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The new occasionwear rules

The new occasionwear rules

THE NEW OCCASIONWEAR RULES

 

Gone are the days of strict formalwear etiquette. Today, a new breed of occasion ensembles are emerging as the top choice for fashion-forward partygoers. Here we pay homage to the new ways to do occasionwear that freeingly throw the rule book out and offer options aplenty.

 

VISIT THE OCCASION SHOP
Man wearing pink suit

 

You don’t have to wear a suit


Formalwear nowadays doesn’t automatically require a suit. Instead make separates your go-to. Swap your suit jacket for a standout blazer or your suit trousers for chinos. Alternatively, de-construct your three-piece- pairing just the jacket with deep blue chinos and a tee; the waistcoat with stone trousers and a slim-fit shirt; or the trousers with a herringbone jacket.

“Reimagine traditional formalwear”

Sportswear and streetwear is such a continuously big trend. Formalwear today can mean athletic inspired trousers- think black or navy with a colour-pop stripe. It may seem a no-no but a great pair of squeaky-clean sneakers teamed with suit trousers cut just above the ankle is a totally acceptable, fashion-forward option for relaxed dos.

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Men wearing checked suit

 

Play with pattern


Checked suits are key this season – both larger checkerboards and mini, subtle checks. Similarly, prints are huge. From the standout Hawaiian shirt trend to the understated printed suit trend, plain doesn’t have to be your only option.

“Think beyond black, navy and grey”

Suits in varied colourways are really on trend for spring and summer. Whether it’s electric blue, saccharine pink or mustard yellow, there’s something instantly celebratory about coloured suiting. If you’re more of the understated type, don’t forget neutrals. Stone, sand and cream all have an innate Italian sensibility about them. And, if you're going for neutrals, don’t be afraid to choose linen. Keep the shapes tailored and it’ll look chic and distinctively summery.

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Man wearing navy blazer

 

Socks are optional


The days of strict footwear etiquette are behind us. While some occasions may demand you stick to the age-old rules – traditionally you pair the colour of your sock to the colour of your suit trouser and the smarter the occasion, the thinner the sock – nowadays your feet can be the opportunity to show your fashion metal. Choose slim-fitting trousers that sit just above the ankle and pair with loafers or brogues, going sockless.

“Express yourself through accessories”

In the same vein, your accessories are a chance to show some personality. A whimsical, printed tie can add edge to an otherwise standard outfit – either make it a statement or keep the colourway the same but pick a pattern that clashes with your suit. Instead of cufflinks, think of sunglasses and a great watch as your new occasionwear essentials.

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10 pieces to try if you haven't already

10 pieces to try if you haven't already

10 pieces to try if you haven’t already

We’ve all been there. You’re in that shop or scrolling through your Instagram feed and you see that cool tee or great pair of trainers and kind of love it but think you’d never pull it off. Then later regret it? This season we’re declaring war on the missed-out opportunities, the moments when you would have bought that headlining piece but ducked out last minute. There’s no better time to try something new – the weather for one has been playing a whole different ball game this summer – so we’ve picked ten great, fashion-forward pieces to test-drive if you haven’t already. Goodbye wardrobe FOMO…

 

Shop New Arrivals

 

1. Technical outerwear

Calvin Klein Jeans Logo Pull Over Jacket

 

Serious, outdoorsy outerwear has been key this season and last. That colour-popping cagoule is now your coat de rigueur. Go for a high-performance puffer and pair with hiking boots or choose a neon windcheater and nail the luxe sportswear trend at the same time.


Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein Jeans Logo Pull Over Jacket, £165

 

2. Cult-worthy trainers

Versace E0ysbsc1 Logo Emboss Trainers

 

The humble trainer has become menswear’s biggest story. Collabs, exclusives galore… they’re a collector’s item. If you’ve spied that great pair, just buy them. They’re the footwear you can easily become most obsessed about, and they’re totally acceptable for work and for events with a sharp, slim tailored suit.


Versace, Logo Embossed Trainers, £135

 

3. Bum bags

Herschel Seventeen Bum Bag

 

The 90s trend is epitomised in the bum bag. It's had its fair share of bad press in the past so bum bags now have a rebellious, too-cool-to-care vibe. Best paired with an oversized tee and boxy jeans, they also serve the purpose of storing all your necessities without the need for pockets.


Herschel, Seventeen Bum Bag, £30

 

4. Bolder tees

Jack & Jones Collage Print T Shirt

 

The easiest place to be daring? The t-shirt. Opting for a graphic tee in a nightly hue is a great way to ease in to the look. Otherwise, go all-out with a statement photographic print or a look-at-me neon, which was all over the Autumn/Winter 18 runways.


Jack & Jones, Collage Print T-Shirt, £15

 

5. Logomania

Versace Jeans Big Vj Leopard T-shirt

 

Showing your brand loyalties is now actively encouraged. Gucci and Versace are all masters in the more-is-more name drop. If you’re worried it’s too much, don’t be. Name-checking is now super luxe.


Versace Jeans, Big VJ Leopard T-shirt, £105

 

6. Printed shirts

AllSaints Chokai Shirt

 

Prints are literally everywhere and if you thought they were just for summer, think again. Darker florals and paisley prints are ideal for autumn. Wear open with a white tee underneath or buttoned up with a leather jacket to channel a little Fight Club vibes.


AllSaints, Chokai Shirt, £95

 

7. Boxy jeans

Tommy Hilfiger 1951 Malbri Baggy Tommy Jeans

 

The jeans your dad would wear when doing DIY are now very cool. Think boxy, loose fits, a light wash and optional rips on the knees. The cut must show off some ankle and your stellar pair of sneakers.


Tommy Hilfiger, 1951 Malbri Baggy Tommy Jeans, £90

 

8. Sportswear everyday

Nicce N-logo Colour Block Zip Through Sweatshirt

 

Sportswear and streetwear have been one of the biggest influences on menswear in recent years. Think back five years and tailored tracksuit trousers for work weren't even a thing. Intro a little of the trend into your wardrobe through an athletic sweatshirt that you don’t just save for the gym.


Nicce, N-logo Colour Block Zip Through Sweatshirt, £60

 

9. Shearling

Lyle & Scott Jumbo Cord Shearling Jacket

 

Ever dreamed of being an Arctic explorer, trailblazing with your husky dog? You're in luck this year. Shearling triumphed on the AW18 catwalks along with leather, its cool counterpart. Wear with ski pants and boots, or worn-in jeans and trainers.


Lyle & Scott, Jumbo Cord Shearling Jacket, £120

 

10. Utility

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Utilitarian continues to dominate on the catwalks. Where you once would have been embarrassed to be caught in your handyman get-up, now it’s a look to translate into your everyday wear. Go for a hardwearing khaki jacket, cargo pants and heavy-duty workwear boots.


Barbour, Donnington Lightweight Casual Jacket, £159
Valentine's day gifts to buy yourself

Valentine's day gifts to buy yourself

Valentine's Day Gifts to buy yourself

Valentine’s Day shouldn’t just be about showing your love for someone else. This year, we say indulge in a spot of self-care and treat yourself. Whether you’re taking a night out to binge watch your favourite boxset, burning that special candle you’ve been saving for months, or investing in some luxurious lingerie, make Valentine’s Day all about you. Take a peek at our edit of celebratory treats worthy of the label 'To me, From me'. You deserve it.

 

1. For the magpies




A fancy makeup bag is something that can make your everyday routine feel that little bit more special. Essential, no, but nice? Definitely. Besides, when you think your favourite lipsticks are some of the most precious cargo carried with you every day, it's worth keeping them safe and secure. 


Coach, Metallic Cosmetic Bag, £60

 

2. Heaven Scent




Forget the look of love, smell is much more evocative. Garnering something of a cult following, Gucci Bloom’s combination of tuberose, jasmine, samba and lily of the valley makes for a sophisticated bouquet of floral scents that even the most flower-adverse perfume wearer can get behind. 


Gucci Bloom Eau De Parfum 100ml, £99

 

3. Hands free




A practical accessory that looks good too? This stylish cross-body is the best of both worlds. Perfect for when you’re on the go, this structured mini-bag lets you be hands-free without sacrificing a high-fashion statement. You may have never considered using a green bag as your daily go-to, but this will go with just about anything and is made of vegan leather to boot. 


Inyati, Winnie Crossbody Bag, £49

 

4. A trip for the senses




Indulge in a sensory trip to Paris with one sniff of this candle. Filled with the fragrance of almond, vanilla, white musk and black cherry, you don't have to be a connoisseur of chic to recognise the top-shelf appeal that comes with its stylish typography and minimalist design. 


Urban Apothecary, Almond Macron Candle Glass, £40

 

5. A date night dream




A silk shirt is an indispensable day-to-night staple. Get ahead of spring’s neon trend in this vivid, highlighter hued, bloom print that is sure to turn heads. Layer it over jeans paired with flat boots for a relaxed feel or throw on with a black-leather skirt for a statement outfit after-hours. 


Whistles, Luella Bloom Silk Shirt, £196

 

6. Good hair day




A treat for you and your locks, the GHD Platinum Styler delivers safer-for-hair heat that allows you to straighten and curl your tresses without the damaging consequences. Whether you love a sleek, straight ‘do or soft waves, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without them. 


GHD, Black Platinum Styler, £165

 

7. Winter warmer




Great news folks - puffer jackets are cool news this winter. From bold prints to larger than life proportions, this outerwear trend has risen from streetwear roots to rather high-fashion territory. For a more wearable take, you can treat yourself to a slice of the fashion action with a down-to-earth weekend-worthy piece from Barbour. 


Barbour, Camier Quilted Funnel Neck Jacket, £196

 

8. Must have hues




From the shimmering pink of Bang Bang to the deep, sultry burgundy of Privacy, this in-demand palette contains every cherry hue imaginable, making it perfect for helping your beauty look transition from day to night. And with staying power that will keep your eyes looking freshly applied all evening long. 


Urban Decay, Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette, £42

 


 

 

 
Chinese New Year beauty buys you need

Chinese New Year beauty buys you need

Chinese New Year Beauty buys you need

February 5th marks the beginning of Chinese New Year and this means limited-edition beauty buys that we just can’t talk ourselves out of. From Guerlain to Givenchy, some of our favourite brands are joining the celebrations, so scroll down for our pick of the best makeup, skincare and fragrance to bring in The Year of the Pig.

 

Shop Beauty

 

GUERLAIN EDC IMPERIALE



 

Impériale was the very first Eau de Cologne created by Guerlain in 1853 and it’s stood the test of time. Both floral and citrus, the iconic scent is one to add to every fragrance collection. We can’t wait to get this limited-edition red bottle on our dressing table.


Guerlain, Eau de Cologne Impériale, £75

 

GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIP COLOUR



Inspired by Clare Waight Keller’s first collection as creative director at Givenchy, this case is adorned with her beautiful clover print in a one-off red and gold design. The lipstick itself comes in the shade 325 Rouge Fétiche, an intense red with a semi-matte finish.


Givenchy, Le Rouge Lip Colour, £29

 

ARMANI HIGHLIGHTING FACE PALETTE



 

A true Chinese New Year keepsake, this packaging is decorated with a gold fortune symbol for serendipity and success in the year ahead. The powder comes in one shade to suit every skin tone and illuminates your complexion for a natural-looking healthy glow.


Giorgio Armani, Highlighting Face Palette, £60

 

ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA MINATURES



Cased in a special red and gold box to bring in Chinese New Year, this is a luxe take on the classic Colonia miniatures collection. Inside you’ll find a Colonia, Colonia Pura, Colonia Essenza, Colonia Club and Colonia Intensa. A fresh and sophisticated fragrance for every spring occasion.


Acqua di Parma Colonia Minature Chinese New Year Set, £48

 

BENEFIT FORTUNE, FUN AND FAVOURITES!



We can always count on Benefit to bring the fun. Not just a very giftable gold piggy bank, you’ll find three of their best-selling products inside. The POREfessional face primer will prep skin for makeup, Gimme Brow+ creates fuller-looking brows and GALifornia is the perfect peach blush.


Benefit, Fun, Fortune and Favourites! Gift Set, £26.50

 

GUERLAIN KISSKISS LIPSTICK



Guerlain’s KissKiss lipstick already has one of our favourite formulas, and to celebrate Chinese New Year it’s been redesigned with a metallic red case that we can’t wait for an excuse to show off. Enriched with mango butter and hyaluronic acid spheres, it’s super-hydrating and gives the illusion of fuller lips.


Guerlain, KissKiss Limited Edition Lipstick, £29.50