Wardrobing: I am sitting in for the rest of the festive season – what should I wear?

That will likely involve copious amounts of red wine, so choose dark colours

A roaring fire, eating Roses from the tin and shopping online: what could be better? Photograph: Thinkstock

Sarah Waldron

Wed Dec 31 2014 - 01:00

Q While most people are planning to spend the festive season in the pub, I'm going to be sitting on the sofa, alone, in front of a roaring fire, eating Roses from the tin and shopping online. I need some classy outfit options for said activity. Saoirse, Dublin 7

A Shopping online while basking in the glare of a hot fire (log or gas, but never both at the same time) is a classy activity, and classy activities usually involve copious amounts of red wine.

With that in mind, choose dark colours for your outfit and some sort of splash guard for your laptop or tablet. Dribbling is not classy.

Loungewear is not entirely the domain of rapidly bobbling fleece pyjamas or eternally greying jogging pants. Pyjamas can be slinky too. Think Coco Chanel reclining on a chaise longue in silk PJs, reams of pearls draped elegantly around her bird-like neck. These menswear-inspired pure silk pyjamas by Derek Rose of London are not cheap at £359 (about €450) but cheaper approximations can be found in silk, satins and slippery polyesters. Look in the men's section of department stores for more affordable alternatives.

This embroidered slip top by Topshop has a matching pair of shorts, and can easily be popped over a thermal vest if you're feeling exposed, but, if you still feel cold after all that fire-sitting and wine drinking, it may be best to call a doctor. Hanro is a Swiss brand that does a great line in thermals in cotton and silk mixes. Together, these lounge tops are the classic classy combo, like Dean Martin and Volare, or red wine and online shopping.

Embroidered slip top, €29, Topshop. Derek Rose of London silk pajamas, €450. Hanro lace detail vest, €36 at Brown Thomas