The diary is acquiring a dress code. A glamorous wedding here, an evening invitation there, perhaps a holiday somewhere that warrants a rather better suitcase. And with the festive season beginning to loom, there is every reason to turn our attention to clothes with a little more presence.
At Fabric of Society, occasion dressing is gathering momentum through embellished dresses, sheer fabrics and gowns that make getting ready part of the pleasure. The beautiful sequin and feather details of 16Arlington and Des Phemmes bring texture, movement and just enough theatre. Alongside them, Jacques Wei injects contemporary fun into event wear, making a persuasive case for looking beyond the expected evening dress.
The appeal lies in mixing those moods. Consider ROTATE’s exuberance alongside Magda Butrym’s romantic sensibility, with Entire Studios bringing a cleaner counterpoint to the sparkle. There is room for both the entrance-making gown and the pared-back silhouette with one particularly good accessory.
For winter weddings, festive parties or evenings abroad, let one element lead: a feathered detail, a sheer layer, a scattering of sequins. Keep the rest considered and allow the clothes some room to move.
After all, the best party dresses should be able to enjoy themselves.
