Cream satin skirt from h&m. Camera bag from Next.
“And so this is Christmas”. The season for festive fun mulled wine and carol singers. Phew, this has felt like a long, challenging year. We are certainly living through turbulent times. I’m hoping 2020 will be calmer and less divided for us all.
Winter white sweater – old from French connection
At ‘Midlife and Beyond’ Towers, we’ll be having a quiet family Christmas. This will include lots of lolling around, probably watching films and box sets – some we’ve already seen but promised ourselves we need to watch, again – eg “Joker” (for the hubby). I don’t mind sitting through it a second time, as it is brilliant.
On Boxing Day, our tradition is to get wrapped up and watch our local football team. Lots of fresh air certainly blows the cobwebs away. The buzz is both hopeful and optimistic. Wonderful, if they win, of course.
Sequinned bag from Therapy – bought in last year’s sales!
When our boys were young, we were all regulars watching the football matches and knew every player. Nowadays, we don’t attend as much, so all of us going together is a lovely family thing to do, and great fun. Always followed by the pub, for a debrief session!
We’re not big party people, but for the few outings we have planned where a snazzier look is needed, I’ve opted for luxurious fabrics in keeping with Christmastime – which include cashmere, velvet, satin and lace with a little bit of shimmer.
Warm and snug!! Shearing’s coat from Zara. Bought two years ago.
As well as feeling stylish, comfort is a major factor – it gives me confidence. In the past, I have learnt from my mistakes, by wearing an outfit I haven’t really thought through and wasn’t me. I like to be chic without being loud. Without a doubt, everyone seems to up their game, style-wise, at this time of year. I’m not glitzy – though I will add a touch of shimmer, in a subtle way.
This year, I’m mixing the old with a few new additions which I’m looking forward to taking into the spring-summer season, for sure. As you can see, I have included several outfit options which might inspire you, if you’re stuck on what to wear over the Christmas period.
Velvet pants from Zara.
Satin skirts have been a huge trend, this year. I picked up this cream one (below) from H&M. It’s such a surprisingly versatile update to my wardrobe. I was a little nervous about wearing satin, thinking it would show every lump and bump. But, it’s quite flattering. It isn’t lined but hangs well. The material is surprisingly thick though it does tend to crease easily but, for the price paid, I’m not complaining
This skirt can be dressed up or down. For a relaxed occasion, it can be worn with a sweatshirt and trainers. This is a look I’m yet to try. Or, alternatively, for a dressier affair, it can be worn with some strappy sandals and a silky camisole. Throw in a few accessories to give the outfit that unexpected twist.
I’m also wearing an old favourite “French Connection” cream sweater which gives this outfit the “winter white look”. I’ve added black lacy tights and ankle boots along with my animal print camera handbag to finish the outfit.
Below, I swapped with a festive red woollen sweater and a sequinned bag. And, further below, you can see I’ve added a black long-sleeved top to keep me snug. 
Below, I’ve added my black shearing’s coat. This gave me my favourite relaxed glam look.
I have been searching for a pair of wide legged velvet pants for the past couple of weeks (see below). These look more expensive than they are. I did have to take them up as they were far too long for me.
I’m not impressed with the metal fastener at the front. It’s not very robust so I may have to buy another one as an alternative. One thing I do love about these are the elasticated panel in the waistband at the back. This gives these pants added comfort and is an absolute winner!
I am going to have difficulty getting that tune out of my head now 😂😂…. Wonderful photos! My favorite piece is your cream silk slip skirt.
Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday!
~ Suzana Barton
Author
I’m the same, if I hear a tune it’s in my head all day. Thank you so much, the skirt was such a bargain – it looks more expensive than it was.xx
Happy Blogversary! I enjoy reading your posts! Love all of these festive looks. We do not usually have any parties to go to but these could work for a festive date night too.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Author
Thank you so much Mireille, that is very kind of you. It’s a slow build with my blog as time is hard to find sometimes. I do enjoy it though. Have a lovely Christmas and happy new year to you! xx
Very nice looks, that satin skirt is really a workhorse.
Author
So true. This skirt will definitely work in the seasons to come. xx
I so should have bought a skirt like yours – it’s very stylish, looks fabulous both ways you’ve styled it. Thanks for sharing today. Jacqui
Author
Thank you Jacqui. I think I’ll wear it a lot and it’ll definitely be taken into the new season. xx
Hi Allison!
I love the sweaters you are wearing , especially along with the satin skirts, it is such a stylish look. I notived the peek of lace stockings in the last photo, lovely!
I asked for a few sweaters this year, even though I am in the South, we can wear thinner sweaters or chunkier ones in Dec-FEb.
Hubby and I arent big partiers either, so I the idea of watching movies and enjoying a laid back holiday too. Your blazer and cami is a great look as well. I always love a great blazer to amplify a look.
thanks for linking!
Wishing you and hubby a Merry Christmas!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Author
Happy New Year to you Jess. Hope you’ve had a lovely time. Yes, sweaters are a much needed garment at this time of the year in NE England and I do have a thing for lacy tights. It sounds like a lovely climate where you live.
Alison x
Christmas time is screaming for special fabrics. I love your satin skirt. It has beautiful fabric and I love the color. Wonderful festive look. Thank you for sharing it with My Red Carpet.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
Author
Thank you so much Anna. I think the skirt was a good purchase which will fit into the coming seasons. Hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas.
Alison x
Great holiday outfits! I love the wide legged velvet trousers and your beautiful satin slip skirt. I recently paired a chunky sweater with a silky skirt and loved the result. Unfortunately I didn’t take any pictures! I will have to wear it again. Thanks for linking up. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Author
Thank you so much Shelbee. Hope you’ve had a great Christmas with your lovely family. The velvet trousers were a great, inexpensive purchase. They were way too long so I had to alter them, but I will wear them a lot. Happy New Year!
Alison xx
I love satin and wool together, such a luxury combination Alison. Happy new year to you lovely xx
Author
Happy New Year to you too Laurie. I agree. Love the textures of these two materials. xx
So chic.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Author
Thank you so much Regine. Happy New Year to you. xx
Such great outfits! that satin skirt is beautiful on you and a nice subtle way to wear some festive shimmer! 🙂 I really like the velevt pants as well!
Congrats on your blogaversary too, hope you have many more years of blogging ahead!
Hope that you are having a great weekend 🙂 We are safe from the bushfires still, and so thankful.
Author
Oh Mica, I wasn’t aware that you were near. Hope you and your family are okay as it looks devastating on the news. Thank you for the lovely compliments.
Take care
Alison xx
Fabulous holiday outfits! I love satin and velvet, they’re very luxurious fabrics that you can dress up or down. Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Author
Thank you, Emma. They were both great value for money. I know I’ll get a lot of wear from them, especially the skirt, which I’ll wear in the Spring/Summer months. xx
That skirt is gorgeous! You look amazing my dear. Thanks for adding to the #linkup Jacqui x
Author
Thank you so much Jacqui. It’ll definitely be a transitional piece. xx
Great looks Allison. Love the satin skirt and velvet trousers. It’s lovely to have traditions at Christmas like your football match. Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday.
Author
Thank you Gail. Yes it’s definitely a traditional – as you can tell I live in a boys world. Do love the football though! xx
Lovely skirt! You look fabulous in all of r]the various ways you’ve styled it! My favorite is with the black pullover. The booties and stockings are awesome.
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
Author
Thank you so much Michelle. I wanted to show how versatile a skirt like this is. Must admit I was a little afraid of the satin look as it can be a little unforgiving, however this material is quite thick so it was okay.
Alison xx
Great outfits with this skirt. I like these kind of posts. So inspiring. Thanks for sharing your post at the Top of the World Style linkup party.
Author
Thank you so much – take care.xx
I love that skirt. Congratulations on building your blog and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength in 2020. #AnythingGoes
Author
Thank you so much for your comment Kate. I will indeed carry on with my blog in these uncertain times we find ourselves in.
Take care. xx
Great skirt, it goes with everything 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing your post with us at 3 Reasons Why Mums Gone To Brighton: Creative Mondays Link Up. I hope you can join us tomorrow 🙂
Author
Thank you so much Claire – yes I’ll be there!
Take care
Alison xx
This skirt is a gorgeous piece and I love how you styled it here!
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
Visit AvecAmber.com
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Author
Thank you, Amber. Such a great skirt for all the year around, easy to wear and versatile. I bought it at H & M years ago for such a great price.xx
I love a piece of silk incorporated in a day to day outfit. Your choices are very chic and classy, I like your style. Also, your photos are very beautiful and give me some nice and calm vibes.
Author
Thank you, Sinziana. I have to admit to not being very good at formal dressing. An example of this, is, we were invited to a Christmas “do” the other evening. I wore the dress which is on the post written last year around my sixtieth party, a tuxedo and my stomping boots underneath. The boots gave my outfit an edge which I love.