Much discussion from fashion desk members has revolved around the wearing of maxi skirt lengths over the festive season. This outfit from the marvellous Dries Van Noten is perhaps a trifle grunge for Christmas luncheons – mind you, the idea of wearing shades at the table is quite genius. But the maxi skirt look – try zara, Topshop or H&M on the high street – works well with a fine knit or posh T-shirt tucked in. Reiss is also worth a visit – it does skirts and more evening-friendly maxi dresses. Shoe maxi rules: anything with total foot coverage is frumpy but if there’s a split in the dress, an ankle boot will work.
Photograph: Sipa Press / Rex
While football fans were cursing Russia, the Briefing remained dizzy with thoughts about David Beckham’s barnet. Long and wispy at the back, echoing a mullet – a word rarely associated with follicle lovability – on top, it’s shoved back in a manner that is somehow smart yet messy. Regardless of whether it catches on, one stylish colleague was quite clear in her thoughts: “He needs to come home and get it cut.” Harsh? Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images
This is not just a hot water bottle but a hot water bottle with a knitted reindeer cover – this is what seasonal dreams are made of. At Topshop, this is all part of the festive action: customisation workshops, Christmas cards and recipes by fashion folk. In non-Christmas Topshop news, they have just unveiled exclusive key pieces from the graduate collections of three up-and-coming Central St Martins graduates: Lilly Heine, Matthew Harding and Simone Rocha. Expect, respectively, 3D grey shifts, a hairy leather jacket and minimalist tailoring with netted head pieces.
£12, topshop.com Photograph: Guardian
The very phrase “fantasy fur” used to describe these Asos mittens is enough to make the most hardened of fashion mavens break out in a smile. As you surely know, faux fur is a trend on fire, plus these natty hand warmers allow the wearer to channel Paris Vogue and a beaver simultaneously. Oh, what a gorgeous minx you’ll be this week, huh?
£16, asos.com Photograph: Guardian
Converse, one of fashion’s true classics, is getting down with a spot of customising at Offspring in Selfridges. Choose from more than 200 designs – from patterns such as the pictured zebra print to a tattoo-style illustration or maybe a retro ghetto blaster – and have them slapped on to a brand new pair of Chuck Taylors. Note: you can’t take in your old pairs. An instore “maestro” (ie, a whizz on a laptop) will create your vision while you wait. Available in kids’ sizes too, this makes a top festive gift for those tricksy people who have everything.
From £10 (trainers sold separately), Offspring at Selfridges, 020-7318 3153 Photograph: Sarah Lee/Guardian
