Spring is finally here, and there’s excitement and optimism in the air. After a tough winter of miserable weather, dark evenings and lockdown restrictions, many of us are looking forward to the promise of lighter, longer days and more freedom to roam. If your diary is filling up, and you’re counting down the days until parties or weddings, now is the time to start thinking about your spring/summer wardrobe. In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect outfit for those long-awaited post-lockdown reunions.
Customising and upcycling
Many of us have been wearing joggers and loungewear for months, and the thought of dressing up to the nines may be daunting. If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, you don’t have to rush out to the shops as soon as they reopen or spend hours trawling virtual aisles looking for an eye-catching dress, skirt or co-ord. One option that is worth exploring if you’re on a budget or you already have an outfit you adore is upcycling. Adding details and accessories can help you elevate even the most understated piece and create a unique ensemble. Take an LBD as an example. If you love your dress, but people have already seen it, or you want to add a bit more glitz and glam, you could exercise your sewing skills and unleash your creativity to add embellishments or use accessories to alter your look. Think bold collar necklaces, removable collars to change the neckline or waist belts to add colour and change the silhouette. You could also go bold with printed or brightly coloured bags or shoes.
Picture via https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-jewelry-3641056/
Hiring
Many of us have hired cars in the past, but have you ever thought about renting an outfit before? One of the quandaries we face when dressing for occasions is wanting to look fabulous and stand out from the crowd without blowing a month’s salary on an outfit we’ll probably only wear once. If you’re going to a wedding or a black-tie ball, for example, you want to feel incredible, but you might be reluctant to splash out because there are limited opportunities to dig out formal wear. If this scenario sounds familiar, why not look into hire dresses? If you rent a dress, you can snap up a spectacular gown at a fraction of the cost of buying a dress. Hiring is becoming more common and many stores that offer clothes rental have a fantastic range of unique dresses and designer pieces available.
Image by https://www.pexels.com/photo/graceful-young-woman-sitting-on-floor-near-mirror-3867110/
Shopping for unique outfits
One of the main worries people have when shopping for occasion wear is turning up to a party or a wedding reception wearing the same outfit as other guests. If this is a concern, there are some simple ways to try and find unique outfits that nobody else will have. Firstly, you could consider outfit choices that are less popular than the conventional options for the occasion you’re attending. For weddings, for example, people tend to gravitate towards dresses. If you want to try something different, why not consider a tailored jumpsuit, fitted trousers, a blouse and a blazer or a midi or maxi skirt with a top? It’s also a brilliant idea to look for small, independent stores in your local area and to browse boutiques online. Choosing lesser-known brands is less risky than buying from high-profile, popular labels. You could also scour charity shops and online auction sites if you’re keen to pick up a bargain.
Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-haired-woman-in-white-and-black-floral-sleeveless-maxi-dress-923210/
The days are getting longer and many of us are looking forward to summer weddings, parties and celebrating special occasions. If you’re on the hunt for an outfit, take these tips on board to make shopping simple, affordable and hassle-free.
