A Guide to a Chic Christmas

The happiest time of the year is literally around the corner — a mere few sleeps away! I must say that Christmas is my favourite festive occasion! I think what makes it special is that it’s not about a day or a season, it’s more of a frame of mind and a positive joyful feeling. It’s an opportunity to be together, to gather and celebrate love, unity, happiness, and of course, the birth of Christ. At Christmastime, all roads lead to family, friends and home.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

This year’s Christmas will be especially meaningful for my little family. For my husband and myself, we’ve both had to take care of our health and wellbeing more this year but otherwise it’s been a good and a blessed year. For my husband’s son and his wife, it was the birth of their firstborn, a beautiful healthy daughter. For my unico hijo, a year of new adventures in travelling and more learned valuable lessons as he navigates through life in his mid-20’s. As a whole, my little family and I couldn’t be more grateful for the gift of togetherness and the love we have for each other. 

Truly, the festive season is starting and Christmas parties are here and in full swing! Let’s get our Christmas and festive spirit in full gear. Here’s a guide on how to celebrate a truly chic Christmas both in fashion and in home decor:

A CHIC CHRISTMAS FASHION GUIDE

With regard to dressing up chic this Christmas, the key is to look festive yet totally understated. This means simplicity in neutral muted colours; think basics but elevated style with beautiful and high quality products such as merino wool, bactrian camel wool, cashmere, 100% cotton, mulberry silk, and anti-pill fleece. It also means classic and good tailoring. You could still go for sequins and feathers, but it just needn’t be overwhelming.

When it comes to jewellery, go for classics such as pearls and diamond vintage pieces, but you can also wear big, real coloured gemstones such as aquamarines, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. For accessories, go for top handle bags and shoes with colours that pop! Think cherry red bags and shoes to offset a black outfit.

For your maquillage, the rule here is: less is more. Your makeup shouldn’t scream “look at me!” Instead, it should reflect a timeless minimalist look that has an air of self acceptance and self confidence. Your makeup should say this: you are comfortable and happy with the way you look!

Let’s have a peek at below ways to achieve that chic fashion look this Christmas:

A stylish coat is a must have. When you live in the colder parts of the world, it is a must to invest in statement outerwear. It’s the first thing anyone sees in you. Chances are it’s going to be a cold Christmas so make sure your choice of outerwear stands out. Personally, I prefer tailored thick wool coats and tried-and-tested traditional camel coats to puffy puffers. Below are a few examples of comfortable (guaranteed to keep you warm) and at the same time, stylish coats to make your festive season truly remarkable:

The Row, Kitan woven coat from Net-a-Porter. Photo courtesy of Net-a-Porter.

VINCE, belted shawl-lapel wool-blend coat. Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

Double breasted fleece black merino wool peacoat by Ralph Lauren. Kate Spade embellished 3D In bloom bouquet bag. Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots. Photo courtesy of the author.

Double breasted fleece camel peacoat by Ralph Lauren. Black Jacquemus croc effect Chiquito Moyen bag. Gucci brown over the knee leather boots. Photo courtesy of the author.

Shine in sparkles. Now more than ever is the season to sparkle! It is totally appropriate to go for the glitter and shine in sequins. However, don’t go overboard and risk looking like a Christmas tree. The idea is to go for a subtle and yet a shimmering splendid look. Here’s a few glittering party outfits to try this season:

Pinstripe Sequined Georgette Jumpsuit. Photo courtesy of Michael Kors.

Ted Baker “Estelli” Fully Embellished Cape Mini Dress. Photo courtesy of Ted Baker.

Smyth Dress in Black & Brass dress. Photo courtesy of Revolve.

Shimmering in dark green sequined dress from MyTheresa and gold shoes from Browns. Photo courtesy of the author.

Inject a pop of colour to your overall look. It’s okay to stick with your usual monochromatic mode during this festive season if that’s what makes you happy (case in point: for me, personally, I stick with my black and neutral tone outfits even if it’s Christmastime), but do try to inject a pop of colour to your overall outfit. Perhaps you could wear a ravishing red cashmere scarf, a silver metallic crystal handbag for an arm candy, or a colourful pair of shoes to top off your accessories this holiday season. Here’s a few ideas:

Aspinal of London red cashmere scarf. Photo courtesy of Aspinal of London.

Oscar de la Renta Tro Rosette silver crystal bag. Photo courtesy of Shop Bazaar.

Glittery shoes, photo courtesy of Pexels.

Black bouclé A-line dress with a pop of colour (yellow) bag from Aspinal of London at Harrods and Jimmy Choo glitter ballet flats. Photo courtesy of the author.

Bring out those pearls! For bling effect, time to bring out those beautiful pearls to add an elegant gleam. Why pearl fashion for Christmas? Simply put, pearls are elegant which makes them absolutely stunning Christmas accessories. You can never go wrong with anything that’s classic! For some pearls inspiration, take a look at below photos:

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Pearls on pearls! A classic single strand 11.5mm freshwater pearls from The Pearl Source. Bold pearl earrings by Mejuri. Photo courtesy of the author.

Japanese Akoya two-strand pearls from The Pearl Source. Bold pearl earrings by Mejuri. Photo courtesy of the author.

Glamorous but understated hair and maquillage. For this festive season, go for glamorous but unpretentious makeup. Try to go for smokey dramatic eyes, light, earthy blushes and nude lips. For hair, go bold and big either straight, curly or wavy. A big updo bouffant hairstyle with some bling accessories is also très chic! For some tips, please see below photos:

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Hair and makeup by Faye Smith. Photo courtesy of the author.

A CHIC CHRISTMAS DECOR GUIDE

For this Christmas, let’s try the modern chic style. Think refined finishes that are distinguished by sophistication, sense of luxury and elegance. Chic Christmas decor incorporates luxurious high-end ornaments made from top notch quality materials, with ornate detailing, and other fine accessories. You don’t need to forgo the festive lights and Christmas trinkets, we will just select a more downplayed look for decoration.

Fret not, there are plenty of choices when it comes to modern chic festive decor to consider! For starters, decorations needn’t be excessive to be eye-catching. One good thing about minimalist modern chic decor is that it goes well with small and tight condo spaces. A minimalist decor doesn’t crowd your space and the pared back look actually gives the illusion of a bigger space. Also, you don’t need to worry about cleaning up the clutter when the holidays are over because there would hardly be any. Find out how you can embellish your crib with Yuletide cheer by taking a page out of below guides on how to ace chic Christmas decor:

Consider a minimalist Christmas tree. When decorating your Christmas tree for this year, think simple and natural. There are huge advantages in having a minimalist Christmas tree: for one, you save money on decorations; next, it’s so easy to install and decorate and even easier to undo and pack up after Christmas; and lastly, you’ll be surprised at how classy and elegant your minimalist Christmas tree would look! The most important thing in a minimalist Christmas tree is the tree itself — make sure it’s full and leafy. You can put up your tree as is and simply decorate it with lights. Another option is to decorate it with only festive balls and lights. You may also try using small accent items throughout — these actually make big statements. Or alternatively, you can also use huge accent items but fewer in quantity to have that oomph impact! Just feel free to be creative! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For some inspiration, look at below photos:

Just a big, leafy tree with only lights as decor. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Another tree without ornaments, just simple lighting, très, très Parisian chic. Photo courtesy of the author.

A tree with only gold balls for decor. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

The author’s Christmas tree at our home, you can still decorate with a few huge ornaments, gold ribbon wraps and lights but keep it minimal. Photo courtesy of the author.

Go easy and au naturel with your outdoor Christmas decor. For outdoor Christmas decorations, go easy and again incorporate the “less is more look” — why not try having just a simple fresh wreath? Or you could decorate your front door with fresh garlands. Use your outdoor plants as part of your Christmas outdoor decor and put lights on it! See below photos for some creative choices:

Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Keep it simple with understated wreaths. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Use your outdoor plants as Christmas decor. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Fresh garlands. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

The author’s flowers, baby’s breath and twigs wreath outside the door of our condo. Photo courtesy of the author.

Go for unique Christmas colour themes. Minimal chic decor doesn’t mean you can only use neutral colours. And also, Christmas colours are not confined to only red and green! Be more adventurous with ethereal blue and metallic silver colour themes. Or you can go for blush pink and gold. Why not emerald green and rich burgundy? Or take a leaf from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s and go for the classic Tiffany blue! Hmmm, interesting right? For some creative ideas, peruse the photos below:

Go Barbie pink. Photo courtesy of the author.

Inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Photo courtesy of the author.

Bold and dramatic. Photo courtesy of the author.

Silver and blue theme — quintessential shabby chic decor. Photo courtesy of the author.

A truly whimsical colour scheme. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Elegant and dramatic tablescape. Let your imagination run free when decorating your tablescape. Spruce up on holiday flowers such as poinsettias, cyclamens and Christmas cactus for your table centrepiece. Use your freshly baked cookies as added table decorations. Don’t hesitate to cover your table with the plaid and tartan runners or better yet, decorate your table with an elegant white linen cover. Use chic scented candles as added centrepieces. Above all, don’t forget to show off your priceless bone chinaware, crystal glassware and silverware! Take a peek at below photos:

Scented candles and fresh garlands. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Fresh real Christmas plants make a truly festive look. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Dramatic chinaware. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

Use your freshly baked goodies as part of the tablescape decor. Photo courtesy of Pexels.

My own Christmas tablescape— white table linen, my Villeroy and Boch bone china, my Bormioli Rocco glassware, and my Henckels Silvano ivory and stainless silver flatware. And of course my wooden plate charger. Small Christmas pine trees give a sweet and refreshing scent. Photo courtesy of the author.

Here’s hoping that this article will be of use to prepare your home for the holidays (if you still haven’t decorated or this could be your source of inspiration for next year’s). Remember that you can still embellish your pad with holiday cheer but without going over the top on the decorations. Practice restraint and who knows, a minimalist chic Christmas decor might just be what Santa baby would like to see when he pops over for cookies and milk!

Allow me to end with this thought: the true meaning of Christmas is not about the festive decorations, fashion, and gifts. The true meaning of Christmas is by giving up oneself — to think of others — and how to bring greatest happiness and care to others. Christmas is the time to give love, show kindness, be at peace with yourself and with others, and foster goodwill toward all!

From my little family to yours, a most blessed and Merriest Christmas! Wishing you a season full of light, love, blessings and laughter for you and your family.