61 of the best shoes, handbags and dresses for the Christmas season
This Christmas we deserve to go all out with our celebrations and what better way than by dusting off our finery and putting on some sparkles. Here's our edit of the best bling to buy now...
Best new season buys for Christmas 2021
The bag
The party bag must be big enough to fit all the essentials - keys, phone, credit card - and little else. It only comes out once a year, so consider renting. There are designer options you have only dreamt of for a fraction of the price, plus you won’t feel guilty about buying something ostentatious.
From top to bottom: Sequin bag, rent from £49 a month, Cocoon; Crepe and feather blouse, £250, Rixo; Yellow gold, diamond and enamel ring, £510, Mejuri. Crystal bag, £334, Area at The Outnet; Crepe and feather dress, £1,200, Taller Marmo at Net-a-Porter; Silver plated and Swarovski crystal ring, £45, Susan Caplan. Feather bag, £260, Loeffler Randall; Silk dress, £499, Filiarmi; Gold vermeil and topaz ring (middle finger), £850 and gold vermeil, amethyst and oro ring (ring finger), £450, Dinny Hall
And the best of the rest...
Clockwise from top left: Leather bag, £175, Ganni; Leather bag, £225, Russell & Bromley; Crystal bag, £59.99, Mango; Woven bag, £100, Uterqüe
Velvet
Comfortable, slinky and seasonal, if in doubt reach for velvet. A pair of black velvet trousers will last year after year (if you buy well) and will go with all manner of party tops. Feeling bold? Go for a pastel shade which will look beautiful moving on the dance floor.
Apollo wears: Velvet dress, £140, 8 by YOOX; Pearl earrings, £76, Shyla
Co-ord
The co-ord has infinite outfit opportunities. Wear the top half for a jeans-and-nice-top combo and the bottom half with cosy cashmere. Together they have maximum impact - pair with minimal shoes to let the clothes do the talking.
From left to right, Diane wears: Lurex top, £175 and skirt, £295, Joseph. Lee-Lee wears: Silver blouse, £140 and jacquard trousers, £210, Stine Goya; Sterling silver earrings, £100, Dinny Hall. Apollo wears: Satin top, £19.99 and satin skirt, £19.99, Zara; Pavé diamond and yellow gold earrings, £475, Mejuri
And the best of the rest...
L-R: Satin shirt, £65 and trousers, £75, Hush; Sequin top, £119 and skirt, £119, Whistles; Printed top, £185 and skirt, £219, Munthe
Sequins
Sequins needn’t be uncomfortable. Looser fits are everywhere this season (ideal for Chrismas lunch!) but that doesn’t mean compromising on glamour. Sequin shirts are a good way to add sparkle if you’re after a more casual approach. Pair with a poppy red lip.
From left to right, Diane wears: Sequin dress, £199, All Saints. Apollo wears: Sequin dress, £59.99, Zara; Pavé diamond and yellow gold earrings, £475, Mejuri
Suit
For those not keen on dresses, a winter suit is worth investing in. Perennially chic, it’s something you can rely on year after year. Choose a colour that you know you’ll love (jewel tones always look good in the winter) and separate the pieces for more casual options.
Lee-Lee wears: Velvet jacket, £790 and trousers, £390, Bella Freud; Cotton lace top, £150, ME + EM; Leather shoes, £149, Whistles; Crystal and rose gold tone plated earrings, £65, Swarovski
And the best of the rest...
L-R: Satin blazer, £325 and trousers, £225, The Fold; Lamé blazer, £389 and skirt, £165, J.Crew; Organic corduroy blazer, £205 and trousers, £125, Aspiga
Shoes
Key components to the dance-all-night shoe include adjustable strap, walkable heel height, comfortable footbed and, most importantly, that they look utterly fabulous. Cue the music!
Diane wears: Liquid metallic dress, £590, Ilta; Leather shoes, £170, Camilla Elphick
And the best of the rest...
Clockwise from top left: Lamé platform sandals, £400, Loeffler Randall; Leather slingbacks, £229, LK Bennett; Velvet heels, £79, AND/OR at John Lewis; Beaded Mary Janes, £59, Charles & Keith
Jewellery
More is more this year. Adorn yourself with gems and have fun with accessories. Clever layering can go a long way, or stick to one statement piece for a celebration of sparkle.
Apollo wears: Metallic jersey dress, £180, Reformation; Gold plated earrings, £72, Shyla. Lee-Lee wears: Tulle dress, £175, & Other Stories; Diamanté and faux pearl earrings, £150, Shrimps
And the best of the rest...
L-R: Agate and yellow gold bracelet, £175, Astley Clarke; Gold plated and zirconia earrings, £198, Thomas Sabo; Gold plated and zirconia ring, £85, Daphine
Pattern
Not for the faint hearted, an all-over pattern is a real statement-maker. Put separates with darker colours to make them shine.
From left to right, Diane wears: Bamboo blend satin blouse, £132, Rodebjer at The Outnet; Sequin trousers, £229, LK Bennett. Lee-Lee wears: Sequin dress, £135, & Other Stories; Leather shoes, £280, Dear Frances; Sterling silver earrings, £100, Dinny Hall. Apollo wears: Satin dress, £510, Bernadette at Matches; Gold plated and diamond necklace, £225, Monica Vinader; Leather shoes, £215, Russell & Bromley
And the best of the rest...
L-R: Tinsel knitted jumper, £55, Warehouse; Silk dress, £350, Olivia Rubin; Sequin skirt, £265, Rixo
Photographer Simone Steenberg; Stylist Sophie Tobin; Hair by Ross McLaughlin using Bumble & Bumble; Make-up by Nancy Sumner at Eighteen Management Using NARS Cosmetics; Photographer assisted by Connor Egan & Izzy Jamous; Production Eighteen Management
Models: Apollo @ Milk Management, Lee-Lee @ Models 1, Diane @ Grey Model Agency