It’s wonderful to have time off during the festive season, but the week in between Christmas Day and New Year’s can be a time when social – and sartorial – etiquette goes awry. Let Thomas Pink be your guide
The week in-between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve is notoriously fuggy. If you’re one of the lucky office workers who generally has a large chunk of time off in December, then you’ll know how strange and delirious this week can become. Christmas is over for another year, but the hangover and heartburn remain. Soon the days start blurring into one, and normal social etiquette flies out of the window. Is it acceptable to crack open the leftover Bucks Fizz at 11am? Sure. Should one tuck into a mince pie with brandy butter while bingeing back-to-back episodes of Friends all afternoon? Why not
Fashion may not be priority number one during this time, but it shouldn’t be entirely sidelined. Christmas jumpers are (just about) acceptable pre-New Year’s, but we don’t blame you for being officially over sequins and reindeers once Boxing Day strikes. Chances are that this week will be mainly filled with il dolce far niente (unless you have small children and countless relatives to entertain) and the temptation to kick back and enter true hibernation mode will take over. We say: embrace it. There’s no harm in wearing pyjamas all day and eating nothing but Quality Street ahead of the inevitable January health kick. ’Tis the season, after all…
Christmas Day is one of indulgence. Never mind the presents, it’s all about snacking on a seemingly never-ending supply of chocolates, mince pies and Twiglets. And that’s all before you get to the lavish multicourse feast. So it’s little wonder that, come 26 December, you may be craving a brisk countryside walk and detoxing smoothie. Boxing Day is a great excuse to dust off the cobwebs and put your brand-new walking boots on. Wrap up warm with Thomas Pink outerwear, such as our cashmere pea coat or the M65 field jacket. If it’s a relatively mild day, you could get away with layering on our new overshirt, or slipping on a padded gilet over a shirt à la David Beckham on a countryside ramble. These pieces are smart enough to take you from a lengthy rustic walk straight to Aunt Maureen’s turkey curry buffet to refill all those burned calories…
There are few times in life when pure slovenliness is not only socially acceptable but actively encouraged. The in-between festive season is one such time. So, when you’ve had your fill of visiting relatives and social catch-ups, take time out with a duvet day in front of the TV. Our matching pyjama sets are a classic style and cut as beautifully as one of our shirts, so you won’t feel unkempt wearing these all day long. Pair with one of our handcrafted tweed or corduroy slippers, made in collaboration with high-end British espadrille brand MULO, for an elevated at-home look.
Boxing Day is one of the busiest days of the year for shopping thanks to a plethora of post-Christmas sales – plus the chance to return any unwanted gifts. If you’re making a day of it in town then keep the layers light (central heating can be a bit overwhelming in department stores) but smart. Slip on one of our Merino wool sweaters – available in crew, zip and V-neck styles. The minimalist design is free from fussy logos or branding, and there’s a range of both neutral and jazzy colours to choose from. The 100 per cent Australian Merino wool will keep you nice and snug without overheating. A pop of colour, say from Thomas Pink’s eyecatching new burgundy red and white Tailored Fit smart casual striped cotton shirt will keep the look smart and stylish while you stock up on bargains.
It’s the most sociable time of the year – yes, even the weird hibernation stage just after the big day. So, peel yourself off the sofa for an afternoon and slip on some “proper” clothes for a trip to the pub or a visit to a friend’s to test out their fancy new coffee machine. Try one of our smartcasual shirts, such as the cosy charcoal grey Tailored smart casual brushed herringbone shirt, or layer a colourful cotton linen shirt over a plain white T-shirt for an effortlessly stylish look. The teal green shade is seasonal without feeling novelty. Check shirts are a winter essential and help elevate an otherwise humdrum ensemble. Try our navy blue and blue Tailored Fit smart casual brushed check shirt, or the pale grey Slim Fit smart casual Balmoral plaid check shirt worn loose with jeans. You could also grab one of our unstructured jackets if the vibe is more gastro pub than local boozer, for an easy way to win extra style points.