Good style
Social season is upon us – but is your wardrobe occasion-ready? From weddings and garden parties to sporting events and family get-togethers, look to modern event dressing with plenty of va-va-voom. Let the celebrations begin!
RED HOT
Take the worry out of occasion dressing and go tonal top-to-toe for a low-effort yet refined look. If you’re going to wear the same colour separates, choose contrasting textures to keep your outfit looking lively. Sequins and bows, silks and lace… whatever your combo, you can’t go wrong with striking red – it’s the most timeless, ageless and easiest colour to pull off.
Top, £42, 6-22, Next. Skirt, £69, xs-l, Ghospell at Sister Jane. Earrings, £39, Seol + Gold. Sandals, £129, 3-9, Hobbs
SUPER SLEEVES
All hail power-puff sleeves – they’re taking over event season, and the bigger the better! Swoon-worthy voluminous sleeves instantly create a feminine, sculptural silhouette and are a modern, elegant way to cover your upper arms. This breathtakingly beautiful dress has just the right level of drama and perfectly balances pear-shaped proportions. Bellissima!
Dress, £139, 6-20, Phase Eight. Sunglasses, £28, L.K.Bennett. Earrings, £22.95, Cheerings. Shoes, £325, 3-8, Russell & Bromley
Good style
SHEER GENIUS
Glyndebourne or Ascot, country wedding or penthouse party; big-day dressing just got a whole lot easier thanks to this season’s wealth of wearable maxis. Lace, crochet, mesh and see-through fabrics are subtly suggestive and add a playful peek-a-boo element. Consider natural raffia accessories, as they’re super-versatile and work well with most colours.
Dress, £250, 8-24, Monsoon. Hairband, £255, Beverley Edmondson Millinery. Basket, stylist’s own. Sandals, £29.99, 3-8, H&M
LOUD AND PROUD
Dark colours can become draining as we get older and take colour from our hair and skin. Vivid hues can create a highlight, instantly lifting our skin tone and hair. The key to being older and bolder is to wear brights in a cut you feel comfortable with, and a universally flattering shirt dress is one of those pieces you’ll find yourself turning to summer after summer.
Dress, £250, 8-18, Jasper Conran London. Hat, £89, L.K.Bennett. Earrings, £24.95, Cheerings. Shoes (just seen), £345, 3-8, Russell & Bromley
ON THE SPOT
More glamorous than stripes and more contemporary than florals, Pretty Woman-inspired polka dots hit the sweet spot between smart and relaxed. We’re loving the mesmerising energy of this dotty dress. Its spot-on print and swishy cut feel incredibly glamorous with every twist and twirl. Finish with a contrasting spotty hairband.
Dress, £189, 6-18, Hobbs. Hairband, £12.90, Braid & Bow. Bag (just seen),
