It’s nearly that time of year again but fear not, think affordable, on-trend outfits with a hint of glamour to wow the crowds whatever your shape or size.
Matalan are searching for a fabulous fashion blogger to sit on the panel of judges for the 2013 Matalan Style Contest at Aintree Racecourse, so what better excuse to compile some super-stylish looks for a day at the races. Don’t worry if you’re not off to the gee-gees this season, the same looks are great for a wedding, christening or garden party.
Style tips for occasion dressing
If I were a rich girl…
You don’t need a big budget to dress-up for that big occasion. Look for simple pieces you can mix and match with your existing wardrobe. If you’re investing in a key piece, a blazer perhaps, choose a colour that works with what you already have so you’ll get the wear out of it post-event.
Size doesn’t matter.
Age ain’t nothing but a number, neither are size labels. It’s about dressing for your shape and personality and if you get that right you’ll ooze confidence. After all, that’s the most stylish look of all. So what if the dress is a size or two bigger than you’d like, no one will know but you.
Instant updates.
Florals are a perennial favourite but you can bring them right up-to-date by adding a collar necklace and toughening up with studded heels (look 1).
Monochrome is big news this season so mix it up with the other hot trend for flashes of neon to brighten your outfit (look 2).
You can get away with the most basic dress if you add a statement necklace, look-at-me heels and a carry-all clutch.
She wears the trousers.
Make like Beyonce at this year’s Grammy awards and rock a pair of trousers (look 3). There are so many dressy styles around you’ll find one to suit you. Streamline wide hips with a floor-skimming palazzo pant or choose a peg-shaped pyjama pant if you’re petite. Go dark if you’re conscious of your bottom half and prints hide a multitude of sins. Just think of the time saved shaving, waxing and fake-tanning.
What would CocoMama wear?
A typical Summer event look for this mama is based around neutrals with pops of colour to suit my fair skin and always killer heels for their leg lengthening qualities, especially in nude. You can’t go wrong with a blazer, they are smarter than a cardi for a more dressed-up finish and work double-duty after the event for dressing up jeans for work or weekend style.
A girly dress feels more occasion-ready when you normally live in jeans so I choose a draped fabric that skims what you want to hide and skinny belt to nip in at the waist to flatter curves.
Finish with a clutch bag for the essentials which you can tuck into a larger bag – that can be deposited safely when you’re at your venue – to store all your make-up essentials, baby wipes, emergency flat sandals and brolly.
What would you wear for a day at the races?
Have you got your wedding guest outfit sorted for this Summer?
