've had fun looking at all the lovely outfits on different sites. In particular I loved Lizzy's red dress and Michelle's blush pink number. Nikki adds the wow factor to a jeans and velvet top combo with gorgeous gold heels and jewellery (I need those gold shoes in my life!). 

Sharing this post with Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet, Catherine at Not Dressed As Lamb #SaturdayShareLinkUp and Patti at NotDeadYetStyle for Visible Monday.

* all outfits bought by me