The wedding of Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly was evidence that things have changed forever — and not only because it was the first marriage of the Royal Family and Hello! magazine.
The images of the young Windsors signalled a seismic shift in how we approach dressing, a formal acknowledgment, on the most formal of days, that it is not so much about what you’re expected to wear as how you wear it — and, as importantly, how often you’ll be able to wear it again.
This change coincided with the release of the long-awaited Sex and the City movie, reminding us that any day — every day, in the case of Carrie Bradshaw — can be special when it comes to clothes. Indeed, any outfit has the potential to create a stir if worn the right way.
The reincarnated Gwyneth Paltrow adheres to the “new special” way of dressing by dressing down this black number at the UK Charity Premiere of ‘Iron Man’ in April.
the “special occasion outfit” has passed its sell-by date, to be replaced by the “new special,” a way of dressing that is much easier to achieve — and a lot more fun.
It’s a trend long pioneered by a host of funky, high-profile, stylish dressers, from rocker Gwen Stefani and model Natalia Vodianova to Kate Moss, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and the reincarnated Gwyneth Paltrow, and it hinges around one adaptable wardrobe staple: the dress.
This season, they are everywhere — prom styles, floaty maxis, romantic, ruffled, you name it. And they are key to making this idea work. The trick is to invest in one great dress that makes you feel good, rather than “appropriate,” one that suits your body shape, highlights your personality, and makes you feel comfortable, confident and sexy.
It could just as easily be something you have worn on holiday, for work, or a favourite piece you have had for years, as something bought with a specific outing in mind. Then, you just “dress up the dress” — adding accessories and layers as you feel inclined.
The best thing of all about the “new special” is that you can dress it down just as easily. You should be able to take off the jacket, swap your pill-box for a straw “pork pie,” trilby or even a sun hat, trade your smart high heels for gladiator sandals and your beaded clutch for a casual tote, and you’re ready for a beach party or barbecue.
All the twenty- and thirtysomethings at the royal wedding had the “new special” mode down pat: there wasn’t a too-matching ensemble in sight.
Instead, there were plenty of simple styles that weren’t strictly in wedding territory and could easily translate to casual for a picnic or a garden party.