by Camilla Ridley
Our guide to the key looks for the party season and some festive tips from leading influencers on how to have the perfect Christmas.
Influencers Becky @bricksandstitches and Natalia @shedreamsofgucci will be wearing Ridley London this Christmas. Pictured here in a luxurious printed silk jumpsuit and statement Lavinia maxi dress
With Christmas practically upon us, we thought it would be good idea to give you a quick heads up on the key looks for the 2018 festive season and show you what really works and why. So we’ve enlisted the help of five leading influencers to talk you through their thoughts on how to look hot when it gets cold. According to Anna Murphey Fashion Editor for The Times “ Party dressing can be summed up by three words this year. Attitude, attitude and attitude. It’s all about looking relaxed. Knockout, certainly but also nonchalant.” Partywear appears to have caught up with how we dress in general now and being seen to try too hard is the last thing anyone wants to be seen doing. So it’s no surprise that separates are really in for this festive season, in particular the practice party skirt. And This trend towards understatement is reflected in the popularity of dresses combining simple lines with punchy prints, vibrant metallics and a host of embellishment. Catwalks and media alike seem to be stuffed with winter florals in vivid winter colour palettes, sequins and most importantly satin in a host of sexy vintage styles and grown up colours. According to Natalie Hammond also in The Times 'think elegantly belted shirt dresses rather than spaghetti straps’. But what do our five expert influencers think and what will they be doing and wearing this Christmas party season and why?
Becky @bricksandstitches
The ever stylish Becky form @bricksandstitches will be wearing a luxurious printed silk floral Ridley London jumpsuit this Christmas which can be made to measure
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
I LOVE Christmas, it’s absolutely my favourite time of year. We normally go away but am super excited to be here for the build up this year. My highlights are my boys school carol service which for me marks the beginning of the Christmas season. I also love taking them to the winter wonderland in Hyde Park & to see the Christmas lights. Every year we have a big party at home for all of our local friends which is huge fun. Christmas Eve is definitely my favourite day of the year. We are going to the panto, followed by the christingle service, the pub and then on to a party. A busy day! A quick glass of fizz in our our local on Christmas morning is essential to get the day started on the right foot. Roll on party season!
Do you have a favourite Ridley outfit you'll be wearing this Christmas and why have you chosen this particular piece?
I love ALL of my Ridley pieces but the one I’m most excited about wearing this Christmas is my silk jumpsuit, my outfit of choice for our Christmas party. It’s a total showstopper but also incredibly elegant. Jumpsuits are huge this year but Ridley have absolutely nailed it with this one, it’s super flattering around the bottom & thighs, a little bit sexy & oh so chic!
What are you planning to wear this with and why?
I’ll be pairing it with my favourite Prada heels (which are the most comfortable shoes I own & stand me in good stead for the whole night), my Harry Rocks necklace and diamond drop earrings my husband bought for our wedding day. The earrings only come out on special occasions but a Christmas party calls for a bit of sparkle.
What are your favourite Christmas indulgences?
Candles (everywhere), champagne (for breakfast), oysters (anytime) and a lie in on Boxing Day.
What are your fashion predictions for 2019?
There has been a lot of yellow on the SS19 runways which great as I love it! Neon seems to be back with a vengeance too, a trend I’m not so keen on!
Natalia @shedreamsofgucci
Natalia from @shedreamsofgucci pictured here wearing a luxurious Ridley London leopard printed silk Carmen maxi skirt which she'll be wearing this Christmas
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
I’m looking forward to giving in to my inner hermit.... the only time of year I can openly revel in eating, drinking and doing everything to excess with those I love. Perfect scenario.... Snowed in, Christmas movie, roaring fire and mulled wine.
Do you have a favourite Ridley outfit you'll be wearing this Christmas and why have you chosen this particular piece?
Without doubt, it has to be your Carmen silk maxi skirt. Skirts are really in this year and your Ridley Carmen maxi is a designer classic. Irrespective of the print you choose, this is the skirt that will keep on giving. Fantastically flattering, it makes even the most vertically challenged and curvy appear almost Amazonian and the animal prints and cool winter florals this season are bang on trend and the perfect blend of edge and enduring. Truly the skirt for all seasons....
What are you planning to wear this with and why?
The versatility of the Carmen maxi makes this piece truly work hard in your wardrobe. Worn with a simple cashmere polo or crew neck by day or a glorious sequin number, coat per wear and season after season of loyalty will make this gorgeous piece a very clever investment piece. My perfect Christmas Day outfit would be a Ridley Carmen maxi dress, a smokey eye and my favourite Jimmy Choo glitter boots! And lets face it...an elasticated waist is the best accessory a girl can have at Christmas!
What are your favourite Christmas indulgences?
My favourite indulgences are mulled wine and the pre Christmas sales. But possibly not in that order! I buy 75% of my wardrobe in the two main sales of the year and have definitely learnt from my mistakes. I have a terrible weakness for designer shoes but now treat them as a ‘collection’. I have basic rules... It’s not a bargain unless you would be prepared to pay full price, buy less and buy well and don’t keep it unless it brings you joy.
What are your fashion predictions for 2019?
Animal print is going nowhere, colour will always be cool and you’ll never go wrong with a Ridley maxi!
Charlotte @_charlotteloves_
The ebulliant charlotte @_charlotteloves_pictured here wearing an opulent metallic maxi skirt from Ridley London teamed with a luxurious silk blouse. Charlotte will be wearing the Lavinia printed silk midi dress for Christmas
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
I work right up to 21stDecember, it’s a busy time with dressing clients for Christmas and updating winter wardrobes. I’m live on air too on QVC in the run up to Christmas, chatting all things that glitter, festive outfit and present ideas so I’ve had a really good overview of all the styles for this season. I pack as much insta fun in as well; insta meetups, dinner with the girls at Annabel’s, plus local events in Wimbledon such as the Wimbledon Village Business Association Christmas drinks and Lady Wimbledon party. Not forgetting the husband, we try to get two date nights in before Christmas – mustn’t forget to be a good wife! I volunteer at the the local church Christmas fair where you’ll always find me doing face paints for the local school children. Giving back is really important to me, especially at Christmas. I love to go all out at Christmas, counting my blessings, turning off all the tech and living in the moment. Christmas brings so much joy, from watching the girls in their Christmas ballet recitals, the nativity plays, carol concerts, Christmas show jumping competitions and joining in with Christmas jumper days. I will be spending Christmas up in the country with my wonderful husband, two daughters and extended family. It’s all log fires, winter walks, huge festive family lunches, Boxing Day tennis matches, watching the girls and their cousins act out their Christmas dances & shows, as well as spot of skiing.
Do you have a favourite Ridley outfit you'll be wearing this Christmas and why have you chosen this particular piece?
If I could sleep in Ridley London clothes, I would! I am absolutely addicted to the beautiful silks, amazing flattering designs and gorgeous prints. And the made to order styling and tailoring service means I get a unique dress that really makes me look and feel amazing, confident and empowered. My favourite pieces this season are the Carmen Skirt in the opulent new metallic fabrics, the Laura leopard blouse and the incredibly flattering Lavinia printed silk midi dress which I’ll definitely be wearing this Christmas.
What are you planning to wear this with and why?
The great thing about the Lavinia midi silk dress is its not only incredibly luxurious, its just so versatile. I’ll be wearing my Lavinia printed silk midi dress with a pair of Louboutin’s and a luxe full length shearling for dinner at Annabel’s. It’s a real statement dress. Earrings are a must, I adore Harry Rocks London, Cross Low and Annie Reed at the moment. By pairing it with my Russell & Bromley sneakers, Aurora cross body bag and a leather jacket, I can instantly create a more relaxed look which is perfect for personal shopping sessions with clients at Harvey Nichols. And now it's colder, I can simply throw a Lily & Bean sweater or chunky knit over the top and voila a skirt/sweater combo…easy peasy styling. I won’t leave the house without my trust Estee Lauder day wear foundation which lasts 6am-midnight, my Russian Volume lashes by Becca Gray and Rimmel Purrr… Glossy Cat OH MY GLOSS lip gloss (oh and a contoured face using NYX contour palette). Hair is always done by Robert Kirby London Salons, he was salons in Wimbledon and Balham. Addicted.
What are your favourite Christmas indulgences?
Apart from cheese & biscuits (calories don’t count at Christmas right?), supping port and playing roulette (you’re allowed to gamble at Christmas, right?) …my fashion indulgences are: 1. Living in flat boots for two weeks – I’ve just invested in some Saint Laurent studded biker boots. 2. Oversized puffa jackets, doesn’t matter that you can’t see the outfit underneath (!) My latest Pinko puffa has gold and silver gems on all the clasps – it’s sooo luxe. 3. Faux Fur, Bandits is my go-to brand, though I would like a SHRIMPS coat next, that’s on my wish list, please Father Christmas (aka my husband). I light as many Victoria Cater candles as I can, wherever I go – I breathe in the peace. And exhale.
What are your fashion predictions for 2019?
‘Tropicali’ bright brights, the brighter the better. Lace with an edge – or dare I say it, grunge lace. Fabulous fringing and frivolous feathers, I can’t wait for this! Keep hold of all your prints and mash together even more (someone said cow hide is the new animal print?) …and be bold with your colour smash up. Always.
The lady loves a little leopard print, @ladyofthemanor77 Hayley pictured here in a luxurious leopard print silk carmen maxi skirt and the statement Lauren maxi dress by Ridley London
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
Christmas is my favourite time of year because I get to spend loads of time with my friends and family. I love nothing more than lighting the fire, and cosying in with friends and family, eating too much food, relaxing and putting the world to rights whilst eating chocolate oranges and drinking fizz!!! We have a special family tradition of heading into London just before Christmas and having a big lunch followed by a west end show or the ballet. We get really dressed up (which I love!) and let the kids stay up really late! There’s nothing more fun than walking through the London streets late at night just before Christmas... chestnuts roasting on street corners and everyone buzzing with excitement.
Do you have a favourite Ridley outfit you'll be wearing this Christmas and why have you chosen this particular piece?
My absolute favourite Ridley peice is the leopard print silk maxi skirt. Skirts are really in this Christmas and I feel especially amazing in this one. It’s one of those items in your wardrobe that you know will be a huge hit wherever you go. I wore it to an event only the other day and couldn’t walk more than five paces without someone stopping me and asking me where it was from!!! It’s the classic print, pure silk, and it’s full and swishy!! It’s everything I could want from a skirt, and will remain part of my capsule wardrobe for years to come.
What are you planning to wear this with and why?
I’m definitely going for a more relaxed look this Christmas and what I love most about the Ridley leopard print skirt is that it can be teamed beautifully with the most Christmassy top of all... red!!! There is is no better combination for me than red and leopard print. So I will be wearing my Ridley London designer maxi skirt dressed down with my new zara biker boots and a chunky cable knit cashmere roll neck.
What are your favourite Christmas indulgences?
I absolutely love going to town on food at Christmas. We are a fairly healthy family for 11 months of the year but during the Christmas holidays we go a bit nuts. Loads of cheeses, special meats, masses of chocolate. I love visiting the food hall in Fortnum and Mason and choosing some special treats for Christmas.
What are your fashion predictions for 2019?
I think we're going see lots more clashing prints and contrasting fabrics, I also think we're going to see a bit more lace going into the New Year I think we're going to stay with very feminine long dresses lots of maxi skirts and I hope that everybody still keeps the white trainer as its my staple!
Jane @luludumas
Jane from @luludumas wears a luxurious Ridley London floral print Milly shirt dress with a faux fur leopard print Emma Coat and new printed silk Vinia midi dress
What are you most looking forward to about Christmas this year?
This Christmas, in fact in two days time...we are flying to Thailand. We have been away for Christmas in the past when the children were younger but not for about 8 years now. We really just wanted to enjoy some quality family time as Charlie is now 18 and may not want to travel with us for much longer! Far too embarrassing!! I am looking forward to a relaxed Christmas, hopefully on the beach with a Mojito.
Do you have a favourite Ridley outfit you'll be wearing this Christmas and why have you chosen this particular piece?
This Christmas, in fact in two days time...we are flying to Thailand. We have been away for Christmas in the past when the children were younger but not for about 8 years now. We really just wanted to enjoy some quality family time as Charlie is now 18 and may not want to travel with us for much longer! Far too embarrassing!! I am looking forward to a relaxed Christmas, hopefully on the beach with a Mojito.