This month, Platinum fashion expert Gail helps you find the perfect dress – one that will suit every occasion and can take you from the church to the races! Connect with Gail at instagram.com/myageisirrelevant.
WORDS: GAIL ROLFE. IMAGES: VARIOUS BRANDS.
If, while aimlessly window shopping online on a dismal rainy day, you spot a dress that is possibly your idea of heaven, then my advice is to buy it immediately. Dresses that tick all the boxes: stylish, comfortable, versatile and sophisticated, yet practical, don’t come along that often. I have one long-sleeved navy midi dress that has taken me to Ascot, a funeral, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, a Coronation party, two weddings, lunch with girlfriends and myriad other events. It is probably the cleverest purchase I ever made eight years ago. But at the time, I wasn’t even looking for a dress. I was shopping for a jacket. Knowing that this dress is always hanging in my wardrobe removes all the inevitable “what to wear” stress.
The other trick is to have gradually bought the accompanying accessories that allow one relatively simple dress to be transformed to suit almost any occasion. In my case I invested in a navy hat for those very formal occasions, a straw hat for informal but summer days, and my shoe collection includes a pair of neutral-toned ballet flats, summery gold sandals, navy strappy kitten heel pumps, nude court shoes and ubiquitous white trainers.
My dress, perhaps surprisingly for someone who tries to stay loyal to natural fibres, is made from polyester. But the huge advantage is that it never creases and might even outlast me. It is such a gem that I eventually bought it, in the sale, in scarlet.
These days, being effortlessly stylish is so much more important than following trends. As the prices of designer clothes soar, discovering a pre-loved designer gem is fast becoming the clever way to shop. It may take time to scour websites, but the joy of paying a fraction of the original price, combined with a purchase that no one else will be wearing, is worth the effort.
Secretly, we are all searching for ways to dress for a special occasion in a chic manner while only spending about 10 minutes getting dressed. Already owning a superb dress makes this dream so much more achievable. I would even apply this method of shopping in advance when you are the mother of the bride or groom, the person giving a speech, accepting an award, or for other important moments in your life. Buying an outfit that may be worn for only one special c
