Advertorial

Perfect Red Festive Fashion with The House of Foxy

Red has been a key colour for Christmas since the middle ages when people performed stories from the bible on Christmas Eve alongside a Paradise Tree. These had red apples tied to them, representing the fall of Adam. However, the main reason that we associate it with the festivities today is because St Nicholas would have worn a red robe, which of course went on to become Santa’s uniform.

But let’s be honest – the real reason we wear red is to feel glamorous and more special than the rest of the year as it is a time to dress up and be your “best you”. One of our favourite designers are the The House of Foxy, who create clothing closely based on original patterns from the 1920s through to the early 1960s aimed at women of all ages and shapes, ensuring they all look amazing whether they are at a party or sitting around an open fire. Here are our top 5 looks for Christmas, to take you through the party season and into the new year.

Christmas Parties

We can’t decide on our favourite party dress so have chosen three for you to look at: the Evelyn, the Hayworth and the O’Hara. All three are super glam and will wow your work colleagues at the office party, as well as seeing in the new year in style.

The red crepe Evelyn dress is the most detailed and authentic dress that they have ever made. Designer and owner Clare Quartermaine, describes it as “a beautiful dress, based on photographs, original vintage patterns and an original dress in our archive. We haven't held back on detail here and it really is one of our most intricate dresses.”

Like all their designs, the Evelyn is flattering and perfect for a pear shape, with its nipped in waist and 7 panelled skirt. It has a deep V neckline and self-covered buttons that add that extra detail.

If you are more of an hourglass or a pillar shape, then have a look at the Hayworth red dress. Based on a 1940s design this is a fabulous cocktail dress with its waterfall sarong skirt giving it a glamorous and nostalgic feel. They have added a gentle stretch to the fabric as well as ruching on the tummy to ensure you look your very best.

The O’Hara is a real show stopper; inspired by the mid-century American fashion designer Dorothy O’Hara. She was well known through the late 40s and 50s for her ability to enhance and accentuate the female figure with a focus on strong shoulders and a slip hip. This dress doesn’t disappoint with the slim belt focusing the eye to the waist as well the ruching at the hip and bustline to create shape.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is the time to dress up while still feeling comfortable as for many, there is a dinner to cook and serve, as well as sitting back on the sofa tucking into the Quality Street! We have chosen the 1940s inspired Gracie dress as your frock for the big day; with it’s flattering cut this is a classic take on the shirt dress. The design is influenced by a wartime CC41 dress, it has a wrap bodice fixed at the waist, with gentle pleats on the shoulder which not only look good but give extra bust room. A perfect Christmas dress!

Boxing Day

Boxing Day is the time you can finally relax, eat leftovers and maybe go for a nice country walk with the family. We suggest you ditch the dress today and choose a more casual but festive look such as these wide leg trousers based on a late 1930s  design. They are super flattering as the high waist elongates your leg and the flat front gently flatters your tummy area. The House of Foxy have, as always, fully researched this pattern and made some tweaks to work for the modern body shape. Team up with a cable cropped knit cardigan in navy to finish the look – so much more stylish than a novelty jumper we are sure you’ll agree!