Sep 04
Six fashion rules you should be breaking
Fashion is a serious business. But as serious as it is, some of the hard and fast rules of years gone by are starting to be bent and broken, allowing each of us as individuals to find our own unique style.
But how do you know which rules to bend, break and keep? We’ve got the scope, here are six fashion rules you should be breaking or bending that will ensure you look your best while making your own fashion statement.
Rule #1 – Don’t mix prints and patterns
This is the first rule you need to cross off your list right now! You can absolutely mix prints and patterns, particularly if you are wearing colours in similar shades or hues. Still put some thought into the combination though as they need to have something in common to not look too busy.
Not sure where to start? We’ve put together some tips for mixing patterns and prints to make it easy for you. If you are just starting to break this rule and want to tone it down a little, stick to neutral or pastel colours before you graduate to bold colours and patterns.
Blue and green are a great colour combination
Rule #2 – Certain colours should never be combined
Ever heard of the fashion rule “blue and green must never been seen”? Well it’s time to break this one. Blue and green are a great colour combination; you only need to take a look at our Seafoam dress to see!
Black, brown and navy were also a fashion faux pas yet are quite acceptable now – and a great look particularly if you are using one through accessories. Be adventurous in your colour choices, spice up your wardrobe and see what works best for you.
Rule #3 -Your shoes need to match your belt or handbag
No they don’t! As long as they go with what you are wearing that is all that really matters – and sometimes they don’t even need to do that. Our only suggestion would be to pick where you want to make the biggest statement, and where you want the eye to focus.
Dare to be creative. If the shade doesn’t match it doesn’t matter it’s the overall look that counts, in fact using the same colour in a different shades can add more depth to your outfit. Try different textures and colours to see what look feels right to you.
Rule #4 – Sequins only for evenings
You can wear sequins, glitter and sparkle during the day too, the trick is to keep it simple and not over the top. If you are going to wear sequins or a shimmering fabric team it with denim or neutral colours and keep your jewellery simple.
Rule #5 – Less is more with jewellery
This is a rule you can bend. If your outfit is already busy or if you are going to work or a more conservative affair than yes less can be more. But for all other times you can feel free to make a bold statement with your jewellery.
Adding jewellery is a quick and easy way to make a plain colour and simple design more eye catching and give your casual jeans and t-shirt look a little more class. If you are going to wear more jewellery pick the piece of jewellery you most want to draw attention to. Is it your large earrings, a statement necklace, an armful or bangles or a cocktail ring or two?
Black and red are becoming acceptable to wear to a wedding
Rule #6 – You can’t wear red or black to a wedding
With most weddings moving away from these traditional rules, and bridesmaid dresses coming in all different colours, black and red are becoming acceptable to wear to a wedding (just keep the bride in mind).
Even still, it is a good idea to tone down these solid bold colours with a pattern or print like our Crimson Paisley dress, or add a coloured or neutral jacket (depending on the colour you choose) or different coloured accessories.
With so many bridesmaids being dressed in red and black, you may want to ask what colour the bridesmaids will be wearing to avoid coming in the same colour.
What fashion rules do you break?
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.Aug 18
How to choose the right colour dress for your event
When it comes to choosing the right outfit for an event, there is often a lot to think about. But perhaps one of the most important considerations is the colour and pattern you choose. While you want to capture attention with your outfit, you want admiration rather than someone questioning its appropriateness.
So how do you choose the right colour dress for the next event you are attending? Here are six tips to help.
1. Get to know what colours look good on you
Not every colour will suit you, in fact some colours can completely wash you out, so it is important to get to know what colours look good on you and suit your skin tone. If you aren’t sure, put aside the time to go shopping with a very honest friend and try on a host of colours. If you don’t have a friend who can make it along, take pictures of yourself in the mirror with each outfit for reference.
2. Take into consideration your fashion choices
If you aren’t very adventurous when it comes to fashion, and you couldn’t see yourself wearing that brightly patterned cocktail dress more than once, then opt for a more classic, block colour you can wear again and dress up with different accessories and shoes.
A red dress can be bold and striking
3. Think about the weather and season
If it is a rainy day white and pale pastels might not be the best choice – unless of course it is your wedding day! Depending on the material, there is a good chance it could become transparent when wet, and show every mark – including the unfortunate mud streaks that can fling up the back of a long dress while walking on wet, muddy ground.
On the other hand, you may want to avoid wearing darker colours on a hot summer’s day that can retain more heat, particularly if you will spending most of the day outside.
4. Consider the event you are going to attend
Different events and dress codes can often determine the colour you choose to wear. For example a business launch, awards ceremony, or high-end networking event may call for a more conservative, classic colour range. Where a garden luncheon, charity event or beach wedding may give you more flexibility and choice when it comes to colours and patterns.
5. Draw on current trends
If you want to go for a more fashion forward look, opt for a dress in the season’s best colours. If you find the current colours are a little too vibrant or plain for your liking, or not the most flattering in a full block colour, look at patterns that incorporate them or bring them out through your accessories.
6. Know what statement you want to make
Different colours can make different statements, for example black can be slimming and elegant, burgundy and navy can convey sophistication and bright red can be bold and striking. As a general rule, dark colours tend to express more authority and power, bright colours tend to be more friendly and fun and pastels can be considered more classy.
While there are many factors to consider when choosing the colour you wear, perhaps the most important factor is to make sure you are comfortable and confident as this will ultimately determine how you look and feel at the event.
Do you agonise over colours or do you look for a dress you like and take whatever colour it comes in?
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
Jul 31
Five Tips for Planning Your Destination Wedding
Where will you go? When will you go? Who is invited? What is your budget?And what will you wear?!
With no end of romantic locations boasting picturesque mountaintops, scenic vineyards and white, sandy beaches, and the bonus of limited guests and nofrantic rush to the airport after your reception, it’s no wonder destination weddings are fast becoming a popular alternative to traditional weddings.
However, as romantic as it sounds, it’s not for the faint hearted. There are many more variables to consider if you are going to have your ceremony, reception and honeymoon away from home, yet in the company of people you know!
To make sure your wedding is one you will remember for all the right reasons, here are five tips to help you plan the perfect destination wedding…
1. Plan, prepare and price These three ‘Ps’ are crucial for the success of your destination wedding and keeping your stress levels low. While there are many factors to consider under each ‘P’, none are more important than where will you go? When will you go? Who is invited? What is your budget? And what will you wear?!
2. Be sensitive to your invited guests A destination wedding will mean you’ll need to consider the budgets and time constraints of loved ones, particularly parents. Their age, health, mobility and financial means need to be factored into the planning of your dream wedding.
Give your guests as much notice as possible so they can make plans to take time off and save (if needed) for airfares and accommodation. If you do have a number of family members and friends who can’t make it, you may want to consider having something more informal when you return so they can still feel part of your celebrations.
A sneak peak at our stunning Lara gown from the new 2014/15 Collection
3. Organise help on location When planning a wedding it can be easy to think about the big things like the destination, venue, photographer and the dress. But with a destination wedding you also need to make sure the little things are addressed.
For this reason it pays to work out who will be available to help you prepare for your wedding at the destination. Will you have a Wedding Coordinator on location? Will you be able to call on the venue Event Coordinator? Will you have a friend or relative who will help you?
Also think about other factors that might impact your big day, like what cultural traditions and requirements you will you need to consider? Do you need special permission to marry in the place you want? Are there any big celebrations or festivals that may be happening at the same time and place that may impact your big day?
You may also want to arrive before guests in order to iron out any potential problems, get a good feel for what will happen when, and get to know the staff and surroundings before your wedding day.
4. Don’t forget the weather! The timing and climate of your wedding needs to be considered carefully before booking your location and date. A little research on the climate and weather patterns during each season – particularly the wet season – will go a long way in the planning. What is your plan B if the weather is bad? Make sure the venue can cater for this, and that they can make a smooth change if necessary.
Nothing will spoil your wedding and honeymoon more than if you are threatened with severe weather and not prepared for it.
5. Make sure you have the right dress for your taste and location Besides starting your future with the man you love, the wedding dress would have to be the most exciting part of planning your wedding. But when it comes to having a destination wedding you need to consider more than the designs you like and what looks good on you, you have to think about the weather and location of your wedding.
To make your wedding dress hunting a little easier, check out our tips to help you find the perfect destination wedding dress and transport your destination wedding dress.
Have you ever had or been to a destination wedding? What would your top planning tips be?
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
Jul 18
Transporting Your Destination Wedding Dress
To ensure you are the beautiful, blushing bride you should be on your wedding day – and not a stressed, flushed and frantic one – here are seven tips to help you transport your destination wedding dress and the formal wear of your wedding party safely and on time.
1. Choose your dress and bridesmaid dresses carefully The material you choose for your destination wedding dress is incredibly important. First and foremost you will want to choose a fabric that is wrinkle resistant for ease of packing and traveling.
If you are having your wedding in a tropical location, choose a breathable, airy, and lightweight fabric, such as georgette, chiffon, crepe, organza or even cotton. Satin or satin blends can also be a good choice.
Remember too that you will be spending up to 10 hours in your destination wedding dress, so don’t neglect comfort for style!
2. Communicate your destination wedding plans to your designer If you’re having your wedding dress designed, be sure to tell your designer the location of your wedding, and that your dress will be transported. This may impact the design and fabric used, and they may also have recommendations on how best to transport your dress.
Our beautiful “Pistachio Lace” silk dupion full-length dress is ideal for second weddings or special resort functions including bridesmaid and special occasions.
3. Make plans in case your dress arrives before you do Talk to the hotel or wedding location about accepting delivery on your behalf and holding onto your dress for your arrival. Ask them to remove it from the parcel to check what condition it is in (and perhaps send you a picture for your peace of mind).
Don’t be afraid to ask if they’d be able to store it in a suitable safe, odour-free location so the gown is ready for your arrival. They most likely do this regularly for other bridal parties.
4. Arrange a steamer You may want to consider taking a steamer or organising one to be available at your destination, so you can steam away any unwanted wrinkles resulting from the journey. Before you do though, always consult the designer or wedding store from where you bought the dress to ensure steaming is safe for the fabric of your particular wedding dress.
5. Ask different transporting companies for their advice Take the time to talk to several transportation companies and ask how they would recommend transporting your wedding dress, and the costs involved.
Don’t allow your decision to be purely cost driven, go with the company in which you have the most confidence. You want to be sure they will deliver on time and in perfect condition. Remember that you can always negotiate on price, especially if you’re transporting outfits for the whole wedding party.
Be sure to check their policy for damages to ensure you’re covered ‘in case’ anything should happen. Also check when you will need to ship your dress to ensure your wedding dress is there in plenty of time.
6. Pack your destination wedding dress carefully Fold your dress carefully, wrapping it in acid free, colourless tissue paper in a box large enough to lay it out without creating unnecessary creases.
To ensure ultimate protection, make sure the box is watertight to guard against odours or stains. Also mark the outside of your box ‘FRAGILE’ and make sure the airline or transport company puts the appropriate labels on it.
7. Consider flying with your dress If you are travelling with your dress by plane, consider talking to airlines about taking your wedding dress on board with you as hand luggage. You may find a flight attendant will lay the gown down in the overhead compartments or find a safe location on the plane to hang it up for you.
Whilst extreme, you could buy an airline ticket for your dress, depending on where you are flying to – you certainly wouldn’t be the first bride to do that!
Have you ever travelled with a wedding gown or occasional wear? What tips do you have to share?
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
Jun 23
How to Choose the Right Shoes for Your Outfit
Whether your shoes are simple and worn to complement what you are wearing, or extravagant and designed to steal the show, the shoes you choose can make or break your outfit.
Team our gorgeous Peche Argent Lace Dress with nude heels to elongate your legs.
So, to help you make the best possible fashion statement, here are four tips to help you choose the right shoes for your outfit – and give you a great excuse to go shoe shopping!
1. Consider your outfit The first step in choosing the right shoes is to determine which element of your outfit you want to make the biggest statement. If your dress is simple then go for a more vibrant, striking shoe. If, on the other hand, your dress is more eye catching or busy, go for a more understated shoe.
You want to achieve the right balance. You don’t want your outfit to be too chaotic, and you certainly don’t want your outfit to blend and make you look washed out. Choose one area and make it shine.
2. Consider the event or occasion It doesn’t matter how beautiful they are, how comfortable they feel, how much of a bargain they were, or what brand is featured on their sole, if your shoes don’t suit the event or occasion, they are the wrong choice.
Obviously, sandals aren’t appropriate for work, glittery evening heels aren’t suited to a casual event, and ballet flats are rarely appropriate for a formal affair. While you want your shoes to make a statement, you want it to be the right statement. So be sure to adhere to any dress codes set, keeping in mind that many venues have strict rules around footwear.
3. Consider the location and weather When choosing your shoes it is important to think about the location of the event, what you will be doing throughout the day or evening, and what the weather is like on the day.
For example, if you will be standing on the fields at the races or attending a beach wedding, then stiletto heels are not going to be the best choice. If it is raining, you may want to avoid suede and open shoes.
4. Consider the colour and pattern Shoes can be a great way to experiment with vibrant colours and bold patterns that you wouldn’t normally wear higher up in your outfit.
Wedges such as these Jimmy Choosare a great choice for a beach weddingteamed with a brightly coloured dressfeaturing hot pink in the design.(Jimmy Choo shoes: http://shop.davidjones.com.au/)
If you’re not sure which colour to experiment with, one of the basic rules of footwear is that you can wear any colour featured within your outfit. Pick the colour you would most like to highlight and go with that.
After a more specific colour guide? We’ve got you covered:
• Black shoes are by far the most versatile, but unless black features in your outfit you want to avoid them when you are wearing pastels.
• Tan shoes are great for elongating your legs and go brilliantly with lighter earthy tones, pastels, blue, beige and white.
• White shoes are ideal for pastels, light neutrals and vibrant colours.
• As for brighter colours, Who What Where have devised a quick and easy guide to wearing every color of the shoe rainbow.
How do you decide what shoes to wear with your outfit?
Have the shoes but don’t have a dress yet? Check out our collection for inspiration.
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
Jun 11
Seven Tips for Mixing Patterns and Prints
With a gorgeous lace-top dress,add some similarly patternedlace in a different colour – perhaps on an accessory – to create depth.
When it comes to being fashion forward, you can’t beat mixing patterns within the one outfit. While you need to be a little daring and experiment with different patterns, colours, textures and looks to create an artfully clashed outfit, there are also some tips you should keep in mind.
So, to help you make the right fashion statement here are seven tips to create a visual masterpiece of mixed patterns and prints within your fashion comfort zone.
1. Same colour, different pattern Using the same colour can be a good place to start when trying out the mixed pattern trend. Mixed patterns and prints in a singular colour can help you create a more subtle, refined look while at the same time still showing you are fashion forward.
2. Same pattern, different way If you are ready to make a bit more of a statement, why not try the same pattern in a different way? Like a horizontal striped blouse with a vertical striped skirt. You could also have exactly the same pattern in completely different colours to give your outfit more depth.
3. Stay within black and white If you are worried about vibrant clashes of colour, consider choosing clashing patterns within the black and white colour scheme. The effect can be quite dramatic and stunning, without distracting the eye with too much colour.
Pair a vibrant, patterned dress with a subtle, smaller pattern to create a balanced look.
4. Combine big with small Wearing two patterns of the same size or weight can create an extremely busy look. You want people to be drawn in, so instead try to experiment with two different pattern sizes. Use a subtle, smaller pattern that may not be evident unless you are close, and balance it out with a bigger, more vibrant pattern.
Keep in mind that the bigger pattern will be what captures attention, so make sure you are drawing eyes to the areas you want them to focus on.
5. Choose complimentary colours While mixing patterns is about creating a different and sometimes clashing effect, to ensure you get the right impact pair complimentary colours together. Pastels are ideal for a more timeless look, or if you want to be a little more edgy and on trend, merge your favourite colours from the current season’s colour palette.
6. Space the patterns out Don’t think you have to wear different patterns close together like a patterned skirt or pants with a patterned shirt or jacket to try out the trend. Often, spreading out the patterns can be more striking. So why not team your favourite patterned skirt or pants with a different patterned scarf or hat, or mix your patterned top with different patterned shoes or stockings?
7. Tie it together with neutral or monochrome accessories If you are a little more daring and choose to wear clashing prints and colours close together, make sure your accessories are neutral or monochrome. Adding a solid coloured bag or belt for instance, can really help to tie your outfit together and give the eye key points to focus on.
What are your tips for mixing patterns and prints?
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
May 29
Five Reasons Why You Need to Dress Up More Often
Look and feel more confident…Dressing a little bolder andsmarter than ‘normal’ will help youproject confidence and maymake you feel more able to“take on the world”!
When you think about it, most of our life tends to be lived wearing the same core clothes. While the colours, patterns and sizes may change, they tend to be the same wardrobe essentials. You become stuck in the same wardrobe routine day in, day out. But we are on a mission to change that.
Dressing up can give you a different take on life and open up opportunities, so with that in mind, here are five reasons you should consider ditching your every day wear and dressing up more often.
1. You make a good first impression Whether we like it or not, most first impressions are made based on our appearance. How well you present yourself can greatly impact someone’s view of you.
For example, think about when you’ve you seen someone dressed elegantly and immaculately, you naturally think they are stylish, savvy, and even affluent. So why not create the same impression for yourself by pulling out that dress, top or jacket?
2. You look and feel confident There is something about dressing up and looking good that gives us confidence. In fact, some outfits can make us feel like we can take on the world – right?
So, why not have that feeling more often? Think about when you have seen someone dressed a little bolder and smarter than the ‘norm’, chances are at some point you’ve admired their confidence and courage to do something different.
While your outfit can help give you confidence, the outfit you choose can also demonstrate your confidence to others.
3. Good clothes cost too much to stay in a cupboard! Why should we wait for a special occasion to wear our favourite dress, skirt, top, pants or jacket? We spend so much money on nice things – from our clothes, to dinner sets and even linen; yet reserve them for only special occasions that can be few and far between.
So why not create your own special occasions? Make one day a month a day to dress up and use the good china and linen. Choose to attend more events or hold your own parties. Life is one big special occasion and we never know when it will be our time to leave, so live, and live well.
Hoping to get that corporate job?Start dressing as though you alreadyhave your dream job and thelifestyle you want.
4. Dress for the life you want not just the one you have You have big dreams and aspirations. You want a particular job, status, and lifestyle. So why not dress as though you have it now?
Opportunities naturally present themselves to those who are open to receiving them, those who are focused and ambitious, those who act, those who take pride in their appearance and those who visualise and act out their goals.
So start dressing as though you have your dream job and the lifestyle you want (within your means of course), and you may just find you attract more opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
5. Life’s too short to fit in Why settle for average when you can be extraordinary? This is a great philosophy to live by – and dress by.
How often are we happy to stay within the lines and do what is ‘normal’. Why not live a little and turn heads while you do it?
Pull out that gorgeous party dress more often, wear that sparkling dinner jacket to dress up your casual or work wear, and put on those gorgeous shoes, jewels, hats and scarves that are tucked away in your wardrobe.
How are you going to start dressing up more?
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
May 19
Five Tips to Make Your Occasional Wear Last
A beautiful occasional dress like this one is an investment piece for your wardrobe.Post-party, hang it up as soon as you undress, to prevent added marks and creases.
With formal and occasional wear being investment pieces for your wardrobe, you want to make sure you do everything to make them last, giving you the opportunity to wear them again and again.
So, to ensure you get a good return on your wardrobe investment, here are five tips to help you extend the life of your occasional wear.
1. Address any stains immediately There is nothing more frustrating than getting a stain on your new or favourite dress. To ensure it isn’t permanent, rinse the stain immediately in cold water.
When you get home treat the spot with a solution of bleach-free stain remover mixed with cold water and hand wash gently until the stain comes out. Then rinse with cold water and hang it up to dry.
2. Hang up your occasional wear as soon as you undress Before you step into the shower to wash off your make up or remove the hairspray from your hair, take a moment to hang up your outfit.
While you can be tired after a big day or night, resisting the urge to leave your dress on the floor will prevent added dirt marks, stains and creases.
3. Don’t wash too frequently Now obviously we don’t recommend you go out in a dirty, smelly outfit! But it is good to keep in mind that every time your outfit is washed it causes additional wear and tear.
Depending on where you wear it, the temperature, time of day and how long you wear it for, you may be able to get a couple of wears out of your outfit before you need to wash or dry clean it.
Always follow the care instructions! A beautiful, delicate, pure silk dress like this one needs to be cleaned with care.
4. Follow the washing directions When it comes to prolonging the life of your occasional wear it is vitally important you follow the washing directions.
While it can be tempting to take shortcuts to save time, it can damage and drastically reduce the lifespan of your outfit. To ensure you get the enjoyment from wearing your dress again and again, hand wash or dry clean as instructed – and never, ever use the dryer.
5. Be mindful of where you store it Unfortunately, we can’t get dressed up all the time. In fact quite a lot of time can pass before you need your occasional wear again, so how you store it is of the utmost importance.
If you know it will be going away for a while, have it cleaned first. Also make sure it is stored in a dry, dark place, away from the reach of children or pets. If this isn’t possible, as your wardrobe is the go-to hide-and-seek place, we suggest you use the added protection of a garment bag.
It is also wise to have mothballs in your wardrobe – or for a nicer, more natural alternative, lavender – to keep moths away.
Do you have any tips or questions for taking care of formal wear?
Time to replace your worn down occasional wear? Check out our collection for inspiration.
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
May 05
Five Timeless Occasional Looks That Will Ensure Eyes are on You
While movie stars have the luxury of wearing an outfit to only one event, when us mere mortals buy an item of clothing, particularly formal or occasional wear, we want to be able to wear it to multiple occasions for at least a couple of years, if not more.
But to do that the outfit you choose needs to be timeless, multipurpose and have the ability to be updated and changed with accessories. Sound like a big ask? It really doesn’t have to be.
To help you, here are five timeless formal looks borrowed from our collection that you can wear again and again to turn heads.
Outfit #1 – The shimmery party dress This versatile short, sleeveless silk sequined Amethyst Borealis dress (left) is ideal for cocktail parties, weddings, or a special evening out. Designed in a timeless block colour the slight sequined detail is perfect for giving you a shimmering evening look, yet still subtle enough to not make you feel like you’re moonlighting as a disco ball!
The pleating detail just below the sequined bodice adds definition to your waistline and attracts the eyes upward (perfect if you want to distract from other areas like your hips or thighs). Of coursen no shimmery party dress is complete without statement earrings and a gorgeous pair of stilettos.
Outfit #2 – The soft, feminine, free flowing dress This soft, elegant Nude Champagne silk chiffon dress (right) is ideal for weddings, cocktail functions, race wear and special occasion wear. The gathered bodice and full flowing skirt exude feminine appeal, and the silk satin obi tie up belt adds shape and definition to your waistline, ensuring you are not lost in a sea of loose material.
Light and comfortable, the elbow length bodice also offers the convenience of more warmth on colder evenings and a little more sun protection when out on the field at the races. To add to the elegance opt for tan stilettos (close to your skin tone) to elongate your legs and accessorise with pearls.
Outfit #3 – The patterned day dress A gorgeous patterned dress is a must in every woman’s wardrobe, though choosing timeless colours and patterns is the key. This short sleeved Cerise Slate silk cotton dress (left – also available in sage green and cobalt) offers a simple yet striking pattern that won’t result in it being tucked at the back of your wardrobe next season.
Providing a glamorous, yet conservative look, this dress is ideal for weddings, resort wear and day functions like luncheons and charity events. The light, breathable material is ideal for warm days and the short sleeves offer slightly more sun protection if you are at a garden party or wedding. To make your outfit really pop match your shoes and clutch with the most prominent colour in your pattern (in this case, cerise).
Outfit #4 – The striking yet simple cocktail dress There is nothing like a striking bright colour to turn heads at an event and this Cobalt Borealis dress (below, right) is the perfect colour for both a personal and professional setting.
From weddings and cocktail parties or an evening out dancing with the girls, through to a more formal work dinner or networking event, this simple yet striking dress is the perfect choice. Giving you the opportunity to dress it up or down with your accessories, you can go with extravagant statement jewellery and heels for a party, or make it simple and stylish with understated accessories and a tailored dressy jacket for a work event. This versatility also makes it the perfect dress to wear if you have to head to a wedding or party straight after work, allowing you to be professional by day and party diva by night.
Outfit #5 – The little black dress Your little black dress (LBD) is perhaps the most versatile fashion item you can buy, but that doesn’t mean it has to be plain and simple. Look for elegant designs and unique features that will help you stand out in the crowd, like this Black Opal silk dress.
With a different take on the LBD, this silk dress is actually chocolate brown with a double layered black polyester microgette over the top for contrast and ruffled sleeves for dramatic effect, making it ideal for cocktail functions, parties, the races or a special night out.
You can add colour through your accessories or opt for a more elegant look with matching heels and either classic pearls, or gold or silver jewellery.
Which look is your favourite?
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3369 5119. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Our Collections.
Apr 28
Your Style Guide on What to Wear to Every Occasion
This dress ticks all the cocktail sytle boxes – just add your favourite sparkly accessories and highest heels and enjoy the party!
There is nothing quite like the excitement of being invited to a lavish cocktail party, black tie event, business dinner or networking event. But that feeling can quickly fade when the dreaded question “what do I wear?” pops into your head.
If choosing the outfit itself wasn’t bad enough, you have to try and work out what is appropriate to wear in each different setting. To help you, we’ve put together a style guide on what to wear for every occasion, so whether you are attending a casual BBQ with friends through to an extravagant societal ball, we have you clothed.
1. Casual A casual dress code means that pretty much anything goes. Shorts, jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, and even thongs are perfectly fine for a casual affair.
If invited to a party or BBQ with a casual dress code, keep your hosts in mind. What do they usually wear and how might they determine what a casual dress code is? If they are people who tend to be more smartly dressed, take the same approach.
2. Smart Casual or Business Casual This dress code is actually quite deceiving, because when it comes to smart or business casual, there’s nothing casual about it. Jeans, shorts and t-shirts are definitely not appropriate, instead go for dressier pants or a skirt with a nice blouse, or a more elegant day dress teamed with heels or ballet flats.
Really, you only want to be slightly less dressy than what you would wear to work (in a corporate environment) to meet a client. Go for a relaxed professional or polished look.
3. Business Business dress is obviously very sharp and professional. Opt for tailored suits – either pants or skirts – with buttoned up blouses, or a tailored dress with a jacket, combined with closed in heels and elegant accessories. It doesn’t have to be the same black, grey, red, white or navy colour schemes though. You can add a little colour through your accessories, jackets and blouses, depending on your industry and work dress code.
Think along the lines of Michelle Obama, or, for a more fictional example, the television character Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife. Both have a very classy, polished, confident look that is indicative of a business dress code.
(For more ideas on dressing up your business style check out Four Style Tips To Take Your Work Wardrobe From Drab to Fab)
For black tie and formal events, have some fun with elegant, long dresses and gowns.
4. Cocktail, Semi-Formal or After Five This can be a rather confusing dress code, considering that a cocktail party can be anything from a glamorous societal affair to a quiet dinner with friends, so it is important to keep the audience in mind.
In a broader sense though, cocktail, semi-formal or after five style codes tend to demand shorter (just above or just below the knee) formal dresses. Your little black dress is often the best choice here, or a more glittery, patterned party dress made from satin, silk or another light fabric.
Of course, no cocktail dress would be complete without sparkly accessories and the highest heels you can manage to walk in.
5. Formal or Black Tie When it comes to a formal or black tie style code, think red carpet elegance with beautiful, long dresses and gowns or elegant evening separates. While you can get away with cocktail dresses at some events, you are always better to choose the more formal, longer style – plus it can be more fun!
When it comes to dressing appropriately for any occasion, the golden rule is that it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Besides, if you do get really stuck on what to wear, clarify with the hosts of the event or ask a friend or colleague what they will be wearing.
Have an upcoming cocktail or black tie event? Check out our full collection for some outfit inspiration.
Copyright © 2014 Stokes Thompson. All Rights Reserved. Contact Stokes Thompson or phone +61 7 3268 7878. This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. See below for more details…
DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety: Do you have a special occasion coming up and need a special outfit? Stokes Thompson Design has a range to suit many occasions. Click here to view our Spring Summer 2013 Collection.