So it is almost that time of year, ‘Occasion Dressing’ season. There are weddings. There are social events. And before you know it, Spring’s fallen petals will have disappeared and Summer will bring with it even more occasions, like races and regattas and anniversary parties… and some more weddings. For all of these gatherings and celebrations marking special occasions, I want to be dressed appropriately. You’ll know from reading this blog that I am definitely a ‘More Is More and Less Is a Bore’ kind of gal. However, there are times that even I realise I have to tone it down a little. I don’t want to show up at a wedding in the countryside looking like Liberace. Equally, I don’t want to look like I’ve just left my deeply dull corporate job just in time to make it to a reception. I want something in the middle, something just right. Like a sartorial Goldilocks, nothing too flashy, nor too boring… And ideally, something that I can wear again and again. I don’t like one hit wonders in my closet. There’s no room, and it is such a waste of money having clothes that don’t take you lots of places or that can’t be styled in lots of ways.
For the solution, I submit to you the matching dress-and-coat combination. Not a dress and a blazer (too corporate). Not a cocktail dress (too limiting). Nothing trendy that you’ll only wear for one or two occasions before it looks completely passé (jumpsuit, culottes, I’m looking at you). A dress and a coat is perfect, especially in a bold colour. You can dress it up with jewellery and accessories for evening or keep it simple for daytime. You can get extra mileage out of it by wearing it year-round out to dinner. This particular one could even be worn at Christmas and not look out of place. I especially love that it is a statement colour. Sure, black is timeless and elegant, but it is hardly a celebratory colour, and for occasion dressing you need an element of fun.
When I was working in finance, I wore a lot of matching dress-and-coat ensembles (and by coat, I mean one in the same fabric as the dress so it can be worn indoors, not a heavy winter one). There is a gracious, old-school, ladylike, elegance about a coat with a dress that you don’t get with a typical short blazer. It has an air of Mad Men about it, especially this one with its 3/4 length sleeves. My personal preference is that the dress should ALWAYS be shorter than the coat so that it looks neat and sharp from all angles. I don’t like to see any dress hemline sticking out below the coat. I didn’t have time to have this one shortened before the cherry blossoms disappeared (I might have flapped and shrieked “WE MUST GET THE BLOG PHOTOS BEFORE THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS DISAPPEAR! Otherwise, I will be forced to tape each petal back onto the tree just for the pictures!”). The hem issue isn’t noticeable in the photo just below, but you’ll see what I mean in the last two photos.
Can we talk about this fabric now? This particular dress and coat is from Winser London (who else! I promise after this post to write about some other brands; they’re not my go-to brand for nothing). I love the Valentino signature colour mixed with the Chanel-like tweed fabric. Up close, it looks like deeply elegant confetti. I adore tweed (and bouclé) because the fabric wears so well. It doesn’t get shiny after several trips to the dry cleaners (a big pet peeve of mine) so you can wear it for years and it still looks fresh and chic.
Since I’m wearing this on a very dull grey day, I wore my suede Roger Vivier Prismick bag to brighten things up (I adore this patchwork bag; it goes with absolutely everything and I love the style… like Chanel on acid), black suede shoes, and some beaded tassel earrings. It would work beautifully with some sparkly shoes and a sparkly clutch for evening. For another way to style it, I’d like to go properly vintage and wear it with my hair up and a heap of pearl jewellery, like Holly Golightly might if she were CEO of a company.
Do you have any upcoming events you’re looking forward to? What are you going to wear?
(The discount voucher from my last post is still valid until the end of April if you need anything from Winser London.)
Dress/Coat: Winser London Bag: Roger Vivier (new version) Earrings: Lisi Lerch Shoes: Louboutin Photos: Lottie Anderson
This week, linking up to: notdeadyetstyle, style nudge, notdressedaslamb, fizzandfrosting, lifeofmeg, birthofafashionblogger, elegantlydressedandstylish, whyidodeclaire, reasonstodress, thewardrobestylist, sydneyfashionhunter, cappuccinoandfashion, colorandgrace, pumpsanddpushups, classyyettrendy, honestmum, eleganceandmommyhood, highlatitudestyle, alabouroflife, happinessatmidlife, rachelthehat
80 Comments
Liz
April 17, 2016 at 5:24 PMOh Lisa you look absolutely stunning. It is without doubt an outfit that would work for so many occasions throughout the year. The colour is stunning on you and the accessories are perfect. I’m so glad you managed to get your shoot done before the blossom finishes!! Xxxx
Lisa
April 17, 2016 at 6:20 PMThank you SO much, Liz. You can never really go wrong with red for a big occasion! xx
Michelle
April 17, 2016 at 7:40 PMSorry Lisa I think it would be completely unfair of you to wear this outfit to a wedding as you’d clearly upstage even the most glamorous bride!
Absolutely drop dead, stop me in my tracks, stunning!!! This particular shade of red coupled with the tactile boucle style fabric against your skin makes it nothing short of luminous.
This bag is a work of art with a nod to retro I wouldn’t mind owning 😉
Winser we love you xxx
Lisa
April 17, 2016 at 8:50 PMOh my goodness, thank you so much, Michelle! I also love the red fabric; it is really gorgeous. You can borrow the bag anytime you like, love 🙂 xx
Patti
April 17, 2016 at 11:10 PMSimply stunning, Lisa – timeless and elegant. the color is perfection for you as well. Thanks so much for sharing, xo
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 5:51 AMThanks so much Patti, and thank you for hosting! xx
Celia M. - High Heeled Life
April 18, 2016 at 3:11 AMGreat outfit! and those CL heels – gorgeous! visiting from Visible Monday .. Celia M. – HighHeeledLife.com
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 5:51 AMThank you so much, Celia! xx
Little Red
April 18, 2016 at 5:45 AMI totally agree with your assessment about the matching dress and coat combination. There’s just something very classic and elegant about it.
I love wearing red for festive occasions and red, for us Indians, is particularly auspicious color.
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 5:52 AMInteresting, Little Red, I didn’t know red had special significance for Indians. I’ll have to look that up to learn more about it. Thank you xx
Honest Mum
April 18, 2016 at 8:08 AMYou look absolutely stunning, I adore red too and the coat with the bold lips really makes a statement. Adore the vibrant bag too-so chic x
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 8:30 AMThanks so much, Vicki, I appreciate it! You are amazing in red; it really suits your colouring too, as different as it is from mine! xx
amy
April 18, 2016 at 2:35 PMFabulous look! Such a gorgeous outfit and photos.
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 2:42 PMThank you so much Amy! xx
Abby
April 18, 2016 at 2:39 PMI don’t know where to start. You look absolutely gorgeous, Lisa! I mean the bag, the red ensemble, the earrings, the pictures! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! I’m sure you’re a true headturner whichever event you decide to go! xx Abby
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 2:41 PMThat’s so sweet of you to say, darling Abby, thank you! xx
Michelle
April 18, 2016 at 5:53 PMWOW! My jaw seriously hit the floor when I clicked on this post Lisa. You look drop dead gorgeous girl! That coat looks so tactile – I want to hug you 🙂
Michelle xx
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 7:00 PMOh, goodness, thank you SO much Michelle! I agree with you, I adore the texture of the coat too. xx
Terri
April 18, 2016 at 6:23 PMYour cobalt blue eyes and that bag’s strap just jump off the screen!!! How flattering. ADORE.
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 7:00 PMThank you so much, Miss Terri! xxx
Chanda
April 18, 2016 at 6:47 PMthis look is amazing! such a refreshing color and you look absolutely beautiful! Visiting from the Mix It Mondays link up! Would love for you to link up with me!
xx, Chanda
Let’s Make Today Fabulous Link Up feat. my daughter Caryss
Lisa
April 18, 2016 at 7:01 PMThank you so much, Chanda! xx
Glenda
April 19, 2016 at 12:58 AMPolished to perfection, Lisa. The confetti fabric is so lovely. Gives it a bit of added flavor, just like the beautiful suede pumps. Love how you added the 70s vibe handbag. A nice twist.
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 10:42 AMOh, thank you so much, Glenda! I adore the fabric too. xx
Mithra Ballesteros
April 19, 2016 at 1:14 AMYour writing has the same structure as my dream wardrobe: high end pieces worth their price, justified with your American pragmatism, and accessorized with your sharp sense of humor. Final effect is chic but accessible. Bravo!
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 10:44 AMThank you so much, Mithra. That is so kind of you to say, and is especially nice coming from someone whose writing I adore on a weekly basis! xx
Abby
April 19, 2016 at 7:09 AMI love that tweed! So chic but sophisticated!
Abby | Life in the Fash Lane
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 10:40 AMThank you Abby! xx
Annette
April 19, 2016 at 12:40 PMLisa, I can’t express how much I love this look and not to forget the amazing backdrop!! I hope you live in one of these houses and I’ll come and visit now… you know I have this thing with Notting HIll 😉
Honestly, your dress and matching coat ensemble is fabulous, a set has always been on my wishlist! I better check out Winser London!
xx
Annette | Lady of Style
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 1:26 PMThank you so much, Annette! I see a matching dress and coat in your future… and hopefully Notting Hill as well! xx
Ada
April 19, 2016 at 12:43 PMAwww Lisa, I love this red-on-red look as red is my most favorite color. The coat and dress as well as those tassel pumps is gorgeous. You look divine. The best dressed office lady ever. Please don’t forget to link up this beautiful outfit and any latest looks with me this upcoming Thursday. Thanks, Ada.
P.S. So glad I found your blog!
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 1:26 PMThank you Ada, I’ll be there with pleasure! xx
Andrea@WellnessNotes
April 19, 2016 at 12:59 PMI love this dress/coat combination! Stunning color and texture. Fabulous bag & shoes, too! I don’t own any dress/coat combinations, and I now realize I have to change that!
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 1:27 PMThank you, Andrea! A dress and a coat is a must; they aren’t so easy to find so snap one up when you see it! xx
sydney
April 19, 2016 at 2:33 PMSuch beautiful photos!
xo, Syd
anchoredinthesouth.com
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 2:41 PMThank you, Syd! xx
Lyddiegal
April 19, 2016 at 3:20 PMI’ve never had a coordinating dress and coat, but I do love the combo. I also love your shoes x1000, they totally make the look.
Also, I need to be transported to that street corner right now, there is nothing I love more than the flowering trees in the spring, and these are gorgeous.
http://www.iamchiconthecheap.com/
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 6:04 PMAwww thanks so much Lyddie! That’s so nice of you to notice and say. This street corner is AMAZING isn’t it? xx
rania
April 19, 2016 at 7:07 PMYes the petals will fall and winter will come back but for now I just want to think of the warm weather lol..I do love your jacket and the bag. they really make the dull grey day seem so colourful! Would love if you can link up to http://the-wardrobe-stylist.com/2016/04/17/diy-brazilian-hair-extensions/
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 8:14 PMThanks so much, Rania! Happy to link up xx
Laura
April 19, 2016 at 8:47 PMThere is something so sophisticated and chic about a dress – coat combination. The boucle fabric makes it that much more stunning! Love this color on you!
Lisa
April 19, 2016 at 9:48 PMThanks so much Laura! xx
Candace Hampton
April 20, 2016 at 1:52 AMYou look stunning. Love the bright pops of red in this outfit!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Lisa
April 20, 2016 at 9:55 AMThank you so much, Candace! xx
jess jannenga
April 20, 2016 at 3:22 PMFirst let me say your photos are stunning!! Beautiful flowers and trees and then your amazing look. I love this red on you, the classic and elegant look you have here with the tweed and black pumps. I am also in love with your earrings! The colorful bag is a perfect touch!
Thanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesday!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Lisa
April 20, 2016 at 7:55 PMThank you so much, Jess! Thank you for hosting the linkup! xx
jacqui berry
April 21, 2016 at 11:23 AMGorgeous dress/jacket and colour absolutely stunning! http://www.mummabstylish.com
Lisa
April 21, 2016 at 1:48 PMAw, thanks so much Jacqui! xx
MIS PAPELICOS
April 21, 2016 at 1:01 PMTHANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT ON MY BLOG.
YOU ARE SO LOVELY AND SO IS YOUR BLOG.
DO KEEP IN TOUCH
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Lisa
April 21, 2016 at 1:47 PMIt is such a pleasure; I adore your style. I’ve followed you on Instagram from my first day on there, I think! xx
REBECCA
April 21, 2016 at 2:43 PMLove the Chanel-esque vibe of the coat! Have a lovely weekend!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Lisa
April 22, 2016 at 10:05 PMThank you Rebecca! xx
jodie filogomo
April 22, 2016 at 3:39 PMWhat a novel idea of the dress/coat combination!!
I think that bag makes a perfect statement with the ensemble!!
Just lovely!!
isn’t is funny, how we evaluate areas by their blogging picture potential now?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
#midlifeblogger
Lisa
April 22, 2016 at 3:51 PMThank you so much, Jodie. I like for London to be a part of the blog, and when there are blossoms out here they DON’T last long! xx
Ashley
April 22, 2016 at 4:18 PMWhat a stunning outfit for such a stunning location! I’m swooning over that bag AND those blooms. Now I really need to plan a trip to London if only to see it like this — all floral and magnificent!
Xoxo,
Ashley || Sed Bona
Lisa
April 22, 2016 at 5:53 PMThank you so much, Ashley! London is really AMAZING in the Spring. xx
Little Red
April 22, 2016 at 10:41 PMIf you say so. 😉 I was there in London exactly four years ago this week and it was freezing cold. Thank goodness I had brought along my leather jacket and not a lighter spring one.
Lisa
April 23, 2016 at 6:12 PMHa, London weather is nothing if not completely unpredictable! Hopefully you have better weather on your next visit. xx
Cathy Chester
April 22, 2016 at 10:04 PMI love everything about your outfit. The color, fabric, style and the way you wear and accessorize it. Marvelous.
Lisa
April 22, 2016 at 10:04 PMThank you so much, Cathy! xx
Happiness at Mid Life
April 23, 2016 at 5:37 AMBeautiful dress and coat and that purse is such a fun touch!
Thank you for joining TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you next week. Have a great weekend!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Lisa
April 23, 2016 at 6:09 PMThank you, see you next week, Alice! xx
cherie
April 23, 2016 at 4:09 PMWow! I love the color red and you have chosen the perfect shade for you. I love the idea of a matching coat and dress, such a chic and sophisticated look. And, my favorite shoe and handbag designer has to be Roger Viver – love the bag! Thank you for linking up with the SHOE AND TELL Fashion Link Up on Style Nudge!
Lisa
April 23, 2016 at 6:08 PMThanks so much, Cherie! I also love Roger Viver. Thank you for hosting the link up! xx
Nicole Mölders (@HighLatitudeSty)
April 23, 2016 at 4:34 PMThanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. This dress and coat combination is awesome. I love it!
Lisa
April 23, 2016 at 6:08 PMThank you so much, and thank you for hosting, Nicole! xx
valerie hansen
April 24, 2016 at 3:59 AMLove your dress and matching coat..I have not seen a set like this in a long time! So Classic and timeless, you look stunning in REd! Very beautiful photos!
Valerie
xo
Fashion and Travel
Lisa
April 24, 2016 at 10:36 AMThank you so much, Valerie! It IS hard to find a matching dress and coat. The only places I can regularly find them are Winser London and Hobbs. xx
Stella Asteria
April 24, 2016 at 12:05 PMFantastic look and photos Lisa! You look beyond amazing! <3
Have a great day!
PS: You have amazing eyes!
Stella
http://www.stellaasteria.com
Lisa
April 24, 2016 at 1:33 PMThank you, Stella! I need to go catch up on your blog and see what I’m missing out on in Mykonos! xx
Chanda
April 25, 2016 at 3:03 PMI know I’ve already commented on this fabulous look, but I wanted to Thank you for stopping by ad linking up with me last week! You’re more than welcome to drop by this week and share your beautiful style!
xx, Chanda
Let’s Make Today Fabulous Link Up feat. Spring Florals
Lisa
April 25, 2016 at 4:23 PMThank you, Chanda! xx
Lanae Bond
April 29, 2016 at 7:37 PMIt is that time of year were you have to find an oufit for a special occassion. Your dress is wonderful outfit to wear!
Lisa
April 29, 2016 at 9:59 PMThank you so much, Lanae! xx
Sharron Goodyear
May 8, 2016 at 10:45 AMYou look amazing in red! Looking forward to meeting you at the blogger meeting at the Imperial Hotel next Monday!
Sharron (www.keepingitfabulous.com)
x
Lisa
May 8, 2016 at 12:34 PMThanks Sharron, and looking forward to meeting you as well! xx
Emma Peach
June 14, 2016 at 11:42 AMBeautiful photos and an amazing outfit! Red is my favourite colour (I even got married in red!) and the elegant dress and coat is perfect for a special occasion. I love your bag – “Chanel on acid” gets the thumbs up from me!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Lisa
June 14, 2016 at 2:01 PMThanks so much, Emma. I love that you got married in red, I was thisclose to doing that! xx
Nina
June 21, 2016 at 2:05 AMI am so drawn to that purse! Such a unique item to have in your wardrobe!
Nina
aworldofdresses.com
Lisa
June 21, 2016 at 7:46 AMThank you so much, Nina! I like it too 🙂 xx