Style for Life | Occasion Dressing
Part III: Best Dressed Guest
Many people tell me they struggle to create cohesive outfits, so I selected 3 classic occasion-types and describe how to style a look for each.
For this third and final occasion, I’m literally talking all about Occasion Dressing! Using this outfit, I take you through how to create a ‘best dressed guest’ look for any formal or smart event. [If you missed Part I - The Casual Coffee Meeting - catch up here and for Part II - Date Night - click here].
In association with Isabella’s Wardrobe [click images to shop online] with special thanks to House for an Art Lover, Glasgow, for their hospitality and gorgeous venue. Shot by John Murray.
Event dressing can be tricky! Whether it’s a graduation or a summer wedding in Scotland, one thing’s certain - the weather is unpredictable! It’s therefore worth starting with a statement cover-up. This Temperley, oversized trench is both pretty and modern. Wear cinched at the back to reveal the dress below.
Make Harmonious Music… with colour!
The Music Room at House for an Art Lover is the perfect place for a special dinner or intimate wedding. Every internal detail was designed by the architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, including this built-in piano. In fact, I had my own wedding reception here and it was utterly perfect!
Keep the colour palette tonal and pair with complementary scarf to create verticals that elongate the figure. Shoes are key - match or deliberately clash them, but don’t forget to consider them. Adding go-to black heels simply won’t work with this soft, feminine look!
The Details
Be careful to select accessories that complement your look. No point picking gorgeous clothes then ruining the look with ill-thought out jewellery, handbag or shoes. I’ve stayed within the tonal palette of blush pinks and pale beige to ensure a cohesive look overall. Rose gold bracelets, pearl choker with matching earrings (also available at Isabella’s Wardrobe) and a smart, top handle handbag complete the look. if in doubt match, rather than clash your accessories - right down to the sunglasses - in my case [gifted] rose gold frames from Sojos Vision.
The Dress
While the cover up is important from a weather point of view, the dress is equally so - after all, you’ll be expected to dance the night away, so make sure you love it. This dress by Paule Ka, is the softest blush colour and a demure, but fitted cut that accentuates the waist and covers the upper arm - an important consideration for many women. It has gravitas, style and elegance. Indeed, in the top picture, I could be the first female President, about to take the Oval Office!
What do you think?! Leave me a note in the comments and please share any occasion dressing challenges you’d like some help with and I’ll be sure to reply!
Shop the whole look at Isabella’s Wardrobe, Crow Road, Glasgow - don’t forget to tell the team I sent you!
Nx
PS: This blog was adapted from my feature in Insight Magazine.