BIRTHDAY OUTFITS – The Big 2-1 (part2)

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BIRTHDAY OUTFITS

The Big 2-1 (part2)

by Sophie Ralls

One week has passed (as has the hideous hangover), and I have put together my fabulously formal wear for the wonderful wee Bennett’s birthday! Here is what I’ll be wearing for an elegant evening of drinks and canapés: I have decided to turn up completely clad in white-hot attire, totally on trend this season and perfect for such a prim party. However, deciding what to wear from the pretty picks in Leeds City Centre has been more difficult than I had anticipated, and I am left with not one, but three scorching-hot white outfits to choose from.

Zara dress, £39.99

The first is an elegantly simple, white snakeskin dress by Zara. Both chic and formally fitted, the slightly cinched in waist and framed skirt will cover up and unexpected Champagne bloating I may endure (OK … eating-way-too-many-cocktail-sausages and more-cake-than-I-should bloating!). As much as I adore this refined and subtly textured dress, there is a part of me just head-over-heels for separates this season, and so I have been slightly tempted by all the shorts, skirts and tailored trousers out there and left in a bit of a pickle!

After spotting this luxurious leaf print shirt by Reiss, I have been on the hunt for gorgeous garments to team it with. A white-shirt is as famous as a little black dress: it is a staple garment, a must-have, an ‘if you can only have ten items in your wardrobe, one of them has to be…’ type of top, that is also a top dog of the trends this season. The fine, laser-like, leaf print design ties in well with the calypso craze for SS12, giving this shirt a unique edge and making it stand out from the crowd. Also, for practicality purposes, I can wear this statement shirt a number of ways: to work with cropped trousers and brogues, tucked into a skirt to an interview with midi-heels, or teamed with jeans, a jumper and pumps for lunch with the ladies.

For a 21st party though, I think these shorts by River Island are just the ticket. Lavished in lace, a popular material as we head into summer (not that you could tell!), the ladylike paisley pattern – another key trend – will clash comfortably with the tropical print of the shirt. The cut of the shorts is flattering as the high-waist with lengthen my legs. Ah. Problem. White pasty legs are to be expected after a week of incessant rain and black tights won’t work any magic against a pure white ensemble.

Reiss shirt – £95; River Island shorts – £35

Topshop trousers – £75

Thank goodness I spotted these lavish Topshop trousers! Although gutted about the un-sunny situation of the shorts (and the summery Zara dress for that matter), these silk slacks will definitely do the trick. Loosely fitted, they ooze pyjama comfort and add a splash of metallic shimmer as well. Again, being satin and smart, these will work well worn to interviews. To top this outfit off, I have a few glitzy gold accessories. These Storm celebrity watches are chic and chunky enough to add an edge to my, now off-white, outfit. Everyone needs a good wristwatch and this one will add glamour to any outfit! Sparkly Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes are cute and fun with the sweet mouse faces on the toes. These would also look brilliant worn with my J Brand Bluebell jeans and the Reiss shirt!

Now all I have to do is get to Liverpool in one piece! Eeek… I’m driving!