As the festive season approaches, the siren call of sparkly party dresses and velvet suits grows louder in every shop window. Yet, according to fashion authority Jess Cartner-Morley, this is precisely the moment to resist the urge for an impulsive seasonal wardrobe splurge.
The Allure and Pitfalls of Festive Fashion
Cartner-Morley confesses to being an early Christmas enthusiast, happily booking food deliveries in September and embracing mince pie season immediately after Halloween. However, she draws a firm line at festive fashion. While the darker nights make glitter and shine incredibly tempting, this magpie instinct can lead to poor purchasing decisions.
The combination of social pressure, the perceived permission to overspend during the holidays, and the fear of having nothing to wear creates a perfect storm for consumers. The first wave of partywear is strategically designed to dazzle shoppers at this vulnerable moment, much like being overwhelmed by choices at a breakfast buffet and ending up with a regrettable combination.
Navigating the Partywear Maze
The options are endless: timeless black velvet for a classic look, festive novelty knits for Christmas-cracker jollity, or a sequinned minidress for pure disco-ball glamour. With so many directions, how does one choose wisely?
Cartner-Morley's first piece of advice is to take a beat. The consumer fear of missing out is powerful, but if a particular look proves popular, retailers will stock more of it. She suggests considering whether you lean towards novelty or nostalgia and observing what styles genuinely appeal to you on other people in real life and on social media—but without the immediate pressure to buy.
She also highlights the perils of impulse buying, where red flags like scratchy fabric or an ill-fitting neckline are easily ignored. Evening clothes get worn lightly, so they stay in good shape, making it worthwhile to first check what is already hiding in your wardrobe.
A Smarter Approach to Seasonal Spending
With Christmas being an inherently expensive time of year, the logic of deserving a treat while buying gifts for others is financially flawed. Instead of succumbing to the winking sparkle of a feather-trimmed dress, Cartner-Morley recommends embracing the art of waiting—a concept deeply embedded in the Christmas spirit itself, from Advent calendars to presents under the tree.
Her final counsel? Take a deep breath, smile at the sparkle, enjoy the tingle, but walk on by. You can always treat yourself to a mince pie instead.
