So the countdown has begun! Although saying things like that slightly panics me due to all the things that I need to get done - gulp - and I have promised myself to try and enjoy it this year! After all it is meant to be fun - right, right?! If one of the things that you are concerned about is what to wear on the big day (or any occasion where we want to look ‘dressed up’ but feel comfortable) then let’s work together to check that one off your list!

These are the types of outfits that mum and I would wear on Christmas Day. Mum is wearing a shirt dress by Toast. They are definitely front runners on the high street, if not leaders, in the making of shirt dresses that are flattering, interesting but relatively low key. This style tends to suit most figures. The open neck is good for a fuller bust and the engineered waistline creates a good shape over a rounder tummy (also helpful in concealing a large lunch - hurrah). In order to keep the dress looking stylish, you want the hem to hit somewhere between your ankle and your shin, any higher and you run the risk of the style looking a bit ‘school uniform’.

The cardigan is in fact reversible - i.e. it can be worn back-to-front - and looks equally pretty with the buttons running down the back of the jumper. This is not a new idea but one which very few brands seem to design. A shame really, as it’s a brilliant way of getting two looks from one garment. Sezane’s knitwear designs are really lovely. Most are quite lightweight which makes them perfect for tucking into higher waistbands. Also useful if you get hot! The designs often feel quite old fashioned but in a good way.

As I am sure you know by now, we always love a good neckscarf and this is good one. Special mention to the rosebud pearl earrings too which are soooo pretty!

Mum isn’t wearing tights which I recognise won’t be for everyone - mum included! So what tights would I put with this dress? Coloured! There are so many options at the moment for beautifully coloured tights. I would go for caramel, brown or even burgundy. Otherwise, pick up one of the colours in the scarf like these ochre tights. Calzedonia have a great selection at an affordable price, and Falke do too but they are more expensive and better quality. Oh, and I should mention - in my personal opinion - I like coloured tights as long as you can’t see too much of the tights, just a pop of colour at the bottom of your legs is perfect.

I am wearing a jumper by the knitwear designer Charl. Frankie, the owner, has a background in high end knitwear design, having been a designer at Burberry for many years. After having her children, she felt an increased responsibility towards a more ethical and sustainable method of sourcing and production. She decided to start her own label with the ethics of creating knitwear at the core of her business.

This jumper is beautiful. It comes at a much higher price tag than a high street jumper but Frankie is not making a big profit on it. This is how much it costs to produce ethical and sustainable garments at the moment. You are buying this beautiful jumper safe in the knowledge that you are doing as little harm to the planet as possible and it will last. Treat it well and you will have it for the rest of your life. Cost per wear would become very good, very quickly!

The irony that I am wearing a beautifully sustainable jumper with a tulle (100% polyester) skirt is not lost on me. I have spent many years largely ignorant about the cost of my love of fashion to the planet. Over the last 10 years I have been educating myself. I am now acutely aware of the sustainability pros and cons of each piece I recommend on these pages. One thing that I have always instinctively found upsetting is buying something that I then don’t wear often. While an item made from 100% polyester is undoubtedly a problem, I am certain this skirt would be worn regularly, and I don’t doubt my teenage-daughters-to-be would also wear it in years to come.

From an aesthetics point of view, what my outfit hopefully demonstrates is that there are so many ways of dressing up or dressing down pieces in your wardrobe. The jumper could be worn with jeans and would be perfect for a country walk and the skirt could be worn with a silk blouse and heels for the swankiest of New Year’s Eve celebrations….

I hope that this post has given you some food for thought in regards to Christmas Day outfits….. alternatively you could pull on a pair of elasticated waist trousers, put the turkey in the oven, pour yourself a large glass of wine and not worry! Your choice - wink wink.