It's party season! We've got our eyes on sparkling statement earrings, best-foot-forward satin mules and sumptuous jacquard jumpsuits to see us through every festive 'do, from the office Christmas party to New Year's Eve. As the cold snap finally arrives, it's not just mulled wine and late nights we're focused on. From cosy knits to puffer jackets and sturdy boots, we're compiling a wish list of sartorial staples for the coldest of days.
Whether we're treating ourselves or anticipating Christmas morning, these are the clothes, shoes and accessories we're coveting this winter. Click through to find Refinery29 staff's seasonal picks.
I've fallen head over (kitten) heels for these hot pink satin mules that are the perfect hybrid between a slipper and pump. They're a beautiful finishing touch to dress up some denim but even better with a gorgeous gown for the party season.
Aeyde Sylvie Heels, £200, available at Aeyde
Not strictly a clothing pick but Chris Moore is the catwalk photography king and I really need to get my hands on this book documenting his prolific career. The man has been doing this for 60 years – talk about legendary! Moore has captured images at pretty much every iconic show over the past few decades and this book is a compelling collection of all those key fashion moments. Considering the photographers' pit at fashion shows is one of the most overwhelming, unnerving crowded scenes I've ever been caught up in, Chris Moore is forever charming and gracious.
Catwalking: Photographs by Chris Moore, £50, available at Matches Fashion
I have a navy cropped chunky turtleneck from Arket that I live in but I'm dreaming of this Ann Demeulemeester cream knit with an asymmetric hem and XL sleeves.
Ann Demeulemeester Asymmetric Chunky-Knit Turtleneck Sweater, £425, available at Net-A-Porter
I love British label Kitri for directional silhouettes and quality fabrics. This black dress would look great in winter with ankle boots and in summer with slides.
Kitri Perdita Jacquard Dress, £125, available at Kitri
I love streetwear label Aries' sweatshirts and this 'no problemo' one is no exception. They feel amazing and are so worth the slightly higher price tag.
Aries No Problemo Sweatshirt Grey Marl, £120, available at Aries
These Apres Ski earrings are top of my Christmas wish list this year. I love tortoiseshell anything and feel like they'd look so chic with a cashmere jumper and jeans.
Apres Ski Scabiosa Tortoise Acetate Earrings, £58, available at Apres Ski
I love pie-crust shirts and I love velvet minis – this & Other Stories dress is dreamy. I'll be wearing with silver mules and statement earrings.
& Other Stories Velvet Dress With Attached Blouse, £110, available at & Other Stories
Speaking of which! Every pair in the Milk Tooth x Maria-Ines Gul collaboration is a sweet and surreal addition to my jewellery stand.
Milk Tooth x Maria-Ines Gul Flower Earrings, £48, available at Milk Tooth
Platforms are a surefire way to last a long night on the dance floor. The cute heart-shaped rhinestone additions are a sparkly bonus.
Charles & Keith Embellished Platform Sandals, £49, available at Charles & Keith
My new one-stop-shop for dazzling door knockers is Colette by Colette Hayman. These babies will be the life and soul of the party.
Colette by Colette Hayman Triple Teardrop Earrings, £15, available at Colette
I want everything Rejina Pyo produces, from the ubiquitous pink puffed-sleeve dress worn by every street styler at fashion week, to the exposed-edge denim skirt that reminds me of a noughties Britney. This optical illusion sheer-sleeved dress is up there – now to put aside my rent money...
Rejina Pyo Harriet Organza Sleeve Dress, £695, available at Rejina Pyo
Obviously I could never afford this. But it's just so pretty. The hands, the wax seal effect, the moon...all of Jessica de Lotz's pieces are magic.
Jessica de Lotz Moon Seal Necklace with Dancing Hands, £439, available at Jessica de Lotz
My work wardrobe is normally picked bleary-eyed at 6am and consists of an easy rotation of culottes – these are the latest ones I'm adding into my wardrobe. High-waisted with fun frills.
Uterqüe Fringed Palazzo Trousers, £98, available at Uterqüe
This Ganni dress is perfect for Christmas parties: sheer but covered, floral but black. I'm in.
Ganni Tilden Floral-Printed Mesh Dress, £170, available at My Theresa
A perfect outfit for 'I'm going for one drink'.
Kitri Zenaida Jacquard Jumspuit, £125, available at Kitri
These Gucci-inspired shoes are on my wish list; I'm a magpie for metallic shoes.
& Other Stories Horsebit Loafer Pumps, £69, available at & Other Stories
I'm still enjoying bold reds, but might pause until January to wear this – it feels a bit too festive at the moment.
Kitri Odile Red Wrap Dress, £145, available at Kitri
I'm heading to the slopes in winter and I often feel like an aged teenager in baggy ski clothes – these will (hopefully) change that.
Perfect Moment Morillon High-Rise Skinny Ski Trousers, £395, available at Matches Fashion
The office is waaay too hot for chunky knits, so I'm faking the chic roll-neck look with these ribbed long sleeves from Uniqlo. I have them in wine red, off-white and a baby blue I never thought I could pull off. They also look ace under oversized shirts.
Uniqlo Women Ribbed High Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt, £12.90, available at Uniqlo
I recently did the seasonal wardrobe swap, and felt very sad pulling my entirely black/grey/navy winter clothes out of the back of the cupboard. I have made a vow to only buy colour if I want new things. These jeans are super comfy (I spent a good 20 minutes in the changing room hanging out in them), and the colour is fresh.
Arket Fitted Overdyed Jeans, £55, available at Arket
See aforementioned vow on colour. Also, it's about time I owned a practical coat that zipped up and kept me warm.
Arket Down Padded Nylon Jacket, £150, available at Arket
I've had my eye on these slip-ons for a while, and my previous pair of white trainers is embarrassingly battered enough to warrant an update. They also look like something very cool Japanese men and women would wear, which is very appealing to me.
adidas Originals Superstar Slip-On Shoes, £69.95, available at adidas
I am very very excited about this collaboration. Particularly the navy pair with white J.W.Anderson logos. I have dropped enough hints so fingers crossed these will be out in time for someone who loves me to wrap and pop under the Christmas tree
Converse x J.W.Anderson, available December 2017.
There's a heel, they're practical, I think I've found (after a LOT of false starts) the boots that I want to wear from now until the ground thaws out again in March. And for many more winters after that, if my previous Docs are anything to go by.
Dr. Martens Leona Vintage Smooth Boots, £150, available at Dr. Martens
One day I aspire to have & Other Stories design a selection of marvellous clothes for me but until then I will lust fervently after this velvet suit from the collection they designed for Lou Doillon.
& Other Stories Velvet Blazer, £89, and High Waist Velvet Trousers, £79, available at & Other Stories
Good for wearing out out and during the day. I am in love.
C.J.M Chain Moon Earrings, £48, available at Wolf & Badger
The time has come for me to stop carting my belongings about in grubby old tote bags. This backpack will fit gym stuff, everyday stuff and evening course stuff in (hopefully).
Sandqvist Black Hege Rucksack, £199, available at Trouva
Pink is the only bright colour I really wear, so I was immediately drawn to this satin robe dress. Once party season is over, I can see myself sliding into it on a lazy Sunday morning while following the leisurely morning routine of Princess Margaret. "Vodka pick-me-up" in hand.
Topshop Satin Kimono Wrap Dress, £36, available at Topshop
These are the perfect mix of understated and flashy. From a distance these tiny hoops don't look like much, but get a little closer and the ruby, amethyst, blue sapphire and emerald stones really pop. At £300 for a pair, I'm hoping to win the lottery before I treat myself to an early Christmas present.
Otiumberg Rainbow Huggie Hoop, £150, available at Otiumberg
Not only is this jumper black (and therefore endlessly wearable) and made from pure merino wool, the embroidered message is also variously relevant...
HADES Unrequited Love Jumper, £180, available at HADES
I like to wear plain colours and jazz an outfit up with bold accessories, so this party season I'm going to be wearing this pair of pom-pom bead earrings from Mango because they're an inexpensive update to my wardrobe and easily take a look from day to night with the right makeup.
Mango Pompom Beads Earrings, £12.99, available at Mango
...and I'll be pairing them with pieces like this Zara dress.
Zara Faux Leather Dress With Ruffled Sleeves, £29.99, available at Zara
As soon as I saw these shoes I had to have them, they're a burst of colour and a cheerful, glittery addition to any outfit.
ASOS Sacred Wide Fit Bow Mid Heels, £40, available at ASOS
Say hello to my 2017 winter boots. I’m a sucker for a chunky boot but this Chelsea boot style from & Other Stories walks (pun intended) the fine line between grunge and smart, just right. Casual enough for weekends but smart enough for work – these are my ideal boot. I get compliments on these every time I wear them and I’ve just noticed they do them in white too... Should I?
& Other Stories Leather Chelsea Boots, £125, available at & Other Stories
Typically, statement earrings aren’t my jam – I’m more of a silver hoop kinda gal, but seeing all the tasselled and jewelled earrings out there has made me want to, uncharacteristically, get out of my comfort zone and buy some outrageously large rhinestone earrings. I’m not sure how my lobes are going to fare, but I’ll be chucking these on during the festive period with a jeans and tee-style outfit that feels like it needs a little sumthin' sumthin'.
Aldo Cibeth Earrings, £18, available at Aldo
I am borderline obsessed with the ‘drouser’ trend – for one, it’s warmer and means I don’t have to deal with itchy tights. However, the fact that I only really own two-ish dresses that actually work for this means I am on a mission to find more. I’m digging the wraparound-style dresses like this one, complete with a strong split so the jeans peek out. The velvet is a bonus but I’m open to anything that’s kinda shimmery too. Can you tell I’m feeling festive?
Zara Floral Kimono, £69.99, available at Zara
Call me a cliché but I’m all over the baker boy hats that are around at the moment. If I’m honest with myself, I’ll no doubt be opting for the black – it goes with everything, right? – but that red version…
Topshop Baker Boy Hat, £15, available at Topshop
How could you not have a wonderful night in this beaded, tailored masterpiece? I imagine myself looking like demure Ava Gardner standing (at all times so you can see the dress) near a fireplace (for the lighting) waiting for Humphrey to hurry back with our high balls.
Simone Rocha Beaded Mini Dress, £1,650, available at 24 Sevres
Take yo' fancy dress from day to night with these bad boys – or wear them with your fancy dress for a day out shopping. (Fancy dresses should be worn more than once – the trick is to dress them down if you care about being seen 'repeating'.) I love these handmade leather shoes, they look great and have a Goodyear welted air-cushioned heatseal sole. Also – made in England!
George Cox Black Studded Heatseal Gibson, £235, available at George Cox
Amethyst, what a great name for a colour. What a great colour for a bag. With this on my shoulder I would feel so distinctly royal. Dear Santa... Also what colour does it go with? Everything, that's what.
Mulberry Trunk Bag in Dark Amethyst Croc Print, £895, available at Mulberry
With the right accessories you could wear this at a super glam event, and then to explore a new coffee shop the next morning. I love that it is so voluminous but holds its own with the neat tailoring. A GREAT all-rounder. I highly recommend covering it in vintage brooches and adding mustard-coloured leather gloves.
ASOS Coat With Statement Sleeve, £85, available at ASOS
I am obsessed with this oxblood red (or black!) foil-embossed leather brooch from Rosita – she is based in Margate and makes everything by hand. If you don't want to shop online you can pick up her work at the V&A museum. While you're there, why not check out Into the Woods: Trees in Photography – it's free and very therapeutic, and what's not to like about that during the busy holiday season?
Rosita Bonita Double Fan Brooch, £44, available at Rosita Bonita
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