Fashion
Flirty to Fantasy Stunning party frocks This month, as we contemplate our party season wardrobe, Vicki Brant, stylist to the stars, takes a close look at stunning party frocks. From flirty to fantasy Vicki’s guidance will guarantee you party princess status, so get the party started and strut your stuff like an A-lister!
Vicki Brant - Style Solutions
Personally, I love an excuse to dress-up, but not everyone enjoys formal occasions and some friends of mine flounder when the invite dictates something a little glitzier than jeans. There is the argument that it’s pointless to buy party clothes when you probably only wear them once or twice a year, but if you buy wisely the investment you make will last. Apart from the LBD there are a delightful number of dresses for you to score serious style points in, not that I would EVER suggest it’s a competition (yes, right!). Old school Hollywood glamour is definitely dazzling in this season’s choice of dresses. The key looks are white, silver and the forever-faithful gilded gold. Channel your inner diva in a Grecian inspired gown or opt for a flight of fancy in a ‘Lost-in-Narnia’ look, with an ice maiden frosted finish in a beaded bodice, fluid skirt and designer tiara. Keep the arctic temperatures at bay by adding a little plumage with a classic maro feather cape; it will effortlessly add romance. Ooze some glamour in a floor length, thighsplit, body-con sequin-encrusted Primavera gown. The red carpet never looked so sparkly. If spillage is your problem, minimise the risk with a low back – just as sexy, but easier to pull off if you don’t have a chauffeur waiting to whisk you to the venue. Remember to consider the whole package, wrap up like a Christmas gift but don’t forget the right underwear can make or break your look. Whatever your figure, there are an endless number of lingerie ranges offering assistance in the suck it in, push it up department, don’t be too proud to try them, you will never look back. True belles of the ball work trends without
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compromising on their signature style, in other words, if you rarely wear patterns, don’t suddenly opt for a full on swirly satin dress just because the office Christmas party has arrived, you will be out of your comfort zone. It is, however, worth trying on shapes that you wouldn’t normally go for. Maximum impact can be achieved using striking colours and an empire line is great to disguise a tummy, skimming it gently and accentuating the smallest part of your torso. Small busts can be enhanced with ruffles or pintucks and embellishments – it gives the perception of a fuller bust and draws the eye upwards. As much as I love the feel of satin against the skin, it will enlarge the booty and, due to its shine, hug all your curves in the wrong places. The new season’s metallics are evident in accessories from super-shiny to sophisticated and subtle. Remember to keep it simple, let the dress do the talking. Salute your inner screen siren with drop-dead, collarbone skimming earrings. A necklace as well would be overkill. True starlets know it looks younger to keep the décolletage free of clutter. For 24-carat glamour come out sparkling dressed in sequins – there’s no better way to get in the festive spirit.
Clothing from Promesse Tel: 01905 723462 www.promesse.co.uk Photography by Emma Woodhouse Tel: 07791 463452 Hairstyling by Kerry Butler at The Inside Out Co. Tel: 07791 314434 Make-up by Hayley van der Klein www.weddingbridalmake-up.co.uk Styling and Artistic Direction by Vicki Brant Tel: 07831 853359 www.vickistylesolutions.co.uk Flowers by www.beautifulflowersbykb.co.uk Tiaras by Julie Burton at The Emerald Grove Tel: 01684 578224 Models: Emma kale represented by Adage Tel: 0121 224 7696 Emily and Jodi represented by Vicki Brant STYLE SOLUTIONS Cadillac supplied by Mark Rogers www.states-style.com Tel: 01544 319093
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