Its that tricky time of year where the sun has finally bought a new hat and come out of hiding to show it off – however, not without a mystifying random mist, haze, smog or chilly morning first.
It’s also the start of event season; with parties, weddings, christenings, holidays and the races all on the horizon. What we buy now has to show its full potential to guarantee it a place in our Summer wardrobes – clothes that can’t work hard and play hard aren’t good value for money.
So, with this in mind I’ve put together some outfits to give you inspiration on how a single item – this time, a dress – can be dressed up for special occasions and also dressed down for a more casual look.
First up is this lovely purple jersey Moschino dress. It has a wrap-style neckline and a draped skirt and bodice that really highlights a petite waist (even if you don’t have one – the power of a good cut!) I’ve styled it UP with this gorgeous cream Thierry Mugler fitted jacket, slung just so over the shoulders à la Paris fashion week and a splendid black feather and crystal brooch.
Moschino Dress, £129 , Thierry Mugler Jacket, £89 , Feather Brooch, £15
Then I’ve dressed it DOWN with this chunky lilac Malene Birger wrap cardigan, a hand tooled leather golden belt and cute gold pumps with pom pom toes. Perfect for traipsing through an airport early in the morning (hence the Gucci travel bag) but looking fresh as a daisy when you arrive at your destination!
Moschino dress, £129, By Malene Birger cardigan, £69, Gold belt, £24, Gold pumps, £29, Gucci bag, £399
Next up, I’ve gone for this candy pink By Malene Birger t-shirt dress (backed with silk, yummy!) To dress up what is a very casual style, I added structure with the white blazer and contrast with the deep red belt.
By Malene Birger dress, £89, Topshop blazer, £39, Red belt, £24
Then I dressed it DOWN with the addition of a floral cardigan (with it’s own vintage-look belt). Add wedges and this casual version will take you from the school run, to the pub garden, to dinner at a low key restaurant.
By Malene Birger dress, £89, Betty Barcley cardigan, £29
Coming up now is my favorite! I dressed UP a beaded mini dress from Vintage Stories has a 1920s style look, which works beautifully with a lilac silk stole and black strappy heels for evening parties or wedding reception dancing.
Vintage Stories Dress, £69, Silk stole, £45, Costume National sandals, £69
To dress it DOWN, I slung a bright cricket knit from Ralph Lauren over the top and a patent purple Lulu Guinness bag (the shape adds to the twenties vibe). Add metallic trainers or desert boots and you’ll be good to go anywhere!
Vintage Stories dress, £69, Ralph Lauren jumper, £69, Lulu Guinness bag, £140
Now, last but never least, this floor sweeping Jaeger number can be dressed UP with a simple long pendant (I found an ‘Aladdin’s lamp’ style drop necklace in our jewelry cabinet which adds a bout of playfulness) and a beautiful high wedge by Boss.
Jaeger dress, £99, Lamp necklace, £15, Boss wedges, £79
To dress it DOWN, I simply added a faded cropped denim jacket by Firetrap and popped the collar for a little old-school attitude – maybe add a quiff and a slick of red lippie to set it off nicely?
Jaeger dress, £99, Firetrap jacket, £33
Hopefully that gave you some ideas on how to mix up items in your wardrobe for casual and party looks! If not, never fear, for Love is Boutique is throwing a new season styling party to help you out!
Pop along to the shop on 2nd May from 6pm onwards and we’ll have champagne on hand, as well as our styling team, to give you some tips for the year ahead! Read more about it here.
Feel free to RSVP the event on Facebook to give us an idea of numbers.
If you want to chat fashion & style, tweet me @LoveisDesigner or Paula @LoveisBoutique. You can also give the shop a call on 01892 549665.
