By Gillian Brett
I’ve gotten an invite to a party which says “casual chic” – what should I wear? Ideally I’d like to be able to wear the outfit again and again this summer. Help! J. C, Navan.
Seeing the words ‘Casual Chic’ as a party invite’s dress code can strike fear in even the savviest of style mavens. However, there is a trick to achieving the casual cool look: channel the French sense of style.
There is something so enviable about the French’s easy elegance when it comes to fashion. Parisians in particular exude an inherent aloofness, as though they decided what to wear as they lit their morning cigarette and managed to dress with it hanging carelessly from their lips.
Au contraire, this expert sense of ‘undoneness’ is deliberate in its nonchalance, and though it appears uncontrived there are some guidelines to looking guideless. The French are meticulous about their fit and proportions and have an innate sense of shape; the word ‘silhouette’ is after all descendent from French history.
Luckily for you, dear reader, that Warehouse have launched a spring/summer collection that can help you achieve the above in some vibrant, of the season colour choices.
Warehouse have given wardrobe staples such as tailored three quarter lengths, loose city shorts and jersey shift dresses simple touches such as pleats and cutaways to add new dimensions to classic pieces.
Easy to wear, relaxed kaftans are embellished with unique detailing to make you look just as fabulous lounging on St. Tropez beach, as you will dining on the Champs-Élysées.
Shape is definitely a priority as a plunge-front, floral swimsuit is all at once sexy yet demure and a kaleidoscope of bold dresses are expertly cut to sculpt the body – only to be brought out if there is a water element to the party of course!
If you’re feeling brave, team these dresses with the stunning range of bright accessories: colour blocking is the key to spring/summer sophistication.
Have a look at some of our top picks from the new collection below. Choose any of these and we guarantee you’ll have no fashion faux pas at your next ‘casual chic’ summer party.
Pictured
Jacket £70 / €88, Top £45/ €53, trousers £ 40/ € 47, bag £30/ €35
Floral printed maxi £100/ 118, Hat £16/21
Swimsuit £32/ €38, Jacket £55/€65, Hat £16/€21
Purple dress £75 / €88
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April 7, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Casual chic is very hard to get right but the ideas here are fantastic!
April 7, 2011 at 9:48 pm
it’s a hard one alright, and so common now on invites and the like. I’ve even seen “smart casual chic” which was baffling!