Effortless Style for the Festive Season: Wardrobe Essentials for Every Occasion

by LukeAdmin

By sam & Jordi Woods, stylists

The party season is in full swing and our main concern should be enjoying the company of loved ones and friends not…”what should I wear” or worse still “I have a full wardrobe and nothing to wear”!

From bbqs to dinner parties the festive season can have many people’s social calendars filling with events that can require diverse dress codes.

As a stylist I have heard way too often of client’s stressing over a dress code, or worse still, declining an invitation because they don’t feel confident in what to wear or they are unable to spend money on an outfit for a one–off event.

Below is a list of wardrobe items and some styling suggestions for various occasions. You may already have these pieces in your closet or you may wish to invest in them if you feel they could add value to your outfit choices.

The outfits my gorgeous hubby, Michael and myself are wearing on the cover and in this article are items we already had in our wardrobes. Therefore, when we were invited to be on the Christmas cover of this lovely magazine we didn’t need to purchase anything new. In fact, these outfits have seen many a formal event and Michael’s suit jacket has seen even more occasions. So as you can see, a functional wardrobe that fits with your lifestyle can mean you always have the right outfit for any occasion, you just may need to be a little creative in how you style them.

The Guys

T–shirt or polo shirt: Worn on their own with shorts or pants for a casual look (think bbq) or worn under a shirt or blazer for an elevated outfit that could be appropriate for a casual wedding or birthday dinner. This season the knit polo is a popular choice for the guys who like to keep their style updated and modern.

Linen button up shirt: Fabulous for sun protection for beach days (very Euro chic!) or for a dressier occasion team with a neutral chino pant.

Dress short: For the guys who don’t like wearing long pants a dress short with a button thru shirt and a loafer or lace–up sneaker is super stylish for just about any summer coastal outing.

Chino pant: This style pant will elevate any outfit when jeans are just a tad too casual.

Dress jean: (Dark blue or black can be dressed up or down easily). A must–have wardrobe item as they are multifunctional when a slightly dressier look is required but a suit pant is just too formal. Michael is wearing a “wet look” jean in the photos with a formal suit jacket to give his outfit a modern edge.

Casual blazer: If your lifestyle sees you at daytime weddings, race days and events that require another layer and not just a shirt, then a blazer in a colour that works with your skin tone and other wardrobe pieces is a fabulous investment.

Dinner jacket: (Best if purchased as a suit so you have the option to wear as a set or mix with other pieces). Don’t just think of a more formal suit just for black tie events, a timeless suit jacket can take you from a formal invitation, to a funeral or a dinner out.

Black tie or bow tie: If your lifestyle includes the occasional formal event then this accessory is a great investment and can be worn with a plain white shirt for a formal invite or with a pattern or quirky print shirt for a more relaxed or fun event.

Belt: The finishing touches can make or break an outfit so don’t forget to keep your belt in good condition and updated. Opting for a reversible belt (different colours on each side. For example black and brown), will allow you to create different looks without having to purchase multiple belts.

The Girls

LBD (Little black, or your best neutral dress): Opt for a timeless design in black, navy or a dark hue that can be accessorised for after five, elevated with a jacket for business or even worn to a funeral.

Lace, satin or luxe fabric dress or suit: Like my red dress featured in this article, a formal dress or suit can take you to many occasions and if floor length is too limiting opt for an ankle length style or after a few wears as a formal gown you can always cut your dress off at the calf for more informal occasions.

Denim jeans/skirt: The optimum wardrobe item as it can be worn casually with a tee or dressed up with a blazer for a lunch date or city stay. Be sure to try the new denim maxi skirt that is trending at the moment, it is perfect for those who prefer a
longer skirt.

Linen pant/maxi skirt: A fabulous alternative to denim or a dress pant/skirt for most summer coastal events. Dress up your linen with other luxe textures like silk, sheer fabrics or even more linen for cool and effortless style.

Sequin or metallic cami/top: Adding a touch of sparkle and translucency to any outfit will instantly feel luxe and festive so elevate your denim, linen or after–five silky pants and skirts with a top that demands attention.

Kitten heel or pointy toe shoe: This summer a step back in time (no pun intended) is what shoe lovers are enjoying with the return of lady–like footwear. Gorgeous with dresses for a nostalgic styling or for a modern twist team feminine footwear with jeans or this season’s cropped pant. Anything sparkly on the feet is always a good wardrobe investment for when you need some added glam in your life.

Dramatic accessories: The 3D flower worn around the neck or as a brooch, embellished necklaces, neck ties or for those who love a belt…go big and statement or delicate with a chain version. Handbags are also a fabulous way to change the style of an outfit. A beaded clutch styled back with a sundress, cape or wrap and an embellished sandal will be appropriate for most semi–formal invitations.

Understanding styling and fashion is one thing. Having a super natural flair for making everyday people look incredible is another. Once you’ve met Sam & Jordi Woods, it’s hard not to catch their infectious passion for dressing to match your own lifestyle, personality and charisma. Through their consultancy ‘Vibrant Concepts’, Sam & Jordi have transformed the lives of thousands. Let Sam & Jordi show you how to look and feel fabulous everyday at their Style Studio in Erina – learn the art of illusion dressing, colour matching, styling, translating fashion trends and savvy shopping with their unique VC Signature Styling Systems and services that are truly personal and really work! To contact Vibrant Concepts phone 0425 221 676

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