TODAY'S WOMAN: Rising to the occasion
Who says the dressing-up box is out of bounds for adults?
Most women LOVE getting glammed up for a special occasion.
It's the one time when we can cast off our work gear or clamber out of those jeans.
We pull out all the stops to turn on the style with oversized corsages, fancy frocks and head-turning fascinators.
And it's time to head for those hat stands once again.
If your social calendar fills up, get set to dazzle at this summer's events...
Race day
Whether you're watching the gee-gees from a corporate box or waving your betting slip beside the track, make a dramatic statement with your headgear.
A day at the races isn't complete without a huge hat or an over-the-top fascinator.
"It's the perfect opportunity to really go all out and experiment with colours and silhouettes. But don't mix too many colours," advises Alain Mehada, head of personal shoppers at Debenhams in Oxford Street. "You make more of a statement with one bold shade.
"And accessorise with wedges so that you don't sink ungracefully into the grass. Delicate jewellery is also a must so you don't distract from your hat."
TRY: The Hobbs store in Meadowhall has a monochrome Lilly wide brim hat, 75; online boutiqie Aldo's blue Test head piece, 15, is a winner (02078367692/www.aldoshoes.com) and internet fashion store ASOS have a head-turning, bright yellow one shoulder ruffle dress at 65 www.asos.com).
Garden party
It's important to bear in mind the unpredictable British weather when dressing for a garden party.
Pack both sunglasses and umbrella in your clutch... You never know if you'll end up eating soggy cucumber sandwiches or basking in the sunshine with a Pimms.
"Make sure you carry a shrug or wrap, which will add interest to the outfit and can be slipped on or off dependent on temperature," Alain recommends.
The garden party look is all about English rose-style florals, whether you go for bold blooms or chintzy delicate prints.
"A floaty chiffon dress in a beautiful floral fabric will ensure you look super-feminine," says Alain. "Accessorise with pretty corsage detail peep-toe shoes."
TRY: Per Una paint flower prom dress, 49.50 at M&S; Dorothy Perkins have a bold yellow floral dress at 35 and Marks and Spencer's forties-style blue tea dress will fit the bill at 49.50.
Traditional wedding
With church bells ringing and a crowd of guests gathered for the happy couple, the bride is the only woman who should be centre of attention on the big day.
Ensure you don't steal the limelight in an outfit which is either too short, too low-cut/ or too extravagant – and steer well clear of white.
Alain advises: "Opt for delicate pastels or gorgeous nudes which will create understated elegance.
"Alternatively, monochrome is a key look at the moment, which is great as it's both flattering and catwalk hot. Accessorise with killer heels and a bold bright clutch bag for added punch."
TRY: Debenhams Betty Jackson jacket 60 and matching dress, 55; Matalan monochrome polka dot dress, 28; Wallis asymmetric wrap dress, 50.
Summer ball
When you've received a gilt-edged invite for a summer ball, it's a licence to turn up the glamour and opt for evening wear in bold, bright colours.
You have all winter to turn to boring black, so make the most of the high summer climate and experiment with opulent shades that will look fabulous with golden, glowing skin.
"A ball is a fantastic opportunity to make like the red carpet stars and really go for a full-on Hollywood glamour look," Alain says.
"Go for sweeping full-length gowns in one of this season's striking rainbow shades. Mid-height heels will ensure that your feet are still up for dancing by the end of the night. A gorgeous wrist-held clutch completes the look."
TRY: Evans Grecian purple maxi dress, 60, or Monsoon's Merena blue embellished maxi dress, 225. Medowhall's Coast have a stunner too – the Luisa floral maxi dress, 175.
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Weather for Sheffield
Friday 10 February 2012
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