What To Wear For The Festive Season
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with Christmas events and special parties and gatherings filling the calendar, it’s easy to fall into the trap of last-minute impulse buying. That frantic pre-party shopping trip often leads to a new dress or suit that’s worn once and then forgotten. Britons are projected to spend a massive £46.4 billion in total during the festive period, and fashion ranks as a top three spending priority for many. This highlights just how much money is poured into outfits that, for one in five people, might only see a single use.
This year, as part of #knowyourstuffnovember, we’re talking about planning ahead to ensure you look absolutely stunning without adding to your wardrobe's footprint (or clutter!) and saving you money. The secret to a truly fabulous look is not a brand-new tag, but mindful styling.
1. Audit Your Assets (The Wardrobe Deep Dive)
Before you even think about hitting the shops (online or in person), audit what you have. Set aside an afternoon to go through your clothes. Try on pieces you’ve forgotten about. Can a simple black dress be transformed with a new belt or statement jewellery? Can those trousers you only wear for work be paired with a glitzy top for a whole new evening look? Play with what you have to create 3-5 potential event outfits.
2. Borrow, Swap, and Style
The most sustainable outfit is the one that already exists. For those special occasions, like Christmas events, look beyond your own wardrobe:
Borrow from Friends: Your friends have great taste - ask to borrow a dress or accessory they've only worn once. It's a free, zero-waste way to get a completely "new" look.
Host a Clothes Swap: Gather a group of friends for a pre-party clothes swap. Everyone leaves with something fresh and nothing goes to waste.
3. Rent & Thrift: The Sustainable 'New'
Sometimes, you genuinely want something new-to-you for a landmark occasion. Instead of fast fashion, choose the most sustainable options:
Rent It: For high-end, statement pieces you know you won't wear frequently, rental is the way to go. As we highlighted last year, rental services offer the secret to stunning party outfits without the long-term commitment. It’s the ultimate sustainable luxury – take a look at By Rotation, Hurr, My Wardrobe HQ, and Hire Street, along with many of your favourite brands / retailers (ie Selfridges, John Lewis) that also offer rental now.
Buy Second-Hand: Check out online second-hand platforms, such as Vinted, or many Brands now have their own preloved sections to their offer, local second shops and vintage stores. Not only is it kinder to the planet, but second-hand garments often have a unique story and character that set your outfit apart from the crowd, as well as saving you money.
4.Revive and Rework: The Power of Repair
Beyond borrowing and thrifting, look at the clothes you already own that are currently sitting unworn. A favourite dress with a hole, a stubborn stain, or a dropped hem - now is the perfect time to give these garments a second life through repair, alterations and customisation. Simple alterations can make an old piece fit perfectly, or a major rework like changing a neckline, hem or adding detail, changing the colour, can effortlessly bring an item right into this season. Take a look at services like Loom, The Seam (for care and repair of clothing, footwear, and bags), and SOJO (offering door-to-door alterations and repairs) who are making mending and customisation convenient and accessible.
Bottom line - you can look great, feel great, and do good by making conscious choices, whilst saving yourself money. Plan your party outfits ahead, shop your wardrobe first, and choose borrowing, swapping, renting, or second-hand as your best options. Let's make this event season one to remember for all the right reasons.