Where's the sparkle?
Anyone else feeling a little dreich?
Musing with others recently, it seems I’m not alone feeling a little on the dreich side of late. I’m sure it’s the clock change, and the weather change - I’ve finally caved and put the heating on - and the state of the world more generally, but it’s very easy for things to start feeling just a little too much.
Instead of sinking deeper into a state of underwhelming meh-ness, I’m making a concerted effort to put a positive spin on every self-pitying thought that spews from my brain - no mean feat. (And no, I’m not suggesting combatting depression is simply mind over matter, but sometimes a tweak of one’s thinking can be just the antidote). That and I’m starting to get excited for Christmas. Plotting festive menus to dazzle (or maybe just feed) friends and family has proved to be a very effective distraction. (Any recipe recommendations, please send on!)
Which does, inevitably lead me on to thinking about sartorial solutions to festive dressing. It’s very easy when things are feeling a little dreich to just turn to those failsafe options in our wardrobes that require no effort: maybe it’s jeans and a t-shirt; maybe it’s your favourite cashmere sweater. Either way, there’s nothing wrong with that - I always feel like I’ve maxed out in the achievement stakes when a client tells me getting dressed in the morning is now the easiest part of their day.
But, how best to lift those failsafe, comfortable - and dare I say, comforting - outfits out of the autumnal doldrums and into festive shenanigans? When many of our Christmas celebrations will be conducted sitting down (or is that just me and my age?) something that draws interest to and reflects a little glow on our faces is the best use of an accessory. I’m all about a little tweak: a sparkly earring, a bold necklace, or maybe even a bright lipstick. Team any one one these with a simple tee and jeans combo and you’re good to go.
And if you’re going to be stood up at your festive gathering (firstly, I’m sorry for you - dancing seems so 2009), the flash of a red sock or a low metallic heel could be just the ticket.
None of this is revolutionary. But when we’re continually bombarded with festive campaigns, and sparkly newness, sometimes it’s hard to remember that we don’t need as much as the marketing world tells us we do. Try to resist the urge to panic buy something from a ‘festive’ collection, unless it’s something you can honestly see yourself wearing come January, February and beyond. When the world is imploding, another single-use sequin skirt is unlikely to be the solution.
As always, you’ll find all these offerings and tonnes more on my Lust List. Lots of fashion solutions and pieces you’ll wear forever. Importantly, there’s not a sequin in sight (but maybe a gift idea or two!).