Christmas style countdown with Cathy O’Connor

The elegant dresser is a considered dresser; every piece of clothing, every accessory is considered carefully to create a look that is both polished and refined.

This woman does not relentlessly chase trends. She knows what she likes, knows what works and with that knowledge, rarely gets it wrong. She understands the power of simplicity.

An elegant silhouette will tend to be understated, not plain, but more cultivated. Each addition to the starting point of the wardrobe staple will enhance the overall look.

The inclusion of a tailored piece, be it a jacket or trousers, offers a more slimline look and a chic edge. Perhaps you’re loving your new wide-leg trousers and have a mind to wear them over the festive season; a well-proportioned blouse will capture the look perfectly.

For some of you reading this, it may seem like too much effort or perhaps you’re unsure about where to start. Here are a few insightful tips on how to create an elegant look that will have you feeling great without too much fuss.

Take time

The first thing you need is that most precious of commodities, time. Christmas tends to be anything from a busy to a fairly manic time for many of us, so a little advanced preparation when it comes to your festive wardrobe will really pay off!

Take an hour or two to have a long look at what’s actually in your wardrobe. Think about the needs of your wardrobe for the gatherings that are in your diary; are you meeting up for coffees, lunches or parties? Are you meeting a lot of the same crew (so you might prefer to wear different looks) or can a few great wardrobe staples see you through? This is a session that’s devoted to you. Taking time for yourself to plan ahead when you have a bit of down time will really pay off when the pace becomes frantic.

Tone on tone

The elegant woman will favour a tone on tone palette; less of the clashing vibrant colours and more complementary colours. Choose your starting piece and create a look around that, in terms of colour, texture and personality.

Key pieces

Because elegance tends to be more pared back, the choice of key pieces is all important. A timeless high - quality handbag will be one of your best value buys. Fine jewellery that adds texture and expresses your personal style will catch the eye. When it comes to print, less is best; a hint of pattern or print in an accessory will add the perfect finishing touch.

More than anything, it’s about wearing looks that make you feel good, that give you confidence and allow you the freedom to have a great time!