Summer bashes, cocktail hours and race days: with a host of events on the roster let these polished pieces provide the perfect party-dressing solutions …
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We talk a lot about dressing for summer weddings (shop an edit of THE GLOSS-approved wedding guest dresses here), but what about those other events that require an appearance – and a sophisticated outfit to match? Right now, the mood is about sleek and chic staples – silk and satin dresses, strapless tops, scene-stealing trousers, elevated suiting in unexpected colours and a minimal handbag to match. It’s a minimal(ish) look that steers clear of excessive prints, but also knows the power of a classic one: see the polka dot dress below by Whistles which is perfect for cocktail hour. It is, however, heavy on texture – think woven handbags, rhinestone-embellished kitten heels and mother of pearl jewellery: it’s all about a restrained kind of decadence. And the real clincher? So many of these buys, separately, can be worked into your day-to-day roster. Shop an edit of the dress-up pieces catching our eye below.
Be safe in the knowledge that you’ll never go wrong with a good suit. Even better if it’s in a zinging shade of red. Red Agnes suit jacket, €185; red Giovanni suit trousers, €140; both www.sezane.com.
Strapless tops are à la mode for cocktail dressing. We say: choose one in black or white: the more streamlined or sculptural the shape the better. Black fold-over bandeau top, Mint Velvet Studio, €119, at Mint Velvet.
It can be hard to find formal trousers. Thankfully, this pleated chiffon pair by COS Atelier provides a neat solution to our problems. Beige trousers with black trim, COS Atelier, €250, at COS.
Reinvent the classic string of pearls for cocktail hour by layering them with a pendant necklace, as well as different styles and textures. Cream Daydreaming freshwater pearl string necklace, €295; www.natashasherling.ie.
Flowing fabrics like satin and silk are perfect for summer evenings. As for shapes? A halterneck has a particular appeal right now. Yellow slim satin midi dress, €99, at & Other Stories.
Ladylike shoes are tipped to be huge for autumn – think T-bars, kitten heels and classic pointed toes. We presume Carrie Bradshaw would approve of this rhinestone-embellished pair! Nude mesh embellished kitten heels, €55.95, at Zara.
While white may be off the table for summer weddings, it’s carte blanche as far as cocktail hour is concerned. The ruched detailing on this strapless polka dot dress nods to the now. White strapless polka dot dress, Whistles, €385, at Brown Thomas.
We love a good mid-range handbag. This sleek black style, by French label Elleme, pairs equally as well with a party dress as it does jeans and a great knit. Black Boomerang woven leather bag, €515; www.elleme.com.
