WHAT TO WEAR OVER CHRISTMAS WITH KAREN SWAN

From subtle shimmer to stand out sparkle, here's how to add shine to your daytime outfits this festive season – whatever your Christmas looks like.

Author Karen Swan photographed wearing a Hobbs red Audrey jumper.

Regardless of what the festive period holds, dressing up is sure to lift the spirits. Leading the charge, author Karen Swan and champion of Christmas, shares her favourite pieces for a season of indoor and outdoor festivities.

Model wears a plum coloured wool coat from Hobbs.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

"What really gives me that festive feeling is strolling through my local high street festooned with twinkling fairy lights, as I seek out thoughtful gifts for all my loved ones. I always find a great wool coat invaluable as this time of year is f-f-freezing and I’m obsessed with the Francesca coat. The rich plum colour is so flattering – and I love how the military detailing has been tempered by a feminine shape. I honestly need to get it before The Duchess of Cambridge does!"

Francesca Coat

Penny Sparkle Sweater

Gia Jean

Wren Collar

Model wears a gold sequinned fit and flare dress with bronze metallic heeled sandals from Hobbs.

SMALL SOIRÉES

"Never has the idea of a Christmas get-together appeared more glamorous than during 2020’s straitened times, and should I be lucky enough to see a few friends this festive season, I’ll be going all out. For the first time in years, I want to wear heels, curl my eyelashes (I have never curled my eyelashes!) and drip with sequins. I love the bronze colour of the Betsey dress and the fluid skirt will be great for dancing too, just give me a kitchen floor...!"

Betsey Dress

Clarissa Sandals

Freda Coat

Lundy Wristlet

Model wears a Hobbs animal print shirt dress over a burgundy roll neck and black long boots.

CHRISTMAS EVE

"Christmas Eve in our house is a big deal. I usually reach peak overexcitement with my Christmas soundtrack playing on loop and candles lit everywhere. My three children – now teenagers – decorate their gingerbread houses while I stuff the turkey and roll the pigs in blankets. We’re all in the kitchen singing, sipping champagne and I need something that dressy and glam but also easy to move about in. I need this, I need the Miley midi dress."

Miley Dress

Lara Roll Neck

Anastasia Boots

Quinn Necklace

Model wears a red midi dress with bronze metallic heeled sandals from Hobbs.

CHRISTMAS DAY

"Red is the ultimate Christmas colour (if it’s good enough for Santa…) but The Red Dress can be a notoriously tricky thing to wear. The shade is such a statement in itself, the shape needs to be softened to provide a counterbalance. That's why I love the twist detail and flattering higher waistband on the Uma dress. Plus, the midi length means I can choose between boots or heels, and the fitted sleeves mean they won’t drag in the gravy!"

Uma Dress

Harper Shoes

Joni Earrings

Samantha Cardigan

Model wears a red wool jumper with rolled collar from Hobbs.

BOXING DAY

"This is my day of rest, when my husband takes over the kitchen duties and I’m curled up on the sofa. I need comfort, warmth and softness; I don’t want to dress up but I’m not ready to return to joggers yet either. I love the Audrey sweater’s Jean Seberg Left Bank vibe. The bracelet-length sleeves and boat neck are chic but easy-to-wear details, and teamed with the Pippa jersey trousers, I could lounge like a teenager but still be ready to greet any last-minute guests."