The Chic list: Make having ‘nothing to wear’ history

Fashion columnist and influencer Joanne Hegarty on her style tweaks of the season.

Where on earth has the time evaporated to this year? Two minutes ago it was summer and now we’re in November. And on our third prime minister, but who can keep up?

As social calendars get busier ahead of the festive onslaught, the pressure on our wardrobes is cranked up. Suddenly, that feeling of having nothing to wear to those drinks you agreed to go to a month ago starts to creep in. But panic not. I’ve got just the style tweaks and updates to see you through…

Give the maxi skirt a twirl

Versatile enough to take you sleekly from desk to dinner, this skirt really comes into its own at this time of year. For example, I’ll wear a black maxi with a shirt or knit tucked in plus gold jewellery and a low-heeled ankle boot to the office. If I’ve got an evening commitment, I will throw on a tailored jacket, or a satin shirt and a pair of high heels.

For some great high-street maxis, try Cos, Mango and Zara – or check out Raey, which has the perfect high-waisted black wool style for winter.

Practise prelove

To stand out from the crowd, scour your favourite charity and vintage shops and also preloved online sites for that special piece nobody else will have.

Last November I found a couple of real bargains on Vestiaire Collective – a sequin dress by Self-Portrait and a Gucci velvet jacket – that saw me through the party season. Vintage fan Amal Clooney recently wore a divine, and very rare, John Galliano slip to the London premiere of husband George’s latest movie Ticket to Paradise

Try a waistcoat… with nothing underneath

Worn as a top, this classic piece isn’t just bang-on trend, it also looks great with a maxi (yes, that hero again) or tailored trousers. Statement earrings and heels will make it night-out ready.

For some excellent waistcoat options, try Cos and Cefinn, which has a black velvet one I really like.

Don’t wear a necklace – wear lots!

Make like Gwyneth Paltrow when she recently popped up to do a wellness talk on the Goop on Sea cruise ship (yes, really) and multi-layer your necklaces over everything from knitwear to evening dresses. To pull off the look with aplomb, make sure all are slightly different lengths and some thicker than others.

STRIKE GOLD

…with metallic boots – guaranteed to add punch to any evening outfit. I’m loving this leather pair by Zara.

Boots, £89.99, zara.com

A REAL LUST-HAVE

Fancy taking a sizzler to bed? Try Insatiable by Daisy Buchanan (£8.99, Sphere). But be warned: this story of a single woman’s sexual adventures isn’t for the coy or faint-hearted.

BOUDOIR BOOST

With Google reporting an uptick in searches for ‘feng shui bedroom’ the art of improving your room’s energy is back. So how exactly do you do it? Well, first up move your bed to a commanding position, add matching bedside tables, then close all drawers and doors at night. Oh, and put that screen away. Easy – sort of.

BAG-A-BING

We love a success story, especially one with bags of determination.

Family-run handbag makers Charlotte Elizabeth faced closure due to Covid-related production delays. ‘Our designs were put back a year,’ says the brand’s founder Charlotte, ‘but, finally, after a very tough fight we are thrilled our bags are out there!’

Bag, £340, charlottelizabeth.com