I feel like I’ve been promising some spring event dressing ideas for weeks. If truth be told, I’ve been putting it off somewhat as dressing up has never really been my forte. As you well know, I’m much more comfortable in jeans and trainers. But there are, of course, times when jeans and trainers just won’t do and you need to make more of an effort.
Making an effort can be fun. Getting dressed up for a wedding/party/big-night-out is very pleasing if you get it right. By getting it right I mean finding that certain something that makes you feel good about yourself, not something you have to keep adjusting, or that needs too much support underwear to pull off. With these outfit ideas I have tried to find things that fit that bill. Therefore, no strapless dresses, nothing too tight, no hemlines too high and no necklines too low.
Of course if you feel confident in a low-cut, strapless mini dress then go for it. But I’m guessing if that’s you, then you are closer to 20 than to 50 and, frankly, you’re in the wrong place reading this. You should still be out from the night before at some random after party that felt like a good idea at the time, but now that the effects of whatever you were under the influence of have worn off, you are questioning your life choices. Believe me, I’ve been there. Not for about 25 years, but one still remembers those nights where you got home at 6am and then went to work three hours later. Now that we are older, we prefer a nice early-bird special and back home by 10. Lunchtime events are even better.
Let’s take a look at some outfit ideas for all your springtime event needs…
GOING DOTTY
I blame ‘Pretty Woman’ for this. Not that I’ve ever been a Hollywood hooker who gets taken to the polo, but I will often turn to a polka dot when I want to look smart. Luckily, polka dots are having a big moment right now and there are LOADS to choose from, all different styles, spot sizes and prices.
- John Lewis Diane pillbox hat
- New Look black spot blow hair slide
- Mint Velvet white polka dot maxi skirt
- Ganni embossed round leather bag
- Kitri black polka dot shirred midi dress
- Mint Velvet white polka dot structured top
- & Other Stories kitten heel leather sandals
- Pull & Bear mesh ballet flats
FLORALS (for people who don’t like florals)
I actually do like florals, but not all florals are made equal. Some (and forgive me for saying this) can age you as soon as you put them on. What looks quirky and cool on someone under 30 can look a bit Les Dawson’s nosy neighbour over the fence, hoisting up her boobs in a 1950s-style apron* when you get past 45. I now go for either a simple floral like this from Beulah or a bold, more graphic floral like this from Stine Goya.
* Please tell me I’m not the only one who gets this reference.
- Beulah flora bud navy dress
- Susan Caplan vintage drop crystal earrings
- Stine Goya floral print satin crepe mini dress
- Sezane Far high heel suede sandals
- Ganni jewel loafers
FANCY PANTS
Why not try a bold pair of trousers? Pair with a fairly simple blouse or a really good silk shirt. Stick to two or three colours or tones to tie everything together. I’ve been toying with the idea of these SézaneSézane shoes for ages now. This week I saw someone wearing them with cropped jeans and grey socks; she looked great, so I think I’m finally sold. Love a shoe that can be worn equally as well with casual and smart outfits.
- Sister Jane Freddie ruffle shirt
- Edge of Ember double initial gold necklace
- Demellier Nano Montreal red leather handbag
- Boden Westbourne pont red trousers
- ME + EM tweed bomber jacket
- Sezane Paula Mary Jane slingback shoes
IF IN DOUBT, WEAR BLACK
This really is my mantra, especially when it comes to an evening event. I still believe that black is a chic, classy and universally cool option. I don’t hold any truck with the idea you shouldn’t wear black when you get past 40. I don’t hold any truck with ANY of those ‘rules’ about things you shouldn’t wear when you get older. Absolute nonsense. If you like it, wear it.
- H&M ring pendant earrings
- Edge of Ember Ocean shell earrings
- COS ruffled asymmetric mid dress
- Loeffler Randall bow lamé clutch bag
- ROTATE Birger Christensen Recycled Chiffon Puff Sleeve midi dress (use code KATE15 for 15% off)
- Alaia Metallic leather ballerina shoes
- Boden twist front heeled sandals
SUITS YOU
If you’re not a dress person, a summer suit is your friend when it comes to almost any social event. You can wear the full thing to a wedding/christening/graduation, then you can wear it as separates on any normal day. Add a T‑shirt and trainers to your trousers. Pair your blazer or waistcoat with jeans. It helps me to justify a purchase if I know I can wear it multiple ways.
- & Other Stories tailored linen waistcoat
- Sezane Milo mother of pearl necklace
- Monica Vinader Nura triple drop irregular pearl earrings
- & Other Stories wide linen trousers
- COS fold leather micro tote bag
- & Other Storie fitted linen blazer
- Gradinery Rhinestone flats
ONE COLOUR WONDERS
Do we call this colour blocking? Or maybe ‘I’m just wearing a dress without a pattern’. Either way, it works. Go bold, or go muted. To spice things up a bit, look for something with more interesting design features. Where ruching or ruffles can look too busy combined with pattern, they can really work to elevate a simple one-colour dress.
- ME + EM Textured Pleat Front Midi Dress
- Lizzie Fortunato Resin heart earrings
- & Other Stories smocked asymmetric midi dress
- Mango metallic clutch bag
- Rixo labradorite & agate bracelet
- Claudie Pierlot twisted metallic leather mules
- Shoe the Bear embellished flat sandals
PICK UP A PATTERN
This was just an excuse to add a few more dresses that I found that don’t fit any of the other categories. Plus I just like these two dresses in particular. That’s all.
- & Other Stories short stone bead necklace
- Sister Jane ribbons midi shirt dress
- Kemi Telford geo print cotton maxi dress
- Loewe Flamenco mini clutch bag
- M&S square toe leather ballet flats
- Reiss black leather slingback heels
Hope this has been some help if you’ve got a big (or small and intimate) ‘do’ coming up.
K x
