Choosing the Perfect Outfit

Opt for your favourite colour

it isn’t necessary to always go for a neutral colour on formal occasions, which can be the instinctive choice as a neutral conveys an element of authority and formality. (Neutral colours – white, black, navy, brown, tan, cream and grey). Instead choose your favourite colour, as this is a time to look your best and the half of it is feeling your best. Your favourite colour will lift you up psychologically and make you feel happier about yourself. If one of your favourite colours is a neutral then you can opt for that too. You will stand out more though if don’t go for the common choice, that is black.

Ensure you feel comfortable

On certain occasions we can feel compelled to choose a different style than you are used to - lower the cleavage, wear a skirt rather than the jeans, sport a jacket, wear pearls, put on a tie...or whatever you think is required. The important thing is to not go too off track from what you would normally choose. If you are someone that typically prefers higher necklines, this doesn’t mean that if you have a date you must choose a stereotypical look. What can look good on another can look inappropriate on you.

If you are a typical trouser wearer, for example, you don’t have to opt for a skirt. If you imagine your ideal outfit for a moment, take note of the details – skirt or trouser, high or low neck, pattern or plain, sheen or matt. This will help you when shopping to make the right choice. It is essential you feel comfortable with your outfit. A special occasion means treating yourself to your favourite outfit.

Dress for your style

Make sure the outfit reflects you. The best way to achieve this is by considering your personality - choose 3-5 words to describe it. If the words you come up with relate also to your intended outfit, then you have a match. If you have a dress that says ‘elegant, conservative, contained’ and you are ‘fun, colourful, wacky’, then you won’t feel comfortable.

Dress yourself

Don’t get caught up in what everyone else is wearing. It is so easy to get caught up in what other people are going to be wearing to a particular party, and then swaying towards their choice rather than your own. If you buy a dress/outfit that is similar to a friend, unless she is very like you, you will only end up comparing yourself with her all day and you will only feel self-conscious. Please also note that partners/friends/siblings can sometimes, with the best of intentions, lead us astray. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to a suggested outfit or to not get discouraged if a friend doesn’t like your outfit when you love it!

Eccentric Choices

Unless you are a eccentric character, beware in making very outlandish choices, or wearing an outfit that ‘everyone will remember’, or that ‘no-one has ever done before’. Going Vintage can be fun, but sometimes you can look just simply out-of-place. I know because I have made that mistake before! Be sure to find out the dress code so you aren’t inappropriate.

Widen the Options

If you are looking for something special, don’t choose the shops you would typically shop in. Open up your scope and upgrade the Shop you go to and the area you go to. You would have much more of a chance finding something if you went to a larger department store or a specialist boutique.

Get the Facts

There is nothing worse that arriving at an event and feeling out of place. Make sure you get the facts about what the dress code is, and if you are hosting the event ensure that you give out the correct instructions.

‣White tie – a white dinner jacket and often long evening gown
‣Black tie – a black dinner jacket and long/mid/short evening gown
‣Cocktail – a suit/jacket, a mid length or above dress/trouser suit/skirt suit. Note this is not an evening gown
‣Smart casual – sports jacket style with brogues, a formal skirt/trouser with top or shift dress, elegant shoe or heel
‣Casual – jeans, relaxed shoes, whatever you like

It Must Fit

There is no point hoping that you will be able to squeeze into the outfit on the day if it really is gapping at the sides now. A correct fit is essential – avoid pulling of the fabric or loosening of the fabric; the right length in skirt – too short could be offensive and unflattering; arms must fit in the sleeves, and thighs must fit into the trousers. And, don’t make the mistake of thinking “well, it is only for one night. I can cope with it being that tight”. It will look too tight, then the dream outfit will be remembered as a mistake!