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28th May 2017

The dreaded occasionwear dress code

Fashion - By Alexandra Stedman

Jumpsuit: £104, Phase Eight. Bag: £79, Marks & Spencer. Shoes: Topshop (old). Photographs: Christopher O’Donnell

Occasionwear, the word that fills me with dread every summer. Fascinators, florals, taffeta and chartreuse spring to mind – none of which are really my thing.

And to be honest, Phase Eight tends to fall into this category with me…but after trying this jumpsuit – I might have changed my mind.

I’ve always been more of a jumpsuit kind of girl, anyway. And this, for me, is the perfect occasionwear outfit – a little more cool than flounce and I think it just might be the most flattering all in one I’ve ever tried on.

There are no right or wrongs when it comes to occasion dressing (in my opinion) and here are a few tips I’d give as a stylist:

DO

Look for separates. I sometimes think we’ve been conditioned to think that occasionwear must mean dresses. but a beautiful blouse and trousers/skirt could do just as well (a friend wore a trouser suit to my wedding and she looked fabulous).

You DON’T

Have to leave your comfort zone, if you don’t want to. Whilst full on black or white is still frowned upon at weddings (not in my circles), if it’s not in your nature to do bright colour, don’t feel pressured to do so. Monochrome with a dash of colour in your accessories is more than enough of a nod to the occasionwear dress code.

DO

Look for fun accessories to jazz up something you might already have. You don’t have to have something new for every event. Nine times out of ten, I wear an old dress but spruced with some recent shoe purchases.

Skyscraper heels optional….(these are old velvet favourites from Topshop).

Jumpsuit: £104, Phase Eight. Bag: £79, Marks & Spencer. Shoes: Topshop (old).

I’ve rounded up a few shoppable bits below, for a less formal approach to formal wear…

For more occasion wear ideas, click here.

By Alexandra Stedman

Fashion Editor, Blogger, Realist

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Comments

  1. Tiffany Lea Zimmermann says

    28th May 2017 at 5:34 pm

    Love the look!
    Xx, Tiffany Lea
    https://zimmylifestyle.com

    Reply
  2. Danish Pastry says

    28th May 2017 at 6:37 pm

    I love that jumpsuit on you, how easy is it to get in and out of?
    I think separates are the way to go, I have a wedding next year, and am planning on wearing a navy and cream print skirt, with a navy crepe top, navy cream jacket and maybe a pink handbag. There is more than a year to go, so this outfit is bound to change several times….

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      29th May 2017 at 11:43 am

      Not too bad – I could zip it up myself! But jumpsuits are always tricky in the toilet situation!! You are more organised than me planning next year’s wedding outfit! xx

      Reply
      • Danish Pastry says

        29th May 2017 at 3:39 pm

        Thing is, at best I’m trying to talk myself out of buying something new for next year’s wedding. At worst if I do fall for some must have outfit, I’m hoping it’ll be in the sales (but must be able to be dressed down as well as up).

        Reply
  3. Catherine says

    28th May 2017 at 8:16 pm

    I just bought the little red M&S shoes this weekend – such a good find, couldn’t believe it! Everyone was having a look when I was trying them on.

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      29th May 2017 at 11:42 am

      Yes! I used them on a shoot i styled for M&S recently – such a good heel height, too! xx

      Reply
  4. Shloka says

    30th May 2017 at 2:41 pm

    I am such a jumpsuit girl so I think that this is a fabulous choice! I completely agree with you – even separates can make for a stellar look!

    Amazing tips and love this jumpsuit on you!

    x
    Shloka
    http://thesilksneaker.com

    Reply
  5. Lucy Sermon says

    30th May 2017 at 4:25 pm

    Wow – Alex you look stunning! What a body – this couldn’t suit you more – will never overlook a jumpsuit again having seen this!

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      1st June 2017 at 9:24 pm

      thank you! xxx

      Reply
  6. A Girl, A Style says

    30th May 2017 at 10:49 pm

    Alex, you look smoking hot in this jumpsuit! Such a chic look, and I’m all for a trouser suit and a navy vs bright colour to a formal occasion.

    Briony xx

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      31st May 2017 at 10:03 pm

      Thanks so much lovely xxxx need to catch up soon

      Reply
  7. Lynna says

    31st May 2017 at 10:22 am

    Love your style! It looks elegant and fashionable! xx
    http://www.oneirojewelry.com

    Reply
  8. Shreya says

    3rd June 2017 at 7:30 am

    Absolutely stunning jumpsuit, perfect fit like a ramp model!!!

    Reply
  9. Saida - She talks Glam says

    5th June 2017 at 8:27 pm

    I feel the same every time someone in my circle announces a wedding or a formal event, ahhhh! You look fantastic on that jumpsuit and velvet heels Alex ♥ My perfect outfit is a pair wide leg flowy pants with a nice blouse and some killer accessories. Happy Monday!

    Saida | She talks Glam

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      6th June 2017 at 5:48 pm

      Thank you! xxx

      Reply
  10. jy says

    20th June 2017 at 8:16 pm

    Nice pantsuit.

    Reply
  11. Emma says

    30th June 2017 at 11:59 am

    Bought this after I saw your blog – I am a size 18 and it looks great, thanks for the advice

    Reply
    • Alexandra Stedman says

      30th June 2017 at 3:32 pm

      Oh so pleased! xxx

      Reply

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