The Great Winter Fashion Conundrum

OK, now here's the thing; glamorous party tonight and it's colder than a penguin's backside outdoors, so what to wear to get from bedroom to bar without taking a cab or suffering from hypothermia? The big winter coat is a no-brainer, but what about the rest? I'll be reporting back tomorrow, but in the meantime here's the That's Not My Age guide to smart winter style:


1. Dress up a pair of woolly tights
Knitted hosiery may not be the most glamorous accessory known to womankind but teamed with a fabulous dress - this one is Roksanda Ilincic for Whistles - and some show-stopping shoes, no-one will notice - or care. Remember, it's going to be minus three later this evening!



2. If in doubt get the sequins out
That's Not My Age's sequin jacket has only has one outing this year, and worn with slim black pants and a thermal vest, makes the perfect alternative to the party dress. Don't forget, those shiny, plastic discs provide excellent insulation.



3. Choose sensible footwear
Now there's no way I am skidding down that icy hill in a pair of heels. Tonight, That's Not My Age will be wearing sensible footwear and carrying the grown-up's favourite party accessory; a canvas tote and spare pair of shoes. And though Jane Birkin wears Uggs - yes I'm disappointed too, because frankly I'd rather go out in my bed socks and slippers than slop around like the sheepskin-clad, back end of a pantomime horse - there are better options. The wedge-heeled welly from Hunter, for one. Looks trés chic and is available in both ankle and knee length. Wellies are good for keeping feet dry but not so great at keeping the warmth in, so best wear them with a pair of great big socks.




Or try these lovely wool-lined, lace-up boots from Ilse Jacobsen:



4. Get to the do, then unleash the party shoe
Follow the advice above and arrive at the party with all your toes intact. When it's warm and dry the shoe switch-over can be done sitting on a wall around the corner from the venue but, during the big freeze when it's ankle deep in snow, best to nip inside, sit down and quickly change the footwear.



Now how about these Let's Dance shoes from Beatrix Ong - aren't they fantastic? Not my favourite David Bowie era, ever, but nice idea, eh? Oh and just so you know, a new Beatrix Ong store has recently opened on Pavilion Road, London.



Do you have any tips for staying warm and looking cool?


Photos
Purple beret etc: Gant, Sequin jacket, Moschino from Net-a-Porter, Ilse Jacobsen boots from The Natural Shoe Store.

The grown-up guide to: parties

Within the space of a week, That's Not My Age has been to both a 50th and a 40th birthday party and so let me tell you what I know about grown-up-dressing-up:


1. Wear something you always feel right in
Having a fail-safe item of clothing to turn to is more comforting than knowing you've got a lift home and a lie-in. That's Not My Age prefers low-key, casual glamour to getting dressed up to the nines, as architect, John Pawson says, 'The state of minimum is not one of austerity nor deprivation, it is clarity of space.' Hence, I opted for simplicity, and an Isabel Marant-inspired ensemble, the trousers are old cropped Capri pants from Gap. And yes, I wore this outfit to both parties, if you must know.

2. Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready.
Throwing something on and immediately looking fabulous is inversely proportionate to age. Easy enough when you're a dewy-skinned teenager, less likely when you're closer to retirement than graduation. A last-minute rush is not the best way to start the evening and can lead to sartorial mishaps. Pushed for time, me and Mr That's Not My Age had to stop off for a bag of chips en route to the 50th party, whilst enjoying our grown-up supper the Blog Widower asked if my nail varnish was supposed to have fluffy bits on it.

3. Plan ahead
The sophisticated up-do I had planned to compliment my wannabe French outfit looked more like a powdered wig than an elegant chignon. I can't remember it being such a faff 20 years ago when I last tried it, but I had more patience then and a lot less grey hair. To avoid a last-minute tonsorial crisis and a painful comb-out, either practise the hairstyle before the big night out, leave it to a professional or end up with a fuck-up-do, like me.


And one to avoid:

Staying till the end
One thing you realise after 30 years of partying is that whilst it is considered acceptable to arrive fashionably late, it's never acceptable to stay too late. Make sure you're tucked up in bed when your contemporaries are dancing to The Final Countdown, devouring what's left of the buffet or waiting in vain for the next taxi home.



Inspired by model/designer/rock aristo, Suzie Bick, who I spotted at an after-show party looking frabjous (new favourite word, people) in double velvet and sequins, here are some of my favourite party pieces:











What are your party tips?

Photos
Isabel Marant catwalk: style.com. Vivienne Westwood Red Label jacket, Matches. Sequin jacket, Lurex sweatshirt and trousers, Jaeger. Kitten heels, LK Bennett