Party Time

This year, like in previous ones, many of you are writing in to ask for guidance on what to wear to the approaching company’s night out, how to “do a more relaxed yet glam christmas day” and wether to spend on a new look for this year’s New-Year’s eve ball.

Considering that behind each such question there is a unique personal story, lifestyle, dressing style and budget, getting a ‘one fits all’ answer, will not be sufficient. Moreover it will be like opening a magazine and expecting to find your personal look there. These spaces are more tailored to advertising than to giving individuals a much needed personal indications and as most of you know, it is not my style.

However, there are two points I am happy to highlight, and which after many years of coaching and styling have proven successful in offering a solid, foundational approach to getting the desired dressing result, regardless of the occasion.

The first one is to remember that the finished look has to reflect your own personal style and the overall statement you would like your image to send out. Secondly, remind yourself that not every occasion calls for a spectacular or new outfit, and you will be wise to find a few key pieces and accessories to creatively transform a look and create the desired - and perceived effortless - effect.

With the above in mind, here are a few key seasonal ideas to add sparkle to your outfit this season.

  • Glitter, feathers, lace, ribbons and shine - a little will go a long way.

  • A black, red, or shimmery dress - be it sequin, silk or satin; fit is essential!! Opt for a style you like and suit your shape.

  • Wide-leg Palazzo or wide tuxedo style trousers

  • Evening Jacket - Velvet, lace or embroidered, long smoking style or short, loose or fitted its all go. These can be worn with a pair of dressy cigarette style trousers or lift a pair of jeans with a vest top.

  • A waist coat - A widely popular trend alongside a lace or sparkly camisole/bustier top. Team with trouser suit for a look that will transfer you from the office to the office party, or wear one under a sheer long sleeve tunic. There is nothing like chiffon and lace to enhance your femininity.

  • Brush up on what the desired / invited dress-code means so you can make an educated appeal choice and feel comfortable in your surrounding.

Cooler Days

The feel of the current cooler season is that this season everything goes!

I always maintained that one’s choice to embrace a signature style, by creating collections around, and rewearing, favourite pieces - with attention to garment condition and fit of course - will without a doubt, enhance their confidence and overall positive state of mind.

Many times in practice I have seen that when one is ‘allowed’ to be fully themselves’ in what they wear, its like they gained extra physical inches to their posture. I am really happy to see that this is finally taking roots in the wider approach / minds of clothes makers and artists’s creations that people like to wear.

So when I write ‘everything goes’ you can interpret this to mean; follow your own personal style - be it relaxed, classic, grunge etc - but know how to adapt it when, and if necessary. Also, pay close attention to fabric condition and fit; even if a piece is meant to be oversized it still needs to follow certain proportions so make sure you understand what your own form requires before choosing and if you are not sure ask for advice.

Here are a few key add-ons you might like to consider in order to update a look for the coming, cooler months:

Layers - not new but still a strong look, as an example a hoodie under tailored blazer, its sleek yet fun.

  • All day tailored ensembles and the return of the wide shoulder. Loose or belted suiting, buttoned shirts, vests, evening jackets and yes, even ties.

  • White shirt - another all time favourite; invest in a quality, preferably two and with distinctive cut/design

  • A tailored black tuxedo style evening wear and a long coat. Never really out of fashion and it does not have to be black

  • Comfort "Après-ski" style for day to day - brushed knits and Argyle style jumpers

  • Tweed, silk, lace, metallic and yes, still tartan

  • Highlighted waist - wide leg tailored trousers and / or denim

  • Shimmering sequence - no longer just a party look but incorporated into daywear too.