WHAT TO WEAR TO THIS SEASON’S BIG EVENTS?
Cecile Mataillet
Spring is sprung, and that means peak event season is upon us! Think weddings, sophisticated garden parties, family get-togethers and more – in short, occasions where you’ll want to look your very best. But what should you wear? A dress is a classic choice, but if so, what length, what cut, what fabric will you go for? How about trousers, or even a jumpsuit? What would work best with that print that’s caught your eye? And what happens if it’s cold, or – worse still – raining? Read on for our best tips!
There are few things worse than feeling like you’re dressed up as someone else – you’re not truly “yourself”. If you’re a jeans-and-sneakers kind of gal, then a silky sheath dress might not be your cup of tea. If you’re self-conscious about your curves, then skin-tight pants aren’t the way to go. Our number one rule for occasion wear, then, is: wear something you feel good in! If you’re happy and confident in your clothes, your personality will shine through and you’re sure to look great.
Left to right:
Flowing V neck maxi dress with elasticated empire-height waist. If you’re looking for a figure-skimming piece and prefer to keep your legs covered, then this is the dress for you – it’s loose, but far from shapeless. Modest doesn’t have to be boring!
Flared strappy maxi dress. The flowing, supple fabric echoes the cobalt hue of a perfect summer sky, and the chevron panels and gathered details at the hips provide structure without clinging to your body.
Knee length dress with raised hem at front, designed to be worn with or without a belt. The soft fabric and flared cut are universally flattering, and the wide raglan sleeves are great if you prefer to keep your upper arms covered. The Cotélac signature pleat details create movement and give the piece a stylish, relaxed feel.
If there’s a dress code for your event, then that should give you some pointers. “Urban chic”? “Rustic”? “Glitz ‘n’ glam”, or “In the Pink”? You know what to do. If there’s no dress code, then take a closer look at the venue.Al frescodining in someone’s garden doesn’t call for the same level of formality as a dinner at a prestigious country house or a destination wedding.
If the dress code really doesn’t fit your style, then let your accessories do the talking. A printed scarf, a quirky top or a pair of statement shoes can be enough, and you won’t feel like you’re wearing someone else’s clothes (see rule 1 above).
If in doubt, you can’t go far wrong with a well-cut dress. Look for sophisticated finishing touches: it’s all in the details. Chic pleats, intricate construction, statement sleeves or a cutaway back can make the difference between “too casual” and “the height of elegance”.
Left to right:
Our draped “Look Up” print dress is sure to impress. Wear with or without a belt. The satin fabric and side split add a touch of glam, and the kimono sleeves and double collar give a quirky twist to an otherwise classic cut.
Go for a full-on romantic look in this “Passionce” print maxi dress. Think frilled raglan sleeves, side splits, and an asymmetric silhouette… The modern, sophisticated details offer the perfect counterpoint to the antique-style botanical print.
A deceptively simple A-line dress in a pretty print fabric – “Potager” or “Danse des hirondelles”, which features additional embroidered details. But turn it around, and – surprise! – you’ll find a V-shaped cutout on the back, which adds a subtly sensual touch.
Not a dress person? No need to force the issue! Why not go for chic wide-leg trousers, a pretty jumpsuit, or even a masculine-style suit? Whatever you choose, use accessories to mark the occasion: jewellery, a pretty top, statement heels, or even a different hairstyle will make it clear that this isn’t your standard everyday look. It's sa party, after all!
Left to right:
These deep navy trousers are ultra-chic and feminine: the pleats on the sides create movement and give the whole outfit an elegant feel. Wear with a jacket, fine knitwear, a pretty tank, a blouse, or a sophisticated shirt.
If you’re going for more of a casual chic feel, then these high-waisted linen/cotton blend trousers are a fabulous option. The cool, lightweight fabric is ideal for summer, and the neutral colour goes with everything: bright colours, pastels, or big, bold prints.
More and more well-dressed guests are opting for jumpsuits, and we can see why. Like a dress, it’s an all-in-one solution – no need to bother with separates! This piece is a great example: the fluid, soft fabric is effortlessly elegant and super comfortable. Each garment is individually pleated in our workshops, adding details that highlight your waist and shoulders.
Channel 1920’s gents summer styles in this elegant striped suit set, featuring a long jacket and wide-leg trousers. The washed, irregular ecru fabric is far enough from pure white that you can easily wear it to a wedding, and the drape is simply impeccable. The androgynous feel of the pieces means that you can style them in a whole host of different ways: heels or sneakers? Fine lingerie, embroidered blouse, or a classic knit? The choice is yours – and, since this is likely to be your new go-to guest outfit, you’ll have plenty of occasions to change it up.
Your event is in June, so you’ve planned on wearing a strappy dress, something backless, or a super-light fabric. But then you look at the weather forecast: disaster! It’s going to be chilly and raining on the day itself. What do you do? Do you grab an old cardigan from the back of your wardrobe, or throw on an ugly raincoat over your curated outfit? Or do you take out that special piece that you’ve carefully sourced for just this type of situation, you clever thing?
Left to right:
The essential mid-season coat, in a slightly marbled fabric that goes perfectly with any other colour. The straight cut makes it easy to wear over anything, from circle skirts to sheath dresses, wide-leg trousers to skinny jeans.
This quilted, kimono-style jacket is sure to get you noticed. Worn over plain colours, it’ll add a quirky touch to your look while keeping you warm. What’s not to love?Bring out your inner rock chick with this raphia-style, textured satin biker jacket.
The sophisticated cut and electric blue colour will boost any look, whether you wear it with classic or more edgy pieces. Other options include elegant knitwear pieces or a blazer-style jacket. Obviously, you can’t plan for all eventualities (who’s ever been to a wedding where everything went exactly according to plan?). But whatever happens, you’re sure to be one of the best-dressed guests in attendance!