Summer – at its best – is like one long festival of nights out and fun with friends. When the days are hazy and the nights are mild, it’s the perfect time to glam up.
The promise of warm nights out is reason enough to scoop up some new season’s going out dresses. But summer also brings invitations to weddings and big dos – the perfect excuse for some serious frock shopping.
Bargains are great to hunt for so I don’t need to stop at one party dress. After all, different occasions demand different dresses!
Summer nights
This season, party dresses are flirty and fun. Raise a smile – and an envious glance or two – with a daring choice. Try color blocking with shocking brights, or flaunt your wild side in animal and tribal prints. Spice up the classic maxi by choosing an asymmetrical one-shoulder cut or thigh-high split, or go for a mini in a bodycon or peplum style for some sexy swagger.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s easy to wear. If you’re clubbing, you’ll want a dress you can move in without risking a wardrobe malfunction.
Big dos and wedding bells
Here’s your chance to splash out on something really special. Again, you’ll want it to be workable on the dance floor and comfortable for the long haul (especially for an all-day wedding).
Make a stately entrance in a strapless maxi, shine in metallics, sequins and beads, or swirl in ruffles and floaty layers. Just don’t miss your chance to create your ‘red-carpet’ moment.
Friends and family
Frocks for visiting and dining out can be tricky to get right. For that first big family lunch with the new boyfriend, you may want to look demure enough to please grandma, without losing your sense of style. This season’s crop of lace dresses ticks all the boxes as do flared and pleated skirts, midi lengths and wrap dresses.
There are plenty of occasions that require a special dress but not an evening dress – christenings, dinner parties and daytime dos among them. It’s a hard balance to get right, but take a lesson from Taylor Swift, who projects daytime glamour in a pitch-perfect midi dress for a press conference.
Multipurpose party dresses
Whether you’re keeping it restrained for daytime or going full-out for the evening, there’s many a going out dress that can multitask. The shoes you choose will transform your outfit (think wedges and pumps by day, killer heels by night) as will accessories and hair. A floaty maxi will look bohemian with beach hair by day, but elegant with an up-do for the evening.
amanda
