I tried to buy a jolly Christmas outfit, I really did! I wanted something sparkly, to replace my trusty but old Top Shop top, but could I find anything, could I b…..y!  And today I found out why – because sparkly – or at least the sequin version of sparkly – is a big no-no for the environment. And Boden, the fashion retailer, has pulled sequins from all its clothing, and according to the Sunday Times today, others are likely to follow suit.

But, as it happened, yesterday, as I was about to leave Westfield shopping centre laden with Christmas presents, I spotted exactly what I was after – a black cotton long sleeved T-shirt/jumper from Whistles. Step forward the Black Annie sparkly knit, at £69 it won’t break the bank, and comes in various colours should you not want to channel Johnny Cash. I am usually a size 10 top but I sized up as I though it looked better with a looser fit.  Now, the composition does include 1% metal, which I imagine means it isn’t completely biodegradable, although the description does flag that the garment is responsible, but I am not sure what that definition means as it’s not a standard term. However, it’s a gorgeous top, subtly sparkly, soft and comfortable, and I will be sporting this on Christmas Day, with black leggings to allow for copious amounts of Christmas pud! 

Here are five more black classy outfit ideas, sans sparkle, but with opportunities to add some pizzazz to a neutral background.

For those who want a bit more glam – maybe you’re going to someone’s house for the big day and want to elevate your look, rather than turn up with your reindeer jumper like Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’ Diary, try this beautiful Lilysilk silk shirt – comfortable and loose enough to accommodate a Christmas filled tum, but smart enough to show that you’ve made an effort. 

Here was a shirt I passed up on, but only because it was a bit too long and wide on me, even in size 36. It is gorgeous though, with a lovely ruffled neck and would look fabulous on someone a bit taller and broader of shoulder than me. Black silk shirt from Cos – £115 

Ok, don’t kill me, but I’d already bought the lilac version of this gorgeous jumper in order to inject a little colour into my otherwise super-neutral capsule wardrobe, but I saw Anna from the Anna Edit sporting it recently and decided I had to have it in black too!I take size XS and they come up quite generously. from Arket £135 but now reduced to £110.

And if you need some kecks to go with it, here is a pair: – I wear a size 38 which just fits!

And finally, A Cos dress perfect for Christmas visiting and being able to eat as much as you like without worrying about having to unzip anything! £59 online only. 

 Happy Christmas!