An outfit idea for Hogmanay, with a few favourite purchases from 2013.
Happy Hogmanay! (That’s New Year’s Eve to non-Scots). I wanted to share one last outfit for 2013 and thought this plaid ensemble was particularly appropriate for the occasion. After all, it wouldn’t be Hogmanay without a bit of tartan. The retro-style skirt was an autumnal purchase from Marks & Spencer; I love the rusty hue (Lennox is my family tartan so maybe that’s why I have a bias towards red checks) and details such as the leather pockets and exposed zip keep things contemporary.
If you follow me on Twitter you’ll know I like to take part in the monthly #ScotlandHour chat. It’s a great way to discover all things Alba, from lovely places to visit to delicious eateries and fantastic independent shops. This month’s #ScotlandHour, in association with the ‘Blogmanay’ tourism campaign, was all about Hogmanay. One of the questions was about how to keep warm at outdoor celebrations, which got me thinking. I’m not going out this year – we’ve planned a relaxed Hogmanay complete with movie, some fizz to ring in the bells, and the view of the fireworks over Edinburgh Castle from the end of our street – but if I was, I would probably wear something like this.
Although these shots were taken when the weather was a tad milder, with some adaptations this would make a nice wee Hogmanay outfit. It usually turns out to be one of the most freezing of nights but with 23 Scottish winters under my belt, I hope I’ve become pretty adept at keeping cosy in style. With a few more layers, strategic use of thermals, cosier tights and coat, this could be prime outfit contender to see in the New Year. I’d definitely add some knitted accessories too – my lovely Hilary Grant knits would coordinate perfectly with this ensemble.
You might have seen my grey ASOS jumper before in the Edinburgh Guide I wrote for the Cambridge Satchel Company. I couldn’t resist the adorable heart-shaped elbow patches and the lightweight knit makes it a great, versatile piece – I wore it with floaty skirts and a leather jacket in late Summer, but with a woolly skirt and coat plus layers underneath it’s cosy enough for Winter.
I loved the retro feel of the outfit so decided to embrace my inner Sixties schoolgirl with my M&S trench coat (another favourite buy of 2013), Clarks ankle boots (they haven’t left my feet since I got them last Christmas), detachable Peter Pan collar from COS (one of the most versatile purchases I’ve made all season) and a velvet ribbon in my hair (from my tin of miscellaneous ribbons).
Lastly, this gorgeous burgundy vanity case, which I’m using as a handbag, was a bargain find at the Out of the Blue flea market recently and is one of my favourite vintage purchases this year. It’s in great condition with the most beautiful lining and functional fastening, complete with key and pocket mirror inside. At £4 I couldn’t resist, and it’s received so many compliments. It’s actually pretty practical as a handbag as it has useful wee compartments inside, but I prefer to have my hands free so it only comes out on special occasions!
What are you wearing for Hogmanay? What were your favourite buys this year? Let me know in the comments below, and Happy New Year when it comes!
What I’m wearing: M&S trench coat; ASOS jumper; COS detachable Peter Pan collar; M&S skirt; Clarks Macay Holly Boots; vintage bag.
One comment
What a nice tartan skirt. I wear one sometimes too but it’s still odd to wear tartan skirts in France despite it being a big trend this autumn-winter.