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Summer means
weddings, parties
and all kinds of
stylish affairs…
But what to wear?
We asked some
fashion industry
insiders for their
take and tips on
special-occasion
wear
Sarah (left) and
Paige (right) build
on the style basics
DRESS
CODE:
FAbULoUS
FASHION JO ATKINSON
PORTRAITS SEAN KNOX
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S
G OOD L OO K S ■
‘CLASSIC, DRESSY STYLES CAN BE WORN WITH A
AND HEELS FOR A MODERN SPIN’
jacket
A passion for niche designers led Sarah Classen
(opposite left), 41, and her business partner
to open Iris, a fashion and lifestyle boutique.
Sandals, £45,
3-9, Clarks
SARAH SAYS: ‘I’ve learnt that it’s best to
be comfortable in what you’re wearing. I
like simple pieces, like this Vanessa Bruno
jumpsuit or a stunning lace dress. I’ll
accessorise with some funky Isabel Marant
jewellery or a printed clutch to add interest.’
Cardigan, £150,
S-XL, East
HOW TO WEAR IT: Jumpsuits are
surprisingly versatile and flattering (Sarah
sold three of hers on the GH shoot!). Classic
styles in black or navy can be worn with a
jacket and heels for a modern spin on the
wedding guest outfit. Cuts with subtle
draping are great for disguising wobbly tums,
and waistbands create longer, leaner legs.
Chiffon bolero, £79,
8-24, Jacques Vert
(jacques-vert.co.uk)
Kitten heels, £89,
3-8, Phase Eight
(phase-eight.co.uk)
OPPOSITE LEFT: Jumpsuit, £235, 8-14, Vanessa Bruno;
shoes, £235, 3-7, Sessun; necklace, £45, and bangle, £85,
both Isabel Marant, all Iris (irisfashion.co.uk)
new items
‘INVEST IN A FEW
TO CO-ORDINATE
WITH CLASSICS YOU ALREADY OWN’
PR agency managing director, Paige
Mengers (opposite right), 43, has a
wardrobe full of stylish basics that can work
for both day and evening events.
PAIGE SAYS: ‘I adore the whole process of
getting ready for a special event, from hair
and nails to choosing my outfit. I like to strike
a balance between masculine and feminine –
say, a beautiful oyster silk top with a pair of
black trousers and heels. For something really
glam I love a bit of sparkle, and this silver
dress ticks all the boxes. It’s an easy-to-wear
shift style that’s eye-catching but not too
floaty or girly. I tend to invest in a few key
items each season to co-ordinate with the
classics already in my wardrobe. That way I
feel on trend without being a slave to fashion.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: This stunning shift
needs minimal accessories, and nude sandals
offer a toned down yet still glamorous look.
Perfect for cocktail parties, it would look
equally lovely with a denim jacket and flat
tan sandals for a daytime Summer party.
OPPOSITE RIGHT: Dress, £225, 8-14, DKNY at
Zalando (zalando.co.uk). Suede clutch, £135, Iris
(irisfashion.co.uk). Ring, £110, Feather & Stone
(featherandstone.com). Shoes, £220, 3-7,
Kurt Geiger (kurtgeiger.com)
Jacket, £99, 8-22, Monsoon
Satin jacket,
£75, 8-16,
Coast (coaststores.com)
Jacket, £129,
8-20, Kaliko
(kaliko.co.uk)
Courts,
£210,
3-8, LK
Bennett
Sandals, 3-8,
£85, Dune
(dunelondon.
com)
Sandals, £50,
2-9, River Island
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
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09/04/2015 13:07
‘A LITTLE BLACK
DRESS
,A
TUX AND BOLD
JEWELLERY
ALWAYS WORK’
with
a twist
Maxine (left)
and Rebi (right)
go for key
pieces with
wow factor
Epitomising modern glamour are
Mint Velvet: Brand Director Lisa Agar
Rea (left), 46, CEO Liz Houghton
(centre), 50, and Creative Director
Jane Rawlings (right), 48.
LISA SAYS: ‘My look is sophisticated
and modern. I like to mix layers in luxe
fabrics – such as these silk sports
pants, which I can wear with a sexy top
and heels for any event.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: Kimonos are a
big trend this Summer, with subtle
colours and designs that are modern,
stylish and a great way to cover your
arms. They’re suitable for any occasion.
Wear with a silk top and wide-leg
trousers for a glamorous garden party,
or simply belt over a slip-style maxi
dress for a relaxed Summer wedding.
Kimono, £99, 8-18; double-layer vest, £49,
8-18; trousers, £69, 8-18; necklace, £29; shoes,
£109, 3-7, all Mint Velvet (mintvelvet.co.uk)
statement
‘MAKE A
WITH
A STAND-OUT PIECE’
Model Maxine Smith (left), 45, and model
agency owner Rebi Merilion (right), 47,
choose striking styles and colours.
MAXINE SAYS: ‘I love bold colours! A
bright print, shoes or a bag is a great way to
work the trend. I’ll wear this dress to my best
friend’s birthday party. It’s so striking that I
don’t need to worry about accessories –
heels, a boxy clutch and I’ll be good to go.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: Feather trims and
embellishment make stand-out party
dresses. A bold colour makes an outfit fun
– and that’s what dressing up is all about.
ABOVE LEFT: Dress, £225, 8-18, Biba at House of
Fraser. Earrings, £98, Dower & Hall (dowerandhall.
com). Shoes, £45, 3-8, Next
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GOOD HOUSEKEEPING JUNE 2015
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REBI SAYS: ‘For last-minute functions,
I keep a black tux in the office – it has
rescued me on numerous occasions!
For full-on glamour, I’d choose a sequin
shift dress or a statement skirt. This
one looks great with either heels or
jewelled sandals.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: For all-out glamour,
nothing beats a floor-length skirt. Balance
it with a classic white shirt, short-sleeve
sweater or a fitted sleeveless top. This
shape works best on tall, boyish frames –
the skirt creates a waist, while height
helps you carry off the volume of fabric.
ABOVE RIGHT: Top, £115, 8-18, LK Bennett. Skirt,
£125, 8-18, Coast (coast-stores.com). Sandals,
£45, 3-8, Next
LIZ SAYS ‘I’m a big fan of trousers or
smart skinny jeans. However, I always
wear heels for special events and team
my trousers with a tux-style jacket and
a metallic or sequined top for added
sparkle. As I tend to do understated, I
like to make a statement with a clutch
bag or jewellery – either something
that’s embellished or with a bold pop
of colour.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: Another
wardrobe favourite, a classic tux jacket
can be worn over any outfit to instantly
add a touch of evening glamour. Invest
in quality brands for a good fit and
wardrobe longevity. Look for narrow
lapels, a luxe lining and a style that sits
on the hips for a figure-flattering finish.
Jacket, £109, 8-18; sequin T-shirt, £59, 8-18;
jeans, £69, 8-18; shoes, £109, 3-7; bracelet,
£25; bag, £99, all Mint Velvet (mintvelvet.co.uk)
JANE SAYS: ‘I love a little black dress,
though it needs to have a bit of detail
– like a twist or drape of fabric – to
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09/04/2015 13:07
G OOD L OO K S ■
add some interest. I’ll pair it with a
pair of kitten heels or strappy wedges,
then finish off my look with layers of
rock-chick style necklaces or bangles.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: A classic
little black dress is something
every woman should own. Perfect for
last-minute invites or just a sense of
confidence that you’ll be comfortable
and look your best. It’s easy to dress up
or down, and can be regularly updated
with on-trend accessories.
Lisa (left), Liz
(centre) and
Jane (right) work
the classics
Earrings,
£130,
Feather &
Stone
(featherand
stone.com)
Necklace, £121,
Konplott
(konplott.com)
Laser cut dress, £79, 8-18; belt, £39; wedge
sandals, 3-7, £99, all Mint Velvet (mintvelvet.co.uk)
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Ring, £79,
Cadenzza
(cadenzza.co.uk)
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G OOD L OO K S ■
For Amanda
(left) and
Alison (right),
comfort spells
confidence
My rule?
‘
ENSURE
YOU HAVE THE
CORRECT
UNDERPINNING’
Beautiful dresses are all in a day’s work for
Amanda Seabourne (left), 50, the Managing
Director, and Alison Mansell (right), 49, the
Design Director of Damsel In A Dress
AMANDA SAYS: ‘For me, less is more. I’ll mix
my favourite skinny-leg black satin trousers with
a bright silk shirt. I like bold block colours… This
dress has a jewelled neckline, so I keep accessories
minimal as it makes enough of a statement.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: Bold block colours have
the ‘wow’ factor, look great with a tan and give
stand-out style at any event. Choose one strong
colour and stick to it, wearing it with either
shoes the same shade or silver sandals.
LEFT: Embellished dress, £169, 8-18, Damsel In A Dress
(damselinadress.co.uk). Bracelet, £150, Pandora (pandora.
net). Shoes, Amanda’s own
ALISON SAYS: ‘My number one rule for
confident occasion dressing is comfort. And this
means ensuring you have the correct underpinning
– the right underwear gives a good framework for
your clothing. I love colours and styles I can dress
up or down. This dress is so versatile: I can wear
it with glam heels and jewellery for a special
occasion or with flats for a low-key event.’
HOW TO WEAR IT: Cocoon shape dresses
flatter most body shapes and are super comfy for
all day events. Do try them on – you may need to
buy a size smaller than usual to avoid looking
swamped (always a great confidence boost!).
RIGHT: Satellite print dress, £149, 8-18, Damsel In A Dress
(damselinadress.co.uk). Bag, £195, LK Bennett.
Cuff, £213, Konplott (konplott.com).
Shoes, £40, 3-8, Next
For a smooth
silhouette
Slimming
teddy, £85,
S-XL, Spanx
at Selfridges
(selfridges.
com)
Cinch in your
waist
Curve control
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High-waisted
control briefs,
£54.95, XS-XL,
Rigby & Peller
(rigbyand
peller.co.uk)
Sculpting
Sensation bra,
£40, 32B-40D
Triumph (uk.
triumph.com)
For support
and lift
For a flatter tummy
Control slip, £25,
8-22, Marks &
Spencer
Sculpting Sensation
maxi briefs, £32,
10-20, Triumph
(uk.triumph.com)
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G OOD L OO K S ■
clutch
‘THIS ‘WOW’
REALLY LIFTS THE
MONOCHROME
COAT I’M WEARING’
Satin clutch, £89, Hobbs
Formerly a fashion advisor to
numerous high street brands,
Susan Bull, 65, now runs her own
boutique, SuSu.
SUSAN SAYS: ‘As I’ve got older,
I’ve realised that age cannot
compete with youth. I always make
sure not to have too much flesh on
show. Instead, I like to wear
beautiful flattering necklines,
slim-leg trousers and flattering
skirts. I put a lot of emphasis on
accessories to enhance an outfit.
The size of accessories you wear
should always work for you – if
you’re tall and statuesque you can
wear strong statement pieces. If
you’re petite, more delicate pieces
will work better.’
Colour block bag, £99,
Autograph at Marks & Spencer
HOW TO WEAR IT: Tailored
coats are a very flattering choice
for Summer occasions – they give
arm coverage, nip you in at the
waist and create a neat silhouette.
This striking coat is a very stylish
alternative to traditional pastel
mother-of-the-bride outfits. Wear it
with white to keep the look
summery and stylish.
Coat, £189, 10-14, Eleonora Amadei at
SuSu (susu-style.co.uk). Trousers, £155,
8-18, LK Bennett. Shoes, £39.50, 3-8,
Autograph at Marks & Spencer. Bag, £59,
Dune (dunelondon.com). Earrings, £15,
Nouv-Elle (nouv-elle.co.uk). Cuff, £35, Coast
(coast-stores.com)
Gold bag, £89, Mary Portas at
House of Fraser
Jewelled box clutch bag, £79,
Phase Eight (phase-eight.co.uk)
An attention
to detail sets
Susan’s look apart
Tweed bag, £225, Russell & Bromley
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G OOD L OO K S ■
Hat, £179, Rachel
Trevor-Morgan
for Jacques Vert
(jacques-vert.co.uk)
Hat, £199, Rachel
Trevor-Morgan for
Jacques Vert
(jacques-vert.co.uk)
Hat, £85,
Stephen Jones
at Debenhams
Hat, £675, Philip
Treacy London
(philiptreacy.co.uk)
Match the
colour of your
hat to your
outfit for a
smart finish
Hat, £265, Rosie
Olivia (rosieolivia
millinery.com)
Hat, £205, Jane
Taylor Millinery
(janetaylormillinery.
com)
FEATURE AND FASHION STYLING: JO ATKINSON. HAIR: PETROS MAIROUDHIOU. MAKE-UP: NADIRA PERSAUD. HAIR & MAKE-UP: LINDSEY POOLE
Fascinator, £110,
Yvette Jelfs
for Phase Eight
(phase-eight.co.uk)
A wide brim adds
glamour and a
sense of mystery
Give a
dramatic
finish to a
simple LBD
Fascinator, £35,
House of Fraser
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Hat, £240, Rosie Olivia
(rosieoliviamillinery.com)
Top HATS
If you’re attending an event that demands a hat, these
tips from Royal milliner Rachel Trevor-Morgan, who
has designed a collection for Jacques Vert, will help
you choose.
❖ A hat that works with your outfit will pull your whole
look together, but check the dress code for your event.
For example, headpieces may be worn for Royal Ascot as
long as they are at least 10cm in diameter.
❖ It’s important to try lots of different shapes and styles.
Your hair and outfit will affect the hat you end up with –
and you may surprise yourself with what looks best.
❖ These general guidelines will help you determine the
best types of style for your face shape:
OVAL – a wide range of designs will suit you, so try lots
of options, from small pillbox styles to wider brims.
HEART – disc headpieces work well with your defined
chin, and are a fabulous alternative to a brimmed hat.
Avoid tiny pillboxes, which would feel out of balance.
SQUARE – your strong jaw can carry off a wide brim,
and an asymmetric line works well, too. Avoid narrow
crowns and, if you do opt for a pillbox, select one that is
more substantial and can be worn at an angle, to balance
your jaw and flatter your face shape.
OBLONG – avoid too-small pillboxes and opt for
balance, adding volume and width with trimming –
flowers and feathers work well.
ROUND – a fuller face is set off by taller hats and
pillbox shapes, especially with trimmings like feathers
that take the line up and off the face.
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