Cornucopia: 10 ways to sparkle this Christmas without a new outfit

As I mentioned last week, the partywear collections are a bit disappointing so far – although I have a good one coming up for you on Friday. In a lot of places almost every rail is black. Black velvet, black satin, black lace… it’s very much like a throwback to 1996 and I keep wondering who’s going to buy it. Most of us already have enough token black pieces in our wardrobes.

It’s a good thing that sequins are far less prevalent, we all know we have to stop buying them because they’re so bad for the environment so although I love wearing them, I’m hoping there won’t be a comeback. I’ll simply repeat the pieces I have until I’m on a mobility scooter… well even then I’m sure. But it does mean that most of the new drops leave you feeling a bit flat and it isn’t easy for me to write partywear posts.

So I’ve thought around my party dressing advice a bit for this year and I’ve gathered ten little things that will make a difference to whatever you already have. Most of them are about colour but also glow.

I’m working from the skin all the way outwards with easy ways to make you feel at your best, even if you don’t have a new outfit.

Of all the skincare that I use, this is the most effective which is why I keep reminding you about it. I’m talking about Renew+Me, I’ve told you about it before and I often get a comment saying something like, ‘oh yes, I bought that last time, it’s in a drawer somewhere, I wasn’t sure if it was working!’ Well it won’t work if you don’t use it consistently but if you do, it’s pretty magical.

Renew+Me is the one skincare product that I know makes a difference. I didn’t take it to Colombia because the sun is very strong up in the Andes, and by the end of almost four weeks there I was aching for it. I could see that my skin was losing its glow, despite having a bit of a tan. So if you stopped using it over the summer, this is my firm reminder to pick it up again.

Here’s a reminder of what it is. It’s a made-to-measure skincare service created with midlife skin in mind. You fill in a consultation online and send in photos of your bare face (nobody else sees them, I promise).

Their team of clinicians then makes up a nightly treatment just for you with a retinoid at a strength that suits your skin, and Renew + Me say it’s twenty times more potent than high street retinols. It’s a subscription service so it then comes through your letterbox at whatever frequency you choose. You can’t buy a retinoid of this strength over any beauty counter, you have to go to a dermatologist and I’d rather do my consultations this way than pay for Harley Street.

When I started using it, my skin was dull with uneven patches. By about week six I started to notice the changes and my skin just got more and more glowy. It’s like cleaning a window, you don’t know how much light you’ve been missing until suddenly everything is bright and shiny again.

I’ve never had any irritation with it, even though my formulation has increased in strength over time but for some people it can make skin a bit dry and flaky at first. If that’s the case Renew+Me suggest only using it once or twice a week for a while and you can apply it over your usual moisturiser rather than straight on to bare skin. It takes a little patience but you can gradually build it up. Don’t forget that you need SPF every morning though, even in November.

If you’d like to try it, Midlifechic readers can have their first month for £6.99 with the code MIDLIFE699 here. If you haven’t seen results by week twelve, you get your money back. The offer runs until Christmas.

Ok so dermaplaning isn’t glamorous but we’re behind the scenes here so we can talk about these things. For me it starts with my grandma; my memories of her are various but one of the strong ones is the way she was forever standing in front of the mirror, plucking at her face with tweezers and bemoaning how it had become like the pelt of a small animal.

And then a couple of years ago Mal took a close-up photo of me wearing a new pair of earrings I’d been given. He had the sunlight glinting on the gold beautifully but all I could see was the same pelt around my ears. Ever since then I’ve made sure to dermaplane my face regularly.

Dermaplaning gently skims off the fine fuzz (pelt) and dead skin that builds up on our faces as we get older and afterwards, skincare absorbs better and foundation goes on so smoothly that it’s like having teenage skin back. I don’t use anything fancy, just these very low cost blades. If you prefer something non-disposable, try this.

Ignore the myths – I don’t find that the fuzz grows back any thicker. If you’re going to a special event though, do it a couple of days beforehand just in case you get any redness and put SPF on afterwards. I find once every three or four weeks is plenty and I confess I’ve become such a pro at it that I don’t use any special products on my face but if you’re nervous, cover it with a gentle, unfragranced oil before you start.

So I’ll say this is one of the cheapest, simplest beauty five minutes that you can spend and it’s so effective. You know what I mean when I say my grandma had a furry face. Have one if you want – but it’s a look I avoid.

I think the first step to any party outfit is feeling confident in it and quite a bit of that comes down to how you feel about your face as well as your clothes. If know on the days when I feel as though I’m looking tired and puffy it doesn’t matter how my outfit is, there will just be a little niggle in my head when I walk out of the door.

If you read my review a few posts ago you’ll know I went from frosty cynic to someone who places the ZIIP Halo in the same league of importance as her hair straighteners. So this is just a nudge… if you now have one, don’t leave it gathering dust in the drawer, particularly if you’re going out.

The programme I use before an evening out is the six-minute Instant Lift on the app, which is the most powerful of the treatments. Do it while your hair’s still off your face and you’ll see the difference in the mirror when you finish. For me it’s the jawline, the cheekbones, the puffiness under my eyes and most of all my brows, which sit higher afterwards (remember, even Mal was convinced). If I’ve got a bit more time I add the Jowls programme which concentrates on the lower face and jawline and then the Neck one to finish things off.

When you’re in a rush you don’t have to use the app, you can just switch it on and it runs a four-minute lift on its own. I find I can now sense the points on my face where it feels as though there’s some build-up and so I focus on running over those.

And if you’ve got a special event in the diary, the Event Prep plan on the app builds on it through the week. Don’t forget to use the gel every time though (I’ve been using the Refresh Gel, which has hyaluronic acid in it)… without it, it’s like being snapped with elastic bands.

You can see the difference in the photos above without make-up, just imagine how easy it is to accentuate them with bronzer, blusher and highlighter.

If you haven’t bought a ZIIP Halo yet and are thinking about what you might like for Christmas, it’s worth thinking about it on a cost per wear basis. I use this at least three times a week so that’s a lot less than an outfit I’d wear maybe six times before selling it on.

You can get 20% off the ZIIP Halo which is £76 off as well as everything on the ZIIP site until 6 December with my code MIDLIFE and after that, you’ll continue to get a 10% Midlifechic reader discount.

I know, shapewear isn’t sexy but it can change an outfit from looking standard to knockout. A party look with a lower neckline only works if you’re well supported and the bra you wear every day probably isn’t the best for that.

A light smoothing slip or body gives you a clean line under clingy fabrics and it’s better to choose medium control than industrial scaffolding. If it’s comfortable enough you won’t be counting the minutes until you can go home and peel it off. And unless you’re wearing a light colour it doesn’t have to be nude – there’s a deep wine lace plunge below that has a bit of va va voom.

For me the most important piece here is the strapless bra which is the only one I’ve ever found that both works and gives a nice outline (two breasts instead of a big, lumpy monoboob).

1. Deep wine lace plunge bra, much nicer than black under a dress with a low neckline.
2. Candy pink smooth plunge bra, another option in a happy colour.
3. Supportive lace plunge in nude, the all-time bestseller from this brand, both pretty and functional.
4. The best strapless bra on the planet (in my opinion). This is the only one for me.
5. Simple smoothing slip. It’s easy to overlook the powers of a slip but under a fitted dress they skim over the lumps and bumps.
6. Plunge-neck smoothing slip to wear with your own bra. So often a support slip works everywhere but on your breasts so it’s better to pair it with a bra that fits.
7. Plunge shaping body made for a low neckline. Great for trousers or a jumpsuit and a low top.
8. Seamless all-in-one with no lines under jersey. There’s no way that this one’s going to ride up!
9. Open-bust body so your own bra does the lifting
10. High-waisted tummy-smoothing knickers. If you just need a little help around the midriff.

You saw me trying crystal tights with shorts last Friday, it’s one of the easiest ways to turn something you already own into a Christmas outfit. Swap your everyday opaques for a pair with a pattern or a scattering of tiny crystals. If you’re going for shimmer I’d keep it subtle rather than full gloss. And look for low-key sparkle or a sheer pair with a bit of texture, a tiny dot or a pattern woven in.

Tights are more sheer than they have been for the last 20 years or so – don’t forget to smooth the denier over your legs so that you don’t have light and dark patches. As soon as you start, you’ll remember how to do it. And if you’re going for tights with crystals, think about what shoes you’ll be wearing. If you’re wearing boots you’ll want a plain foot so that they don’t rub.

With a bit of sparkle:

1. Sparkly embellished opaques, for anyone who prefers a thicker tight.
2. Silver sparkle tights. Lurex for subtle sparkle all over.
3. Black tights with a crystal sparkle. With diamanté worked in and clear feet so no blisters.
4. Sheer tights with an all-over shimmer. Low key for just a hint of sparkle.
5. Sheer tights with a small polka dot. The matte option if you just want texture.

With a bit of texture:

6. Fishnet with floral lace running through it. The strength and suggestiveness of fishnets but a little more subtle.
7. Floral mesh in black and brown, also in dark red. These are lovely, they have an almost devoré effect.
8. Open herringbone fishnet, vertical patterning that visually slims the leg.
9. Tiny diamond net, the classic fishnets.
10. Fine close mesh that’s subtler than fishnet. The demure version of fishnets.
11. Sheer tights with a seam up the back, for a touch of flirty oh là là.
12. Fine net with a rose lace pattern. Perfect for lifting a plain, simple dress.

I love this as an easy way to add sparkle that lasts all week, even when I’m just at my desk typing away. Gold, bronze and copper are everywhere this Christmas or choose a cool silver if you’re more of a winter-white person. Metallic shades even work on short nails and they go with whatever colour you’re wearing.

If you’re not a metallic fan, a chrome top-coat over a colour you already own gives you the same shine. I always do my nails myself at home, sitting in front of the TV. It’s a huge part of the build-up for me, doing them the night before something I’m really looking forward to.

1. Warm bronze
2. Frosted gold from a limited Christmas collection
3. Luxe long-wear gold (and there’s a pearly snow white alternative too). This is my personal choice for December this year.
4. Quick-drying chrome, if you’ve forgotten about your nails and the taxi’s on its way.
5. Gold, deep green or red shimmer from a limited Christmas range
6. Pink chrome top coat – an easy way to swipe a bit of shimmer over the one you’re already wearing
7. Silver metallic
8. Set of three metallics in copper, lilac and rose gold

You know that I wear metallic shoes, boots and trainers for nights out all year round. I do it because it’s easy – as with nails, metallic goes with everything but people also comment on them so it’s a win win.

I’ve kept all of the heels under two inches because nights out are grim if you’re constantly longing for a chair. I’ve seen party flats everywhere this year though so we’re in luck. This season it’s all about the party slipper, lots of them in velvet. Remember that a pointed flat makes your leg look longer than a ballet shoe. Red peeping from under a wide-leg jean is the sexy option and the ones I have here are memory foam so even with a heel they’re almost like slippers. And if it’s boots you’re after, a leopard ankle boot with a tiny heel looks brilliant all year round.

1. Red kitten heel slingbacks with an ankle strap
2. Pointed burgundy ballet flats
3. Pointed suede flats in dark green or cobalt
4. Ruby patent T-bar flats
5. My personal favourites purely for the comfort factor in gold, silver or red. You can dance or stand for hours in these.
6. Emerald velvet bow flats
7. Burgundy velvet bow flats with cut-away sides
8. Silver metallic bow flats
9. Sparkly cage flats with an ankle strap
10. For me these comfortable red bow heels worn with a simple outfit are all you need for Christmas. The memory foam sole is heaven for your feet.
11. Leopard kitten heel ankle boots
12. Burgundy sequin ballet flats

A bit of diamanté at Christmas is a given but what’s around this year is nothing like the dangly crystal Victoriana earrings we all wore in the 90s. It’s cleaner and more modern… crystal set into chunky hoops or disco shapes that catch the light. Bows are absolutely everywhere this year, on brooches and in hair as well as ears. Don’t overlook the power of bold jewellery because it makes such a difference to a plain outfit.

Disco hoops and other statement earrings:

1. Wide red enamel hoops
2. Gold blade earrings with baroque pearl drops – one of my all-time favourites for day and night. 25% off with code GIFTNIKKI25
3. Hoops set with pearls that graduate in size. These are the ones I turn to when I need to lift a simple outfit. 25% off with code GIFTNIKKI25
4. My new discovery this summer, I wear them for disco and salsa nights because they shimmy along with me
5. 70s disc earrings with a tassel that comes off
6. Oversized gold ribbon hoops
7. The same as 4 but in silver, I’ve treated myself to both over the last few months because they’re so distinctive.

Modern diamante:

8. Small huggies with a crystal drop
9. Crystal bracelet with bigger stones
10. Half hoops set with a line of cut crystals
11. Twisted gold pavé hoop
12. Tennis-style bracelet on a sliding chain

I find now that I only take a bag with me if my outfit really needs the boost. Thankfully I usually get away without one now that most clothes have pockets and all you really need to take are a phone, lipstick and eyeliner.

But then sometimes a bag makes all the difference, especially if your look is simple or dressed down. Velvet, sequins and beading are big this year and a lot of the nice ones are surprisingly inexpensive. A small burgundy velvet bag… or a gold or bronze adds chutzpah to a simple outfit.

1. Bronze sequin grab bag
2. Burgundy velvet top-handle clutch (tuck the chain inside unless you need it)
3. Gold beaded clutch with a bow
4. Gold double pouch clutch
5. Wine sequin mini bag
6. Funky zebra number
7. Gold ruched velvet clutch
8. Black beaded clutch
9. Black velvet bag with a jewelled bow

I’m often surprised when I can see that someone’s put a lot of time into their outfit and then slung an old coat over the top. Not that it happens much in Newcastle because they don’t wear any coats at all there but you know what I mean. Your jacket is the first thing that people notice.

So if you don’t have a party number then it’s worth saving by wearing last year’s Christmas outfit and putting your budget into a fab coat instead. You’ll wear it for years to come. The fashion editors call them ‘trophy jackets’ – they’re usually short, boxy and a bit outrageous in some way so perhaps covered in sequins, feathers or sparkly tweed. You can just slip them on over something simple and they bring it to life.

A short faux fur is another alternative this season and it’ll keep you warm as well. Velvet with a nipped-in waist is lovely too, especially in red or green, and if you’d rather have a proper coat then make it a colour… a bright pink coat over a black dress is dramatic. I already have the fur that you see me wearing a lot, affectionately known as ‘big pink’ in our house. On Friday I’ll be showing you a couple of my new additions for this year but let’s get started here.

1. Short faux fur jacket with a collar and the perfect length
2. Pink jacket trimmed with bows
3. Embellished velvet jacket with a Boho feel
4. Red velvet jacket with a pleated waist (also in green or black)
5. Leopard velvet blazer that cinches at the waist
6. Burgundy sequin peplum jacket
7. Short gold jacket with on-trend knot buttons
8. Navy longline velvet jacket with satin trims and matching trousers
9. Bright pink wool coat
10. Longer, reversible faux fur aviator in burgundy

So what do your festivities look like this year? Tell me because it helps me to shape the next few posts. We’re starting early next weekend with tickets to see one of my favourite bands and I’ve been looking forward to it for months. I think I’m just going to go with my excitement and wear my rainbow sequinned jumpsuit but I need to try it on this weekend and check it still fits. Maybe I’ll be overdressed but it’s my last chance to wear it this year, possibly the last time I’ll wear it in my 50s… so who cares?!

Disclosure: “Cornucopia: 10 ways to sparkle this Christmas without a new outfit” is not a sponsored post