Frozen, Foolish & Fashionable
by Jace Hume
In case you have somehow missed it, the castle is officially under attack by winter. This is not normal December. Oh no. We have a giant floating snow globe in the Great Hall, glowing footprints, mystery scrolls about the 12 Days of Hexmas and a chill that actually laughs at ordinary robes. Rude. Whilst the staff are off trying to work out what cursed festivities have been accidentally unleashed, we need to talk about something loads more important. Fashion survival.
First rule of Hexmas from your resident Fashionisto is layers. Not just any old bundle, thank you very much. Clever layers. You want something soft or fitted close to your skin, then a proper thick jumper, then your robes or a heavy jacket over the top. Picture this. Some cosy cable knits, roll necks, jumpers in your house colours peeking out under open robes like you woke up stylish on purpose. Thick socks and good shoes are not optional. The stone floors are doing the whole skating rink thingy. Get a grip. Literally. Is it dramatic? Yes. Do I secretly love it? Also yes.
Speaking of dramatic, let’s talk accessories. A long scarf wrapped twice round your neck is not just warm, it is an entrance! You sweep into the classroom, scarf trailing, looking like you own the entire scene. Matching gloves to keep your fingers warm and to make it look like you planned your life? Absolutely. If they don’t match, just call it ‘a look’ and own it. Confidence is warmer than wool.
All this chaos is building up to the Winter Ball on the twentieth, which I am choosing to believe will not be cancelled no matter how Hexmas this gets. The theme is formal and classic Crimbo colours. A note to remember, if you aren’t dressed up in proper formal attire, you’ll get sent back to the dorm to change! That means no PJs, slippers or goofy sweaters.
By formal attire, what do we mean? What does that include? Thinking about those stories with the Princess meeting up with a Prince Charming at his big fancy castle’s ball! For the younger set, how about some nice suits and Cinderella styled ball gowns? What’s going on for the older years? We’re talking reds, greens, golds and silvers in rich fabrics. Now, there’s an enchanting vibe. Think long dresses in deep red velvet, forest green satin, soft silvers and golds that catch every bit of light. For dress robes and suits, go dark green, black or deep red with little pops of gold, silver or green. A red waistcoat, a gold or silver tie, green trim on the cuffs or a sparkly brooch can pull it all together without turning you into a walking ornament. Unless you want to be. No judgement. Who am I kidding? I will absolutely judge.
When I asked the cards what kind of fashion advice I should pass on for the Winter Ball, I pulled The Fool in reverse. The card basically tells us not to waste this. This card warns about a lack of humour, missed chances and drifting about like you can’t be bothered. That would be a tragedy at a Hexmas Ball. Don’t take it all so seriously that you forget to have fun with it. A tiny snowman pin that actually wiggles, a charm that makes your earrings jingle softly, green and red ribbons braided into your hair or a matching set of bracelets with your friends. Little touches that do the talking for you. The castle might be frozen, but we’re going to enjoy it anyway. The Ball is your moment to step out of the cold and into the light. Don’t shuffle in like an extra in someone else’s story. Walk in like you’re part of the plot, not the background.
