COSTUME DRAMA
5 ways to rock the frock
Party values should be high on your agenda now with invites starting to flow in. Spend this month looking around for the ultimate party dress. Think about its versatility prior to purchasing it – can you adjust its mood with different accessories and shoes and justify its cost via repeated wear? If the answer’s yes, ka-ching! This month 5 Ways returns with a step-by-step guide showing you different ways to rock the (same) frock.
Below, see how a party dress can take you from an end of year office lunch to a decadent New Year’s dancefloor in one flash of a strobe light:
look 01.long LUNCH with the girls
Get elegantly waisted (pun intended!). By cinching a belt around your waste, the dress instantly defines your figure and the tan shade denotes a more casual tone, yet sharpens your look. Pair with comfy flat sandals and a cool pair of sunnies in a clashing shade. The tote bag is essential. You may need to pack red lippy, heels and a clutch in case the day rolls into cocktail hour. Most likely!
look 02.WEEKEND DRINKS
Time to roll that mane into a loose top-knot, donne a fine gold chain necklace and rev-up your pace instantly with a heeled ankle boot, a sash of red via a cross-body bag, and a painted velvet red lip. The denim jacket sets the mood: a glam rock vibe.
look 03.work lunch
Say yes to a heel, but keep it more on the sombre side of the colour spectrum and save your glittered metallic or sequin-spritzed stiletto for after dark. It's best to present a more modest outline, so add a layered length via a lightweight long jacket or fine long wool cardi so your legs aren't so exposed. To avoid a black-on-black shapeless silhouette, note the fine beige belt loosely perched on the hips.
look 04.cocktail party
Statement earrings, heeled shoes and clutches are the essential ingredients to pull off this look. Pull hair up into a top bun or slick ponytail and donne a tasseled earring (just one or a pair) for an instantly exotic departure from daytime. Glam up with a sexy red heel and a painted nail.
look 05 . CHRISTMAS PARTY
Add glitz with a strappy heeled stiletto, a glimmer of gold on the ears and a coloured, even clashing clutch with wildly painted nails (just don't match the shade to your toes - always keep them different). For this event, steer clear of bold necklaces as they'll bug you incessantly on the dancefloor. It's best to keep the neckline open for fresh allure.
TIPS & TRICKS - DAy TO NIGHT:
Always keep your favourite bright-coloured lipstick in your hand bag and keep a pair of dangly earrings in a small box or bag in your handbag - 'tis the season for heading out on a whim;
Also pack a small brush and matching hair-toned elastic to pop your tresses into a pony or top-knot for an instantly slick look, plus an Oriental-spiced fragrance to usher in the evening's new mood;
A little cross over bag that can double up as a clutch is ideal for functionality if you're heading out from the office;
Get a manicure and pedicure regularly so your nails are always perfect; it's the little things that polish your look. Choose a unique pop of colour for the party season;
Moisiturise your legs day and night as it's the time of year you'll be baring them regularly. Also consider applying fake tan a couple of nights before a big event so you can top up the shade the night before if required (or have ample time to wash it off if it's too strong).