Today is December 19th, and the new year is almost here. I won't lie and say I'm sad to see 2022 come to a close and turn a new leaf (in more ways than one) in my Moleskine journal. I just don't feel sad about it. Sure, nothing beats the comfort of your own home during the holidays, especially with Perry Como's soothing voice in the background, and it's easy to become lost in thought and introspection when you get a few minutes to yourself.

In more depth than ever before, this Christmas has prompted me to consider the role that seasonal attire should play in the celebration of the season's joys and sorrows. It's the most wonderful time of the year for retailers, but what does it mean for fashion to be in style during the holiday season? Surely there's more to the fashion industry than just making it onto Bazaar's Gift Guide and Net-a-"most-wanted" porter's lists.

In The End, I Had To Accept After Giving It A Lot Of Thought.

If you're looking for me right now, I might be in a snowy valley in Austria, which is just north of the Alps. Pine trees are aglow with twinkle lights, and the sky is a sweet pastel shade that seems like a cross between cotton candy pink and baby blue. The palette utilised by Atelier Versace for this season is strongly evocative of this setting. I couldn't be cosier than I am right now, lounging in front of the fireplace in my flannel pyjamas from The Goddiva and cashmere socks from Johnstons of Elgin. I couldn't unwind as much without my comfy lounge clothes. Based on how I feel in these items, I would say that the joy and benefits of fashion during the holiday season aren't always found in presents under the tree with a red bow. For the simple reason that I feel really good in them. In order to do credit to the incredible festivities and one-of-a-kind events that occur only at Christmas, we should all make an effort to dress to the nines.

An elegant gala dinner where the guest of honour wears a beautiful sheer Valentino couture gown is one such example. That moment when you realise that all eyes are on you and you feel a rush of exhilaration and grace because you know that you could not look better physically and that you feel fantastic. Or the cosy neighbourhood Christmas party when everyone is required to wear a Christmas sweater. To truly grasp the elegance of the Christmas Jumper, it took me five years of living in the UK. A warm faux-fur coat from Shrimps would be perfect for ice skating at Somerset House or the National History Museum. Or you and your main squeeze may be having a holiday toast under the mistletoe while you wear a Saint Laurent dress in forest green velvet and look just stunning. Another option is to don a checkered shirt and a red Balenciaga puffer coat and head for the slopes.

Or, more importantly, after the night has past and you've slept soundly in your La Perla silk pyjamas and robe because not a single live thing stirred while you were away. You're going to look fantastic the minute you get out of bed. You can't put a price on waking up on Christmas morning surrounded by loved ones, Christmas tree in sight, and a cup of latte or melange in hand. What matters more than one's wardrobe is one's state of mind. soaking up all the love, laughter, and celebration. Of course, you need to dress to impress in order to feel your best, but one of the best things about the Christmas season is that style is more of a supporting character. letting you feel the holiday cheer all over your body and immerse yourself in the festivities. A small but significant part of the puzzle that is building memories that will last a lifetime.

For my part, I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas. I hope there is lots of fun, laughter, and maybe even a breath taking fashion moment that leaves everyone speechless. Keep in mind the words of a wise Green non-Who from many years ago: "Perhaps Christmas isn't something that comes from a store." Possibly, the significance of Christmas dresses is a little bit higher.