Are you panicking about how your wardrobe is going to keep up with the onslaught of all those festive parties? Don’t worry, there’s no need to buy a new outfit for every single outing. See how, with just a few accessories and top tips from us, you’ll be able to ring the changes with that wardrobe stalwart… your little black dress, or the LBD as it’s known in fashion circles.
Change your hairdo – perhaps the easiest way to change the feel of an outfit. Changing your hair not only makes you look different, but act and feel differently. Sweep your hair up into a chic chignon and immediately you’re Holly Golightly and your outfit becomes 1950’s chic. Backcomb it into a beehive and you’re Jean ‘The Shrimp’ Shrimpton. Have fun and experiment with your hair… and your identity.
Re-dye it Even a black dress can fade and look tired. One great way of reviving it is to dye it. How effective this is depends on the fabric. If it’s 100% nylon or polyester you might have problems, but if you’re just trying to warm-up the colour, not change it, most fabrics will work. Dyeing can done in the washing machine or by hand… but be careful about how you wash it afterwards. Even if you’ve set the dye, it can still leach into the wash, so best to wash separately from light colours.
Use colour Don’t be afraid of bringing a little colour into your life. It’s a great way to create accent features in your outfit and completely change the feel of that LBD. Try flashes of gold, silver, diamante, or all black with a splash of fuchsia.
Embellish your shoes Shoe decorations are all the rage and a great way of revamping a pair of shoes without spending a fortune. Sure you can buy ready made ones, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own out of pieces of ribbon, earrings or necklaces, for pennies or even for free. An old pair of clip-on earrings will transform your shoes in seconds!
Make a belt Belts can make or break an outfit, but they don’t need to cost a fortune. Try re-using the buckle of an old belt, buy a new buckle from a haberdashery shop or go hunting in the charity shops. Then use some sparkly fabric, or a scarf, and simply attach to the buckle for a fantastic new look
Add a pair of long opera gloves Need I say more – opera gloves reek of 40’s glamour.
Add some glitter in the form of scarves, belts and shoes; try stitching some seqquins for accent – a little bit of glitter goes a long way.
Add a bag This doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Borrow from your friends or even try making a basic clutch bag from some fabulous glitzy fabric remnants.
Get yourself a Tuxedo If you’re really stuck, steal your man’s evening jacket. A tuxedo style jacket is a timeless classic that never fails to look elegant and chic. Pair it with the LBD or a pair of well cut trousers and killer heels
Add a pashmina Whether it’s wrapped around your shoulders for warmth, or draped over one shoulder a pashmina adds a timeless glamour to any outfit,
Get to know your local charity shops It’s amazing what you can pick up at a charity shop to transform into a chic new outfit. Scarves, jewellery, jackets… fabric for bags: there’s so much there for the taking.
Beg, borrow or make accessories Jewellery is big this year…literally – the bigger the better. Bangles and necklaces are big, bold statement pieces. With jewellery, you can ring the changes every time your wear that dress. But it needn’t be expensive to create a wow effect, especially if you borrow pieces from friends, make them yourself or see what’s at your favourite charity shop.
Make a statement necklace.
Lipstick A fabulous rich coloured lipstick is guaranteed to lift any outfit
And finally…
Slap on a smile!
A smile is guaranteed to work. If you’re smiling and happy and take an interest in others, then people won’t even notice what you are wearing.
Slap on a smile!Why not have a go at making your own accessories?
This is a great book for the novice bag maker. with easy instructions and full of ideas and designs
Lots of ideas and designs for making your own cecorative scarves. Inluding scarves made from silk and velvet.
A complete course for the novice jewellery maker. Amaze your friends with your own fantastic jewellery.
Lots of ideas and designs for making your own cecorative scarves. Inluding scarves made from silk and velvet.