80 In Style

Occasion Dressing

Red occasion wear

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.

red boucle dress and coat

Red Boucle Occasion wear

boucle close up Winser London

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.

red boucle coat

occasion dressing earrings

Roger Vivier suede Prismick

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.)

Red Tweed coat

final shot red boucle coatDress/Coat: Winser London Bag: Roger Vivier (new version) Earrings: Lisi Lerch Shoes: Louboutin Photos: Lottie Anderson

Winser discount voucher

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

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80 Comments

  • Reply
    Liz
    April 17, 2016 at 5:24 PM

    Oh 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 17, 2016 at 6:20 PM

      Thank you SO much, Liz. You can never really go wrong with red for a big occasion! xx

  • Reply
    Michelle
    April 17, 2016 at 7:40 PM

    Sorry 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 17, 2016 at 8:50 PM

      Oh 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

  • Reply
    Patti
    April 17, 2016 at 11:10 PM

    Simply stunning, Lisa – timeless and elegant. the color is perfection for you as well. Thanks so much for sharing, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 5:51 AM

      Thanks so much Patti, and thank you for hosting! xx

  • Reply
    Celia M. - High Heeled Life
    April 18, 2016 at 3:11 AM

    Great outfit! and those CL heels – gorgeous! visiting from Visible Monday .. Celia M. – HighHeeledLife.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 5:51 AM

      Thank you so much, Celia! xx

  • Reply
    Little Red
    April 18, 2016 at 5:45 AM

    I 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.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 5:52 AM

      Interesting, 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

  • Reply
    Honest Mum
    April 18, 2016 at 8:08 AM

    You 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 8:30 AM

      Thanks 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

  • Reply
    amy
    April 18, 2016 at 2:35 PM

    Fabulous look! Such a gorgeous outfit and photos.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 2:42 PM

      Thank you so much Amy! xx

  • Reply
    Abby
    April 18, 2016 at 2:39 PM

    I 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 2:41 PM

      That’s so sweet of you to say, darling Abby, thank you! xx

  • Reply
    Michelle
    April 18, 2016 at 5:53 PM

    WOW! 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM

      Oh, goodness, thank you SO much Michelle! I agree with you, I adore the texture of the coat too. xx

  • Reply
    Terri
    April 18, 2016 at 6:23 PM

    Your cobalt blue eyes and that bag’s strap just jump off the screen!!! How flattering. ADORE.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM

      Thank you so much, Miss Terri! xxx

  • Reply
    Chanda
    April 18, 2016 at 6:47 PM

    this 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 18, 2016 at 7:01 PM

      Thank you so much, Chanda! xx

  • Reply
    Glenda
    April 19, 2016 at 12:58 AM

    Polished 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.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 10:42 AM

      Oh, thank you so much, Glenda! I adore the fabric too. xx

  • Reply
    Mithra Ballesteros
    April 19, 2016 at 1:14 AM

    Your 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!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 10:44 AM

      Thank 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

  • Reply
    Abby
    April 19, 2016 at 7:09 AM

    I love that tweed! So chic but sophisticated!

    Abby | Life in the Fash Lane

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 10:40 AM

      Thank you Abby! xx

  • Reply
    Annette
    April 19, 2016 at 12:40 PM

    Lisa, 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 1:26 PM

      Thank you so much, Annette! I see a matching dress and coat in your future… and hopefully Notting Hill as well! xx

  • Reply
    Ada
    April 19, 2016 at 12:43 PM

    Awww 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!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 1:26 PM

      Thank you Ada, I’ll be there with pleasure! xx

  • Reply
    Andrea@WellnessNotes
    April 19, 2016 at 12:59 PM

    I 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!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 1:27 PM

      Thank 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

  • Reply
    sydney
    April 19, 2016 at 2:33 PM

    Such beautiful photos!
    xo, Syd
    anchoredinthesouth.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 2:41 PM

      Thank you, Syd! xx

  • Reply
    Lyddiegal
    April 19, 2016 at 3:20 PM

    I’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/

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 6:04 PM

      Awww thanks so much Lyddie! That’s so nice of you to notice and say. This street corner is AMAZING isn’t it? xx

  • Reply
    rania
    April 19, 2016 at 7:07 PM

    Yes 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/

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 8:14 PM

      Thanks so much, Rania! Happy to link up xx

  • Reply
    Laura
    April 19, 2016 at 8:47 PM

    There 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!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 19, 2016 at 9:48 PM

      Thanks so much Laura! xx

  • Reply
    Candace Hampton
    April 20, 2016 at 1:52 AM

    You look stunning. Love the bright pops of red in this outfit!

    http://www.thebeautybeau.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 20, 2016 at 9:55 AM

      Thank you so much, Candace! xx

  • Reply
    jess jannenga
    April 20, 2016 at 3:22 PM

    First 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 20, 2016 at 7:55 PM

      Thank you so much, Jess! Thank you for hosting the linkup! xx

  • Reply
    jacqui berry
    April 21, 2016 at 11:23 AM

    Gorgeous dress/jacket and colour absolutely stunning! http://www.mummabstylish.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 21, 2016 at 1:48 PM

      Aw, thanks so much Jacqui! xx

  • Reply
    MIS PAPELICOS
    April 21, 2016 at 1:01 PM

    THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENT ON MY BLOG.
    YOU ARE SO LOVELY AND SO IS YOUR BLOG.
    DO KEEP IN TOUCH
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 21, 2016 at 1:47 PM

      It is such a pleasure; I adore your style. I’ve followed you on Instagram from my first day on there, I think! xx

  • Reply
    REBECCA
    April 21, 2016 at 2:43 PM

    Love the Chanel-esque vibe of the coat! Have a lovely weekend!

    Rebecca
    http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 22, 2016 at 10:05 PM

      Thank you Rebecca! xx

  • Reply
    jodie filogomo
    April 22, 2016 at 3:39 PM

    What 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 22, 2016 at 3:51 PM

      Thank 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

  • Reply
    Ashley
    April 22, 2016 at 4:18 PM

    What 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 22, 2016 at 5:53 PM

      Thank you so much, Ashley! London is really AMAZING in the Spring. xx

      • Reply
        Little Red
        April 22, 2016 at 10:41 PM

        If 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.

        • Reply
          Lisa
          April 23, 2016 at 6:12 PM

          Ha, London weather is nothing if not completely unpredictable! Hopefully you have better weather on your next visit. xx

  • Reply
    Cathy Chester
    April 22, 2016 at 10:04 PM

    I love everything about your outfit. The color, fabric, style and the way you wear and accessorize it. Marvelous.

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 22, 2016 at 10:04 PM

      Thank you so much, Cathy! xx

  • Reply
    Happiness at Mid Life
    April 23, 2016 at 5:37 AM

    Beautiful 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 23, 2016 at 6:09 PM

      Thank you, see you next week, Alice! xx

  • Reply
    cherie
    April 23, 2016 at 4:09 PM

    Wow! 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!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 23, 2016 at 6:08 PM

      Thanks so much, Cherie! I also love Roger Viver. Thank you for hosting the link up! xx

  • Reply
    Nicole Mölders (@HighLatitudeSty)
    April 23, 2016 at 4:34 PM

    Thanks for linking up to Top of the World Style. This dress and coat combination is awesome. I love it!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 23, 2016 at 6:08 PM

      Thank you so much, and thank you for hosting, Nicole! xx

  • Reply
    valerie hansen
    April 24, 2016 at 3:59 AM

    Love 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 24, 2016 at 10:36 AM

      Thank 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

  • Reply
    Stella Asteria
    April 24, 2016 at 12:05 PM

    Fantastic look and photos Lisa! You look beyond amazing! <3
    Have a great day!
    PS: You have amazing eyes!
    Stella
    http://www.stellaasteria.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 24, 2016 at 1:33 PM

      Thank you, Stella! I need to go catch up on your blog and see what I’m missing out on in Mykonos! xx

  • Reply
    Chanda
    April 25, 2016 at 3:03 PM

    I 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 25, 2016 at 4:23 PM

      Thank you, Chanda! xx

  • Reply
    Lanae Bond
    April 29, 2016 at 7:37 PM

    It is that time of year were you have to find an oufit for a special occassion. Your dress is wonderful outfit to wear!

    • Reply
      Lisa
      April 29, 2016 at 9:59 PM

      Thank you so much, Lanae! xx

  • Reply
    Sharron Goodyear
    May 8, 2016 at 10:45 AM

    You look amazing in red! Looking forward to meeting you at the blogger meeting at the Imperial Hotel next Monday!

    Sharron (www.keepingitfabulous.com)

    x

    • Reply
      Lisa
      May 8, 2016 at 12:34 PM

      Thanks Sharron, and looking forward to meeting you as well! xx

  • Reply
    Emma Peach
    June 14, 2016 at 11:42 AM

    Beautiful 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

    • Reply
      Lisa
      June 14, 2016 at 2:01 PM

      Thanks so much, Emma. I love that you got married in red, I was thisclose to doing that! xx

  • Reply
    Nina
    June 21, 2016 at 2:05 AM

    I am so drawn to that purse! Such a unique item to have in your wardrobe!

    Nina
    aworldofdresses.com

    • Reply
      Lisa
      June 21, 2016 at 7:46 AM

      Thank you so much, Nina! I like it too 🙂 xx

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