The Checklist: Best Dressed Guest
Wherever you’re headed and however many invites you’ve slotted into your diary this summer, make sure you’re the best dressed guest at every occasion with our guide to the trophy dresses, finishing touches and flawless underpinnings that will create the perfect elevated ensemble.
All Dressed Up
The most crucial element of your outfit, you want something that looks and feels incredible and that you’ll want to wear on repeat. A midi dress, with its multiple styling possibilities, will cover all bases - look for the striking prints, ruffles or pleat detailing and streamlined silhouettes that make for a modern classic. Daring cut-outs will bring a guaranteed sexy cool to your outfit and, should the occasion require, can be off-set with an androgynous blazer - at least until the dancing starts. And if you really need to ramp up the glamour then reach for feathers and sequins that will have all eyes on you wherever you go.
Fancy Footwork
You want your shoes to stand their own so give your wardrobe staples a miss and reach for a pair with a playful spirit and interesting details. A luxe fabric in a vibrant colour, whether you use it to make a black or neutral dress pop or layer with a bright shade or bold print, will lift your look as well as your mood – and this could be the moment to weave in summer’s hottest colour, Barbie pink. Alternatively, crystal and sequin embellishments will satisfy your inner magpie and add some subtle glitz and glamour to your standout ensemble.
Bags Of Style
Your bag deserves as much thought and sartorial clout as the rest of your look. Size is everything - you want it to hold all your essentials without weighing you down, so reach for the smallest clutch or pouch that you can work with. A modern classic like Saint Laurent’s mini shoulder bag or Bottega Veneta’s woven clutch will elevate your ready-to-wear this summer and go the distance in your wardrobe. Whilst more unexpected shapes or textures - we love The Attico’s high-shine metallic bag and Jil Sander’s tactile shearling sphere - have flawless style without taking themselves too seriously.
Effortless Embellishments
Round out your look with contemporary, statement-making jewellery that will complement your most-loved occasion wear but that you’ll also want to wear on repeat all year round. A standout pair of earrings is a must-wear whether you’re drawn towards the irresistible shimmer of crystals, ultra-feminine pearls or pared-back, minimalist shapes. A gold chain is the ultimate investment piece thanks to its infinite versatility - wear it solo or layer it up with your favourite necklaces. And an oversized cocktail ring is guaranteed to bring instant star power to whatever you wear it with.
Underneath It All
Once you’ve chosen the perfect dress you’ll want what lies beneath it to both boost your confidence and create a streamlined silhouette. A bodysuit crafted from sheer panels and lace detailing will hit the sweet spot between functional and fabulous and, if you choose the right one, can be worn as outerwear styled under tailoring in your rotation of ready-to-wear looks. If your dress is figure-skimming then reach for shapewear that will help to smooth and support in all the right places. For a more relaxed silhouette, choose your favourite exquisite lingerie - a matching set will instantly elevate your mood.
Words Emma Sells
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