ESP’s fashion and style expert, personal stylist Karen Miller talks dressing up again now lockdown is easing and how one dress can be the basis for three different outfits…
One Dress, Three Ways To Wear
While the last couple of months have inevitably been spent in comfortable leisure wear and possibly the odd change for those Zoom calls, we are finally allowed out. Making our wardrobes work for us is always what I advise my clients. Depending on their lifestyle we normally pull together a capsule wardrobe that makes many of their pieces interchangeable and work together in different ways. To give you an idea of how you can make one item work hard for you, I’ve pulled together three different looks that you can make with just one dress.
All of the items are currently available in stores and on-line, while some of the brands are not available locally, I’m sure most of us have become very comfortable with on-line shopping and if you haven’t, give me a call I’ll be happy to help you.
Look 1 – Smart Casual
I’ve chosen this gorgeous dress by Kitri studio because the colour and shape can be super flattering to most body shapes, especially if your figure is curvy. The wrap style can be tightened or loosened to suit your shape and the ‘v’ neckline isn’t too low and therefore won’t have that dreaded gape. While the sleeves are long you can roll them up to make this a little more dressed down and add some nice jewellery. Kitri studio can be purchased on-line or is stocked in Selfridges, they have some gorgeous statement dresses that are well cut and in a range of great colours.
A leather jacket should be a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, I have chosen this one by All Saints because it’s incredible value in the sale and has great detail that will add a bit more of an edge to such a pretty dress. All Saints leather jackets last forever, I am guilty of having more than one and while they can be on the pricey side when purchased full price, they are well worth the investment.
The accessories I have chosen to go with this look are relatively dressed down and a reasonable price point but still enable you to look polished and well pulled together.
Look 2 – Daytime
Taking the same dress and swapping the jacket for a soft cardigan and the shoes for trainers immediately takes this outfit down a level in terms of being a more casual alternative. The sunglasses are more trend focused adding a quirky edge to the overall look.
The trainers are by a brand called Air & Grace, they tend to be stocked in boutiques, the nearest one being in St Albans or of course online. I can vouch for them being one of the most comfortable pair of trainers I have ever worn (apart from in the gym). They have a slight angle to the sole which means if you’re used to wearing heels and find it difficult to walk in flats these will be perfect for you.
Look 3 – Wedding / Occasion Outfit
My final outfit is to show you how easily you can elevate one piece to enable it to be dressed up for a special occasion or a wedding.
The blazer I have chosen is more tailored which will work well with the fit of the dress, ensuring that you have a more pulled in shape rather than the jacket overwhelming the dress. A statement pair of heels either in the same pink as the dress, red of the polka dots or you could wear metallics, sparkle or off white to match the blazer, it really comes down to personal preference but there are lots of different colours you could wear that would look fabulous. The one key thing here is make sure you wear heels and don’t wear an ankle strap with this length of dress or it will make your legs look shorter than they are.
Finally for the accessories I’ve chosen two gorgeous hair slides that can be a nice alternative to a hat or a fascinator (depending how formal or not the event is) and the bag adds a touch of glamour while still being large enough to fit in all your essentials.
Karen Miller
Instagram: in_styleconsulting
Email: info@in-styleconsulting.com