Christmas parties.

If the party takes off, do you have the right look?

Big mistake! Whether it's work, family, boyfriends, friends, or lovers, there's always that moment when we curse ourselves for making an unfortunate choice. Personally, the latest, resounding debacle concerns clothes.

I became a fashion journalist because I have a passion for writing, a curiosity about trends and news, and let's be honest, it's one of those jobs where you get to have fun with your style, just like you did with your dolls as a kid. If you ever have an appointment with me and I make you wait, just know that I'll come up with some believable excuse to cover up the fact that I was standing in front of my wardrobe, searching for the perfect shade of fuchsia to add a little flair to my outfit. Even if I'm just going food shopping, I still think about which jacket pairs best with a midi skirt, it’s more about substance than just the look.

Clothes speak for me, they're a direct way to send a silent message. I don't see why I should stop communicating with those around me, even if I'm just buying a pot of yoghurt.

Given my commitment, I don’t expect to make any major mistakes when it comes to clothing, especially now that I know myself well enough to understand what I like, what suits me, and what gives me the right energy to embrace the many moments of the day. It happens when you're a budding fashion editor and insist on wearing 10 cm heels to your first fashion shows, only to find yourself rushing out at three in the afternoon to buy a pair of ballerinas. Even worse is making a fashion blunder during the festive season.

Art 2 Shoppable Desktop Marina Rinaldi
Earrings with cabochons

Marina Rinaldi

Earrings with cabochons

kr695.00 kr417.00
Mirror-effect sandals

Marina Rinaldi

Mirror-effect sandals

kr3,295.00
Fully sequinned long dress

Marina Rinaldi

Fully sequinned long dress

kr6,195.00 kr3,717.00
Mesh top with rhinestones

Marina Rinaldi

Mesh top with rhinestones

kr2,895.00 kr2,026.00
Mesh skirt with rhinestones

Marina Rinaldi

Mesh skirt with rhinestones

kr2,895.00 kr2,026.00
Velvet blazer

Marina Rinaldi

Velvet blazer

kr6,095.00 kr4,266.00
Art 2 Shoppable Mobile Marina Rinaldi
Earrings with cabochons

Marina Rinaldi

Earrings with cabochons

kr695.00 kr417.00
Mirror-effect sandals

Marina Rinaldi

Mirror-effect sandals

kr3,295.00
Fully sequinned long dress

Marina Rinaldi

Fully sequinned long dress

kr6,195.00 kr3,717.00
Mesh top with rhinestones

Marina Rinaldi

Mesh top with rhinestones

kr2,895.00 kr2,026.00
Mesh skirt with rhinestones

Marina Rinaldi

Mesh skirt with rhinestones

kr2,895.00 kr2,026.00
Velvet blazer

Marina Rinaldi

Velvet blazer

kr6,095.00 kr4,266.00

..Let's just have one round of drinks and then head home..

Your best friends have organised drinks on the last day before the much-anticipated holidays, and there's also a gathering at the office. Your aunt invites you to dinner with your cousins. No matter the occasion, the stakes are high. I’m not talking about the dress code itself (elegant, casual, formal), but rather about survival strategies for those situations when someone says: "Let's just have one round of drinks and then head home," only for it to turn into the party of the century.

Think carefully before you slip into that beautiful long-sleeved, high-neck dress.  It looks amazing on you, but if you get swept up in the karaoke frenzy (trust me, I speak from experience), you might find yourself regretting it. The same goes if, on that very day, you’ve opted for leather trousers—super edgy, but a little less fun when the dance playlist kicks in and the spirit of Flashdance takes over.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thankfully, the days of fashion rules dictated by others are long gone. Still, here's a piece of advice: never underestimate the unexpected at a Christmas party.

Want to treat yourself to a special look? Fantastic, but be mindful of fabric weights and silhouettes, it’s better to think in layers. Pair a velvet blazer with a V-neck sleeveless top, so you’ll stay stylish whether you’re sipping a drink or dancing late into the night. Looking for a shiny-chic touch?

Try a lace shirt adorned with sequins, paired with a matching camisole, perfect with a pencil skirt or with cigarette trousers. And if fashion is your passion, wear a flowing dress in a beautiful shade of burgundy.

Very elegant, yes. Extra-comfortable, too.

Cristina Manfredi

Who is the pen behind Marina Rinaldi's New Fashion Journal

Born in Biella, Milanese by choice, she is a fashion, lifestyle and society journalist with a passion for good humor. She worked as a journalist for Milano Finanza Fashion and then moved to Vanity Fair, from which she resigned to dedicate more time to personal projects, writing, tango, running and her beloved cats. Today she is a contributor for Vanity Fair, L'Officiel, Marie Claire, Style Magazine - Corriere della Sera.

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