Sibling AW17

Snazzy patterns and cosy knitwear represent the prevailing pieces in my wardrobe wishlist. And no British label marries the two better than the award-winning Sibling, arguably forerunners in all things knitted and elegantly eccentric. Designed by Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery, the brand is a flurry of striking prints, vibrant colours, and styles you would be hard-pressed to source from your average high street retailer.

Although presented during London Fashion Week Men's (previously London Collections: Men), the catwalk showcased AW17 ensembles across both mens- and womenswear. Tribal print tailoring dominates much of the collection, alongside woollen jumpers and dresses with Elizabethan-esque ruffles. Here and there, the eye is then drawn to the shimmer of a sequined sweater, or the glimmer of metallic knit leggings. And to finish each look, a perfect pairing of graphic socks and Freakloset x Sibling leather shoes.

Harry J Bartlett, 180 Strand

Inside the official venue for London Fashion Week Men's at 180 Strand, Harry J Bartlett wears an ASOS checkered suit with J Crew pocket square, vintage shirt, Vivienne Westwood shoes and tie, and glasses by Bailey Nelson.

Stars and Velvet

Blue velvet blazer c/o ASOS | Blue patent Chelsea boots c/o ASOS | Noose & Monkey star print shirt
Selected Homme slim-fit suit trousers | Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses

Christmas and New Year's Eve parties are the biggest nights out on the average Joe's social calendar, so it's no wonder that thousands of us hit the December sales in search of our newest and shiniest gladrags. Personally, I prescribe to the ASOS partygoer philosophy of "any party, any time, anything goes", which is why I'm all for attending or even throwing a shindig at any point in the year, and for no other reason than to dress up - whether in fancy dress or a fancy tux - and pop bottles of prosecco.

However, while the magic of social media may make my life seem fairly glamorous at times, said celebrations are traditionally hosted in a privately rented Zone 2 flat. It's not quite the Made In Chelsea lifestyle (Kennington is one letter and a world apart from Kensington), but a cosy gathering of companions and familiar faces, fuelled by inexpensive wine, a personal collection of craft gins, and generous platters of pulled pork and oozing cheeses, is often more enjoyable than a potentially pricey night out in the heart of the city.

Notwithstanding, my friends and I will still go all out when dressing up for a house party, the girls often raiding one another's wardrobes for that perfect dress or playsuit. I on the other hand prefer a smart jacket and a snazzy shirt to a bodycon or ballgown, which is excuse enough to do some online shopping - even if I cannot physically fit anything else in my own wardrobe.

Last month, ASOS invited me to preview the new AW16 releases, including a plenitude of statement party pieces. Patterned silks and colourful velvets take precendent across both the mens- and womenswear collections, which is how I came to fall in love with my deep blue velvet blazer with contrasting shawl lapels, naturally accompanied by matching blue Chelsea boots in patent leather.