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?

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