Karen Dacre,-Fashion Editor at Large
It’s all about the domestic dancefloor this festive season. Women’s football collective Romance FC help us show you how to style it
You’ve learnt to work from home but now it’s time to party from home (PFH). With the usual glut of office shindigs and champagne-charged get-togethers out of the question for most of us, the age of the stay-home celebration is underway. And just as WFH brought with it a whole new uniform, PFH has its own enchanting aesthetic – and it’s as festive as a busy elf on Christmas Eve.
Guardian stylist and fashion editor Melanie Wilkinson is adamant that staying home need not mean swerving chicness. ‘This winter there’s joy in creating festive looks that suit the sofa,’ she says. ‘I love the idea of silk trousers, or even pyjama bottoms, teamed with a great polo. I have a lovely pair I plan to wear with a cashmere polo. It’s all about soft silhouettes and slouchy fabrics plus statement earrings or an eye-catching ring to ensure a bit of sparkle”.
To demonstrate how to style it, we asked the players from north London football collective Romance FC to raise a glass (in a socially distanced way) to a year spent working together and supporting each other as a team. The group of women –creative professionals who make a living as musicians, designers, stylists and more – have been playing together since 2012. They use football to build community, develop careers, and bring women together in ways that challenge both the sport and creative industries in which they play roles. They recently collaborated with Nike on a women’s football kit and have more enterprising plans in the pipeline.
But how do they usually celebrate Christmas? And how will it look this year? ‘We tend to have an end of year gathering with music and dancing – celebrating our community, proud moments and achievements,’ says founding team member, freelance stylist Trisha Lewis. ‘Leading up to Christmas this year we’ll have a festive game of football with the team with a “Secret Romancer” exchange of gifts. Then at home it will be more low key, with Zoom exchanges with the family.’
But how to dress? From easy-to-wear separates and dresses designed to see you through everything from a boozy brunch to stacking the dishwasher, here’s how we helped Romance FC to hit the (kitchen) dance floor in style.
“I love playing tough games and winning them. And the euphoria that comes after.”
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Skirt plus sweater
After a look that’s functional enough to cook dinner in while still going with your vibesy festive playlist and your vat of homemade espresso martini liqueur? Then the skirt and sweater combo is the answer. Seek out metallic knife pleats and team them with luxurious cable knits in vibrant shades. A pair of shearling sandals (Birkenstocks are ideal) is the kitchen disco shoe of dreams.
“For me football is all about the community, the vibes, the relationships off the pitch, the bants, the bad jokes, the joy, the love.”
Amina Kahn
Easy tux
Do it like Downton Abbey and dress for dinner this December with laid-back tailoring that oozes elegance. Seek out loose or slouchy silhouettes – boyfriend blazers and wide-leg trousers are ideal. Tactile fabrics such as velvet are also a great option. Team with simple silk camis or layer over roll necks. For the ultimate louche look, skip shoes and go barefoot – adding a spangly earring will raise Christmas spirits.
“Being part of a team with so many amazing women as well as the wider Romance community pushes me to be better on and off the pitch.”
Katie Houghton
Big blouse energy
When life returns to normal next year we’ll look back on these jogging-bottom days with rose-tinted nostalgia so why not make the most of them now by giving them a festive overhaul? All that’s required is an all-singing all-dancing top that works with anything from sequin skirt to slouchy tracksuit bottoms. To find your headliner, consider vibrant prints and bold shapes. A puff shoulder blouse or a style with sheer sleeves will add a sense of wonder to any ensemble.
“I tend to put a festive twist on a glam outfit over Christmas. But as soon as dinner’s done it’s pure comfort, soft cottons and slippers.”
Trisha Lewis
Touchy feely velvet
Kevin McAlister aside, nothing is more unmistakably festive than a flash of velvet. A returning hit where December is concerned, velvet is a direct route to seasonal sartorial success. This year you can bypass ball gowns and revel in the comfort of slouchy velvet blazers or wide-cut trousers. If it’s good enough for Saint Nick…
“I always dress up for Christmas lunch, then change for the walk and get cosy in the evening. My grandmother and I always have a glass of sherry while opening presents.”
Sakky Barnor
The comfort and joy dress
The co*cktail frock may be surplus to requirements this December but the dress need not be. Whether you’re rocking around your own Christmas tree or hosting a long lunch, a great dress that is versatile and laced with party spirit is a PFH essential. Of course, the aim of the game is still to find a style that offers longevity but also a chance to have some fun. An upbeat print such as a vibrant floral is a good idea – team with classic sandals and an oversized knit. A sweater dress that can be dressed up with a stiletto boot – or down with your favourite pair of slippers – will also ensure that you feel loaded with festive spirit.
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