THE CHIC LIST: The secret dress codes of the world’s most stylish cities revealed – plus the smart ways to add instant glamour to your look
I love putting on my happy rags – any little excuse for a glow and you can count on me.
The joy of dressing up is why I love awards season so much. I love seeing what celebrities like our cover girl Margot Robbie and other stylish stars like Jennifer Aniston and Zendaya are wearing: each look gives a tantalizing glimpse into their personalities and tastes.
Every fashionable city you visit will have a secret evening dress code that will take a few dinners to properly unravel. In Paris, for example, it is frowned upon to appear overdressed. You’re expected to look effortlessly chic, as if you put your outfit together at the last minute, and the more classic your style, the better.
New York isn’t too chic either, but you can get away with a slightly more expressive and striking edge. Meanwhile, in London and Dublin, obvious attempts to increase glamor will be welcomed.
Dress, Sezane, earrings, Cos (see below), bag, Jill Sander and sandals, Toteme
I remember very well my early days of dressing up. Some even left scars. My first university black-tie ball, for example. I was invited by a man I didn’t like, but I really wanted to wear an evening dress, so I accepted.
Maybe it was karma, but one of the straps on my black velvet maxi broke and I spent the rest of the evening trying to keep my dress from falling around my ankles. I’m sure I flashed way too much at my date’s horrible best friend who kept leering at me on the dance floor.
After Boobgate, of course, I bumped into him at every turn on campus, which left me feeling mortified all over again.
But luckily my love for dressing up has remained undiminished and this week I’ve put together a carefully curated list of essentials to mix and match for glamorous evenings…
★ Instead of unwalkable high shoes, try slip-on, pointy mules with a small heel. For example, Toteme’s patent leather offering is a more modern variant.
★ A good blazer will help you through any dinner and provide an instant glow. If you are petite, avoid long blazers and keep the length just below the waist.
★ There’s nothing better than a pantsuit: sleek and great to combine with different items in your wardrobe.
★ A midi or maxi with a high waist suits many body shapes. Simply pair it with a T-shirt or, my favorite, a waistcoat, for a confident, contemporary look.
★ Simple yet effective jewelry – I prefer a less-is-more look with well-thought-out pieces. I’m currently lusting after the Bottega Veneta drop ring.
Hello soft yellow
Nothing says spring like soft yellow. This long waistcoat from Aligne is the ideal choice for a night out. Combine with white or black pants.
A squarer deal
This is the perfect time of year to introduce a white shoe to your wardrobe. This square toe Mary Jane freshens up your look and instantly compliments pants and dresses.
Ahead of the curve
These chunky earrings are a modern alternative to classic hoop earrings and look much more expensive than they are. The curved shape is made of gold-colored recycled brass that is highly polished and fits elegantly on the earlobe.