Festive remix: Tear up the fashion rule book this Christmas

While a little black dress, or a sequin top is always en point for the party scene, who says festive fashion has to be so cut and dry? It’s time to tear up the rule book and mix cocktail with casual, opulent with ordinary and embrace a little elegant eccentricity .

Tis’ the season to work a little drama into your style and dial up the glam factor. But as our fashion story, shot against the whimsical elegance of Killkea castle shows, it’s the addition of the unexpected that elevates an outfit - a bejewelled cap for cocktails, a silk dress for winter walks, a cosy knit worn with chiffon and glitter. If your Christmas calendar is full of events, and you need a different look for each, why not rent a few show-stopping gowns to keep the designer thrills coming and pair with high street accessories, so you don’t completely deplete the Santa fund.

Blazer, €190, and blouse, €74, both Que Guapa,The Showroom; dress, €175 for three-day hire, Greta Constantine at Covet; Boots, €125, Hunter.

Sarah wears silk blouse, €245, and skirt, €255 both Pinko, Harvey Nichols; gloves, €625, Paula Rowan; shoes, €55, Lost Ink; earrings, €62 Stella & Dot. Karen wears coat, €425, dress, €199, both Silvian Heach, The Showroom; shoes, €55 Lost Ink.

Sarah wears dress, €420, Three Floor, Si Jolie; bespoke hat, €250, Harpers Hats; earrings, €52Stella & Dot €52. Karen wears dress, €175 for three-day hire, Greta Constantine, Covet; earrings, €62, Bracelet, €125 both Stella & Dot.

Jumpsuit, €410, Pinko, Harvey Nichols; bespoke antler headpiece, Harpers Hats POA

Karen wears dress, €540, Three Floor, Si Jolie; shoes, €55, Lost Ink; ring, €410, Stonechat. Sarah wears sweater, €105, Silvian Heach, The Showroom; skirt, €575, Pinko, Harvey Nichols €575; shoes, €55 Lost Ink

Sarah wears dress, €195 for three-day hire, Badley Mischka, Covet; shoes, €19, Penneys; emerald ring, €2,500, Stonechat; necklace, €80, Stella & Dot.

Blouse €95; Silvian Heach, trousers, €102, Que Guapa, both The Showroom; bespoke hat, €200 Harpers Hats; shoes, €55, Lost Ink €55.

Photography: Aaron Hurley

Stylist: Barbara Meade. Assisted by: Svetlana Osypenko

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Make-up: Sue Brophy using No7 products

Hair: Leonie at Thairapy salon Stepaside; www.thairapysalon.ie

Shot on location at Kilkea Castle, Castledermot, Co Kildare; www.kilkeacastle.ie . With special thanks to the team at Kilkea Castle, Appassionata flowers and Fantasy Lights; www.appassionata.ie, www.fantasylights.com