INVESTMENT STYLING – LET’S NOT SAVE IT FOR BEST!

Investing in key pieces means making the most of investment styling; learn how to dress down items you may think are just for events.

I’m excited to collaborate with Zanne Lee on this blogpost and we must truly be transparent from the start, the dress and the jumpsuit you see in this post have kindly been provided by Phase Eight.

They too are a strong believer in not saving for best and wearing your clothes for everyday, therefore together we bring you this blogpost to showcase how you can buy an investment piece, say for a wedding or christening and then confidently dress it down.

Reducing the cost-per-wear value plus supporting sustainability in that it’s not taking up space in your wardrobe, but earning its place in your stylish curated wardrobe!

INVESTMENT STYLING: The Navy Polka Dot Dress

A navy dress and a polka dot print are both fantastic options to invest in – these neutral elements easily elevated a look without much effort for an event.

Zanne has recently worn this sustainably sourced Josephina spot tiered dress to a christening with a cream blazer.

Read on to find out how she toned down the look for a brunch date with me!

By not wearing a blazer, this automatically makes it less ‘occasion wear’ and should she needed a garment to protect her from chilly weather, then Zanne could easily opt for a cardigan or a trench coat – depending really on whether she is driving or walking to her destination.

The blue heeled sandals adds a pop of colour to this gorgeous frilly skirted dress, giving a fabulous nod to Spring styling; a much better option than court shoes or she would look like she is heading to the office for work.

The string bag is a cleaver accessory for toning this look down, by having a shopper that’s transparent, we can easily see that Zanne is in shopping mode with fruit, fresh flowers and a magazine – giving a clear visual indicator to others that she is going about her daily way, stylishly.

You can find more details on the Josephina Spot Tiered Dress below.

INVESTMENT STYLING: The lace jumpsuit

There is this style myth that lace can only be worn to weddings; I personally don’t believe in that. Yes lace is a lovely delicate fabric that offers a great choice when picking an outfit to attend a wedding.

I however, wear lace a lot. I am going to let you in on a little secret – I don’t particular like exposing skin. I believe the more covered you are, the more stylish you tend to look. It’s a personal view that I am sure many stylist will not agree on.

Lace is one of my go to choices for Spring or Summer, the other is sheer fabric – I am slightly less keen on black lace if it looks cheap and this is where I believe broderie anglaise can be a better choice.

I instantly fell in love with Phase Eight’s Monroe Belted Lace Wide Leg Jumpsuit; I know that when people see it on the hanger they will ask me what wedding I am going to – they are conditioned that way!

I hope the next few photos show you that it doesn’t have to be that way – and I have two option for you… one for those that are perhaps feeling a little less confident to make the jump!

Yep, if you are not feeling confident to step out as it is, then consider a light jacket that breaks up the lace. Avoid any jacket that makes it formal. What I particular love about a denim jacket they are usually to the waist, this works well with the cropped wide leg style of the jumpsuit.

The crop length to leg significantly helps this off-duty look – if yours is long (as in you need to wear high heels) and it’s after the event, consider a seamstress to take a look and get them to bespoke the fit to enable you to wear more footwear options of your preference.

Talking of footwear, my platform trainers again is the statement visual indicator to others you are not going anywhere formal.

A tote shopper is always easy, stylish and for everyday.

Option two, is to not put something over the jumpsuit! I can’t bear to cover up these gorgeous sleeves; it’s what I loved about the jumpsuit from the off.

So build on your confidence with the dress down accessories; I think you’ll more likely to be congratulated for investment styling inspiration than have any mockery around wedding talk!

 

 

Thank you to Zanne for collaborating on this blogpost – you can follow Zanne on Instagram

All Phase Eight items where provided for this collaboration and they are currently available to buy from their SS22 collection. Direct links are affiliated.

All professional photos were taken by Sarah Rider Photography – Please refer to my Privacy Policy for more details

 

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Next up: HOW TO START CLASHING YOUR PRINTS