10:55am Tuesday 30th June 2009
By Lisa Haynes
Who says the dressing-up box is out of bounds for adults? Forget fairy princess and think oversized corsages, fancy frocks and head-turning fascinators to fulfil your event dress codes.
Whether you spend your working days in comfy casuals or stiff suits, it’s always a refreshing change to get glammed up to the max for a special occasion.
The Royal Family and society ladies may practically live in posh frocks and big hats but, for the rest of us, dressing to the nines in daylight hours is a rare thing.
So it’s time to head for those hat stands. Check your social calendar and get set to dazzle at this summer’s events.
It’s all about making a dramatic statement with your headgear at the races, whether you’re watching the gee-gees from a corporate box or waving your betting slip beside the track.
A day at the races isn’t complete without a huge hat or over-the-top fascinator.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to really go all out and experiment with colours and silhouettes, but don’t mix too many colours so that you make more of a statement with one bold shade,” advises Alain Mehada, head of personal shoppers at Debenhams.
“Accessorise with wedges – so that you don’t sink ungracefully into the grass – and delicate jewellery in order not to distract from your hair piece.”
With church bells ringing and a crowd of guests gathered for the happy couple, the bride is the only woman who should be centre of attention on the big day.
Ensure you don’t steal the limelight in a too short/low-cut/extravagant number and steer well clear of white.
Alain advises: “Opt for delicate pastels or gorgeous nudes which will create understated elegance.
“Alternatively, monochrome is a key look at the moment, which is great as it’s both flattering and catwalk hot. Accessorise with killer heels and a bold bright clutch bag for added punch.”
When you’ve received a gilt-edged invite for a summer ball it’s a licence to turn up the glamour and switch to evening wear.
You have all winter to turn to boring black, so make the most of the high summer climate and experiment with opulent colour, teamed with a golden glow.
“A ball is a fantastic opportunity to make like the red carpet stars and really go for a full-on Hollywood glam look,” Alain says.
“Go for sweeping full-length gowns in one of this season’s striking rainbow shades. Mid-height heels will ensure that your feet are still up for dancing by the end of the night. A gorgeous wrist-held clutch completes the look.”
It’s important to bear in mind the unpredictable British weather when dressing for a garden party.
Pack both sunglasses and umbrella in your clutch... You never know if you’ll end up eating soggy cucumber sandwiches or basking in the sunshine with Pimms.
“Make sure you carry a shrug or wrap, which will add interest to the outfit and can be slipped on or off dependent on temperature,” Alain recommends.
The garden party look is all about English rose-style florals, whether you go for bold blooms or chintzy delicate prints.
“A floaty chiffon dress in a beautiful floral fabric will ensure you look super-feminine,” says Alain. “Accessorise with pretty corsage detail peep-toe shoes.”
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