The Perfect Spring Wedding and Summer Party Dress

5.08.2014

Style Theory: It is this time of year the search intensifies for the perfect dress to wear to a wedding or summer party. It is important that the dress is comfortable, makes you feel confident and is fabulously flattering.
Dress: Jesire - similar here
Shoes: Nine West - similar here
The photo above is my favourite party dress, bought 6 years ago, I have worn it to weddings, summer balls and have worn dressed down in the winter with opaques and flat ballet pumps. It is my go to dress  for all occasions.

This season there is a huge selection of dresses in High Street stores from beautiful florals, to cool pastels to elegant monchrome. There is a dress to suit everyone, short to maxi and everything in between, here is my edit of my favourite dresses on the high street, I hope I have found one that could be right for you...

Florals
Add a touch of romanticism in a beautiful floral dress. As you know, florals are big news this season and will make an impact so accessories can be kept simple and chic. Pair these dresses with animal print  or nude shoes and match your clutch to one colour featured in the floral print for an extra pop of colour:
Dresses from Left to Right:
Pastels
Subtle, ethereal, pastel colours look beautiful in the summer, pick the colour that most suits your skin tone and add darker tonal accessories for a perfect 2014 look. Pair a pale pink dress with a darker pink clutch and metallic or nude court shoes.


From left to right:


Brights 
Make a bold statement in a bright, jewel coloured dress. These beautiful colours look gorgeous paired with metallic accessories, wear silver or gold textured court shoes and a clutch to match.



Monochrome
Channel Audrey Hepburn in monochrome for a chic and stylish look.  Black and white is the ultimate in elegance and is simple to accessorise. Add a red clutch for a pop of colour to your monochrome ensemble and a pair of comfortable, nude, leg-lengthening heels that will take you through from day to evening.
From left to right:

Is there a dress amongst this selection that appeals to you, do you already have a 'go to' dress that you wear time after time?

My Style:
Thanks goodness we have been just holding onto the sunshine this week, although it seems the heavens opened today. So over the last few days for general running around after the kids and writing from home for various publications I have spent my time in jeans and today mostly in a cagoule!!:

A Spot of Double Denim
Denim Shirt: Gap
Jeans: H&M
Fur Gilet: Mango
Bag: H&M
Shoes: M&S
 Bringing out my fave Russell & Bromley ballet flats from winter retirement!
Jumper: Cos
Jeans: 7 for all Mankind
Bag: H&M
Ballet pumps: Russell & Bromley
I would love to hear your thoughts and comments on your favourite dresses, will do a post on party separates next week, skirts/trousers/tops etc.

Until next time, Frances xx

21 comments:

  1. Why is it that everyone else can rock a fur gilet so well, whereas I look like a miniature Viking?!! Love your party dress and you've given some lovely selections. Hope your weather improved again ... not sure what's going on here. We fluctuate between teaming rain and bright sunshine from one hour to the next!

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    1. I doubt very much you look like a miniature viking, although I must admit every time I put it on I do feel a bit wooly mammoth-ish! We sooo need some summer sunshine now! x

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  2. Wish I had an event to go to as there are so many lovely dresses to chose from here!! Spoilt for choice!
    Love your Cos sweater....what a great shape!! xx

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    1. Thanks Michelle, must admit I have worn that sweater tons..just one of those comfortable jumpers! x

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  3. I must admit I am a dressy girl. There are some gorgeous ones around but like your Jesiree dress, some of my nicest ones I've had for a couple of years and they've done me so well. You can't beat the monochrome ones, guaranteed to look fab at lots of different events. Sorry Frances I did a very cheeky direct style steal of your gilet at Ave 57 today - I loved your outfit so much xxx



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    1. And you looked fab in your gilet, love the colour xx

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  4. I love your dress the best. It's a perfect all rounder as the dark background makes it not "too wedding" and the print is a little retro which takes it up a notch. And perfectly accessorised with the leopard pumps too.

    I haven't had to frock up for a while now so I would have to buy something new as my old Jigsaw number from days of old (7 years and more) is looking a little dated now. I'm not good with dresses :o(

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    1. I am not great with dresses either but I do prefer them to tops and skirts, they suit my shape better and also I don't need to think about and two things looking good together!, still prefer jeans though! x

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  5. I I don't know where to start! You look stunning in the photo of your dress, that really is a perfect dress to have in your wardrobe and would fit so many occasions. Also love the double denim and gilet, I may have to copy this!
    Abbi x

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  6. Love that dress on you, remember you posting it before. The double denim look is fab too, need to resurrect my patchwork jeans.

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    1. You look fab in your patchwork jeans..cannot believe you can still fit into them after just having a baby..you are one super duper trim Mama! x

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  7. Oo I can see why that dress is your favourite, such a great cut on you, just lovely!! P x

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  8. Hooray for wedding season! So funny that our posts today are on the same topic - great minds ;)

    Thankfifi
    thanks so much for your sweet comment on my post.x

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    1. Absolutely, love your Next dress, it's stunning xx

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  9. Your' dress is lovely and such a classic. I don't 'do' dresses but I like your' selections. I have no functions to go so I can stick with my jeans Zzzzz. H xx

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  10. I am distracted by your dress - wishing this was current season!

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  11. Its such a lovely dress Frances! I'm pants with dresses after being in North Africa for so long I'm out of touch & really do need to invest in some new ones! xx

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  12. Some great inspiration, and you look truly gorgeous in all your outfits!

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