Pre Festive Essentials That Will Last Well Beyond The Eggnog

The social calendar is getting busier, as is expected this time of year. But we aren’t in full festive mode yet, at least not sartorially.

If you are like me and are looking for essentials to seamlessly take you from the office to those pre-holiday dinner and drinks events, these sustainable brands have the perfect pieces to mix and match and layer up through this season - and the next…and the next.

NYC based Salon 1884 manufactures responsibly using only environmentally conscious materials including peace silk and wool to create seasonless staples that will be worn on repeat long after the initial thrill. Smart practical designs such as the bodysuits are testament to the design considerations taken for each piece to enhance the versatility of each garment. Archival pieces are also now on sale from the studio at special prices for a limited time.

The polka dot shirt is a classic that will be a standout at any party now and for seasons to come. Layer up with this striking Lou tux jacket in silk lined wool and be the coolest chica to walk in the door. The sweatshirt bodysuit in cotton fleece is a slouchy essential that is given the right amount of structure in a bodysuit. Pair it with the Tauba wrap skirt in fine wool for a day outfit that is casual yet understated chic. The Linder silk shirt is the all-purpose bodysuit we didn’t know we needed, and now can’t stop thinking about!

Irish designer Maria McManus aims to create an heirloom out of every essential we add to our closet. Crafted from the finest recycled, organic and biodegradable fabrics and manufactured with the least environmental impact; sustainability is at the heart of this label’s ethos. Innovations such as Naia Renew – a silk like fabric made from wood pulp, biodegradable buttons from plant based materials and viscose made from wood pulp are just some of their sustainability initiatives to deliver a product that does not compromise on quality.

The double breasted wool blazer in steel grey has a detachable cloak element that adds that extra touch to your office ensemble without the heaviness of an additional layer. The Boho blouse in heather grey has a flowing fit with a drop shoulder to complement the merino wool flannel fabric making it an easy piece to wear with trousers or skirts, day or evening. Pair it with the lace bias skirt in jacquard for a dinner date or the ruched skirt in French lace to kick off the party season.

London based Aligne is committed to delivering luxurious pieces at attainable prices through their community of local partners and sustainable materials at a minimum impact level. All their denim is made using the Jeanologia technology that utilises 80% less water. Free repair services on all products, old and new go a long way to increasing the lifecycle of each garment. Projects to create pieces completely from dead stock, recycled packaging, donations to women athletes and other charities to support female employment are all part of their circular mindset.

The current collection is a treasure trove of layering pieces from the Gia knitted vest in cocoa to the Leo long waistcoat – wear it with denims as is or over a smart oxford shirt and you are all set. The neutral toned Angelina wool bolero is the perfect cropped layer – the curved sleeve and the rounded hem soften the look further to make it more versatile. For those days that you want one pop of colour to do all the work, look no further than the Artemis waisted blazer in mustard. The boat neck with curved sleeves takes this piece a notch further – glam without even trying.

Of late, the RSVPs in my social calendar are for more intimate events – a drink at a cozy watering hole or dinners hosted by a friend. The parties will find its way to the list as the year ends but for now this is the perfect, easy and relaxed way to meet friends and colleagues. These in-between engagements call for a flexible dress code and these brands certainly get the memo right on this front.

What is your pre-festive wardrobe looking like at this time of the year? I would love to hear your fall to winter stylings in the comments.