THIS CHRISTMAS, SPRINKLE SOME SERIOUS FAIRY DUST OVER YOUR WARDROBE WITH A MAGICAL LINE-UP OF OTHERWORLDLY DRESSES. WHATEVER YOUR STYLE STORY – BE IT DRAMATIC, ROMANTIC, ETHEREAL OR CLASSIC – YOU’RE GUARANTEED TO LIVE FASHIONABLY EVER AFTER. THE END
Sleeping Beauty ‘They say if you dream a thing more than once, it’s bound to come true’
We are going to bed extra early every night to ensure Costarellos’ bewitching, diaphanous maxi dress is magicked into our wardrobes just in time for Christmas. Play peekaboo with the conceal-and-reveal sheer fabric and wear it over a black bodysuit if you dare – or try it over a silk slip dress and velvet slippers.
DRESS, around £1,900, Costarellos
Little Red Riding Hood ‘Once upon a time there lived a country girl, the prettiest creature who was ever seen’
If only Red Riding Hood had the chance to wear Carolina Herrera’s mini cape dress to all the Christmas parties. In the brightest shade of Riding Hood red and with a coquettishly short hemline, it will bring festive joy with a refreshingly contemporary twist to your party dressing. Switch heels for simple flats for a more elegant look. All the better to see you in.
DRESS, £2,595, Carolina Herrera.
SHOES, £215, Loeffler Randall (same throughout)
The Hare’s Bride ‘Open the doors, open the doors, the wedding guests are merry’
Surely there is no dress in the land more perfect for a winter wedding than Alberta Ferretti’s slinky showstopper in a delicious shade of merlot velvet. Add a black bow in your hair and simply slip on mules for the ultimate in low-key luxury.
DRESS, £1,930, Alberta Ferretti
The Snow Queen ‘Her cloak and cap were of snow. She was tall and of slender figure, and of a dazzling whiteness. It was the Snow Queen’
Frosty winter white is a luxurious option when it comes to partywear and, this season, knitted styles are bringing a new spin. Chanel’s floor-sweeper maxi would be borderline bridal in a heavy silk or taffeta, but in the hands of the masters, a dress spun from a delicate snowflake knit takes on an air of ethereal insouciance that would work for any event. Add frosty metallic accessories to channel your inner snow queen.
DRESS, £3,520, Chanel
Hansel & Gretel ‘Gretel shook out her apron so that the pearls and precious stones rolled about the room, and Hansel threw down one handful after the other out of his pocket’
A scattering of glittering crystal stones embellishing the bodice of Erdem’s deep purple cocktail dress brings a glamorous dark romance to evening attire. Deceptively versatile, it would look spellbinding with a chic tuxedo jacket and heels, but add a cashmere navy rollneck underneath, knee-high boots and a Crombie coat, and you’re ready
