Ten tips for Christmas dressing without head-to-toe sparkle

As we age, the shimmer and shine of Christmastime can seem as though it’s slowly drifting from our clutches, as balancing the glitz with our everyday style can be challenging.

Nobody wants to look like the proverbial Christmas tree, and treading the line between looking festive and fashionable takes a deft touch over 50. This year, with the cost of living soaring, many of us are also trying to keep Christmas spending down.

Both designers and consumers are prioritising longevity, because when we buy now, we want pieces that will last. Your clothes shouldn’t be just for Christmas, but versatile pieces you will wear throughout 2026.

As an older glamazon, being a little more restrained about partywear is wise. To help navigate your out-out outfits, we have identified looks that will make you look glamorous, but also youthful because the wrong type of partywear is immediately ageing.

Too many sequins worn head to toe, too many large accessories or overly revealing clothes won’t make you look younger:  they will simply do the reverse.

An embellished jacket or top paired with tailored trousers or jeans is a go-to – The nice top and jeans combo is back because it’s easy, effective and means you don’t have to overspend.

Adding an embellished top to a favourite pair of jeans or trousers will instantly upgrade them. Arket’s pleated leather top, €389, would work with jeans or dark trousers, while Charlotte & Tess’ Atelier Belle velvet top has a flared silhouette to camouflage any tummy issues.

The addition of strappy kitten heels or dressy flats will also take the combination into night-time: rolling up the hems of jeans to showcase party shoes is an easy styling trick.

Irish brand feeG’s Iris navy satin bomber jacket, €238, is great with dark wash jeans or the brand’s own tailored Avery trousers, €162.

A statement skirt looks polished and modern – Pencil skirts don’t have to be prim, especially when they feature gorgeous fabrics, sequins, or a vivid colour.

This season, they’re back with lace-hemmed and embellished versions. Saint Laurent showed bright coloured versions with contrasting shirting, an easy styling tip to replicate for nights out.

The Marks and Spencer’s X 16 Arlington collection features a silver sequin midi column skirt, €270, that could be paired with a white shirt, cashmere knit, or even a simple T-shirt.

A leather pencil skirt is another modern option – with stylish iterations available on the high street. They look sophisticated and can be worn post-party season with boots and a knit.

This season something burgundy will look right – Rich berry shades are continuing to dominate, and there are loads of attractive options in burgundy, aubergine, and rich reds.

These shades are flattering on older faces as they add vibrancy and lend themselves to looks incorporating sheen, texture, and surface embellishment.

A dark berry manicure and lip will also finish a burgundy outfit off to perfection. Irish designer Sinead Keary has a two-piece outfit incorporating her Chloe jacket, €140, and co-ordinating trousers, €110, that could be split apart and worn as separates later on.

Arket has a short wool blend dress, €129, that could be worn with red accessories for nights out now, and later as a tunic over a white shirt and trousers. The H&M Holiday edit also contains a short dress with a distinctive frill neck and hemline that could be worn with a blazer from 9 to 5.

A faux fur coat or jacket will let you wear simpler pieces underneath – This season, faux fur outerwear is the ultimate finishing touch, and retailers have a myriad of shapes and silhouettes.

One of the most striking is the M&S Autograph faux fur ivory longline coat, €250, which adds instant glamour.

If you feel the chill but also love to make an entrance, then the M&S X 16 Arlington faux fur longline trench coat, €399, looks equally dramatic but is also insulating. Faux fur is also soft and complimentary against mature faces.

Lingerie dressing is a trend which you can reference without baring all – There has been a major revival in lingerie accents, with lace trim camisoles and chemises popular as layering pieces contrasted with knits and tailoring. 

While a full lace dress might no longer work, adding a lace camisole under a suit is an instant way to make it party-appropriate and soften it. Similarly, a silk lace-trimmed dress paired with a pretty cardigan is an effortless and wearable way to cultivate the lingerie look without baring all.  

& Other Stories has a pure silk camisole, €99, and slip dress, €149, both in classic black, while Zara has affordable lace trimmed styles in chocolate, taupe, and ivory.

A classic hourglass silhouette looks great regardless of age – This season has seen a distinct return to waist emphasis. Maybe it is down to the prevalence of Ozempic and other appetite-suppressing drugs, but the waist is a key focal point.

You might feel that figure-hugging silhouettes aren’t feasible post-50, but a good belt can add definition to your waist to make it look slimmer instantly.

A beautiful blouse references the boho trend and classic femininity– Another simple investment that will look modern is a beautiful, feminine blouse, particularly in silk. Chloé’s championing of boho style has really brought romantic blouses back into the spotlight. 

Billowing sleeves, pintucks, pleats, lace trims and dainty buttons all elevate a blouse into evening wear with the added bonus that they are comfortable, cover your arms and look sophisticated.

M&S x 16Arlington has a satin fitted long sleeve shirt, in pale blue or bitter brown, €129, while H&M’s Holiday edit, inspired by the New Romantics, boasts a glam pirate blouse with full sleeves, €79.99.

Subtle shimmer rather than high shine is more modern – At this time we all love a bit of sparkle, but be careful not to overdo the Magpie yearnings. Instead, a subtle sheen is more flattering and also looks more expensive.

Helen McAlinden’s Berna antique brass blouse, €255, and co-ordinating Peyton skirt, €275, look elegant because there is just enough sheen to look luxurious but not glaring.

Sometimes just adding shine via your accessories is enough – see how H&M make a white shirt look glamorous with a glittering earring in their Christmas campaign.

Avoid statement necklaces that are too chunky ot shiny as they can highlight your neck if you are conscious of it.

Velvet tailoring is luxe but keep it light – This plush fabric is stylish and feels great to wear, but is best done in rich colours rather than black.

Velvet feels sensual next to your skin and is flattering paired with satin, silk or even denim.

A velvet suit or dress is a classic Christmas option, but always ensure that the velvet you buy is good quality with a light, fluid feel as anything bulky is matronly. Velvet clothes also need to be cut well to be flattering – avoid shapeless, stiff styles.

Charlotte & Tess’ Trudie Tuxedo Blazer Dress, €330, is cut in a feminine shape that emphasises a youthful feel.

Cos is offering stylish velvet tailoring, including a single-breasted blazer in fashionable chocolate brown, €149 or a double-breasted jacket in a luxurious navy, €179. H&M is also offering velvet separates in rich olive tones from €39.