SUMMER EVENT DRESSING WITH SELFRIDGES

´Tis the season, for all those dreamy summer events, with weddings, races and al fresco soirees… And as much as I love it, the pain is always the same, every single year… What to wear? I try not to go overboard and buy a new outfit for every event; but I also don´t want to always resort to the same dresses on rotation every season. Hence when springtime arrives, I tend to add 2-3 new outfits into the mix, injecting some fresh new styles into my more formal wardrobe collection… I have several weddings coming up, so I headed to my go-to destination for dresses and smart outfits, Selfridges, and managed to score the perfect stylish, yet soft and feminine summer outfit (the ideal combination). 

The dress which caught my eye, and subsequently will no doubt be sorting me out throughout the season is this Reiss Frilled Detail Chiffon Dress. I am not one for over-the-top girly style – but this one is the perfect bridge in the middle; with it´s soft aqua colour palette, combined with it being the ideal versatile maxi – perfect to dress up with heels and a clutch, and thrown on with some strappy flat sandals and a cross-body bag.

I am fortunate to finally have worked my way up to an entire room for my wardrobe; so space is so longer such an issue as previously. Ironically, now that I have the space; I have also become a lot more critical with every piece to enter my walk-in-wardrobe. Maybe it´s something to do with it being on display (I can no longer hide my sins), but I am pretty sure it´s because I have become so much more picky, precise and streamlined when it comes to what suits my body shape, what I know I will wear for years to come and something which will last – style and quality wise. I just know when it comes to dresses, I can trust Reiss – still owning and cherishing several classic and timeless pieces from years ago. Teamed with my new favourite navy velvet clutch from Whistles (obsessed) and some neutral heels – this is an outfit I not only feel super comfortable in; but it´s an overall silhouette and style I know works for me, and will not look dated by the next season.

I guess the keyword here, is longevity. And when it comes to event dressing; when you´re probably going to spend more then your average summer dress – you should really be investing in something which does tick all those right boxes. Will it last you for at least 4-5 more seasons (or beyond)? Is it something you will feel comfortable wearing with both flats and heels? Is it a versatile as well as transitional piece – to take you from day-to-night, summer to autumn? If it ticks most of those boxes (ideally all) – you pretty much know you have a wardrobe winner.

Shop Evening Dresses and Clutches via Selfridges. 

REISS Dress
Whistles Clutch
L.K. Bennett Heels (old season)

Created in collaboration with Selfridges (ad). All words, opinions, styling & creative direction are, as always, my own. Photography by Lydia Collins.