Trend of the Week: Rise to the Occasion

Rise to the occasion and give your wardrobe a reason to celebrate, writes Annmarie O'Connor.

STYLE NOTES

LAYER UP

Not a dress gal? Layer a kimono or luxe tunic over a pair of trousers.

DIVIDE AND CONQUER

Increase the cost-per-wear of an occasion outfit by opting for separates which double their worth with off-duty separates.

A DRESSING DOWN

Take an evening dress down a notch with a tailored blazer and flats.

VISUAL INTEREST

Swap out fussy jewellery for bright colours, textured embroidery or shapely ruffles.

Inspiration

Garden parties, weddings, race meets, al fresco dinners: summer event season knows no bounds. Once the mercury rises, so does our propensity to celebrate. And what’s a party without something special to wear?

Frills, spills, floor-skimming hems: find a reason, any reason, to don your glad rags and raise a glass – whatever the occasion

The Edit

New threads; Label lookout

This season Irish designer Heidi Higgins gives occasionwear her trademark twist with the 'Soraya' trousers suit (€620). A nononsense style statement, this tunic-trouser-combo with narrow cigarette slacks and asymmetrical hemline, leads the eye from the deep V-neckline to the ankle and back to the middle thigh.

Centre-stage yet incredibly easy-to-wear. Info: 087- 9730532; www.heidihiggins.com.

Get ahead in the style stakes with a bespoke headpiece from milliner Aoife Harrison. This season sees two collections: one classic, one dramatic, both handmade using luxurious fabrics to ensure you stand out from the, whatever the occasion. Info: www.aoifeharrisondesign.ie.

Diary Dates

Sunday 19th May: The romantic idea of living ‘happily ever after’ is one that the Carrigaline Court Hotel embrace at their upcoming wedding showcase. The free event will not only provide those in attendance with a first-look at the four-star hotel’s brand-new €3 million makeover, but will also offer one lucky winner and bride or groom-to-be the chance to win a fairytale ‘earlymoon’ to Disneyland, Paris. Info: 021-4852100; www.carrigalinecourt.ie.

BOUTIQUE BUZZ

Cork’s homeware emporium Meadows & Byrne is finding its fashion feet with the launch of its exclusive own brand label – Meadows & Byrne Woman; plus, Italian and Scandi go-to brands Emme Marella & Selected Femme. Expect clothing (UK 8-18), accessories and footwear in all stores nationwide including Blarney Woollen Mills. Info: 021-4344100; www.meadowsandbyrne.com.

Info: 021-4344100; www.meadowsandbyrne.com.

LOG ON

Yvonne Tiernan, creator of The Couch blog and conversation series, has launched a titular online lifestyle boutique. Offering a curated edit of products from homewares to music, vintage fashion and stationery; The Couch is a warm and welcoming destination – like a good chat and a cuppa! Info: www.thecouch.ie.

ANNMARIE LOVES

Step back in time with this rockabillyinspired printed dress (€270) by Fabienne Chapot. Top tip: unbutton to the waist and pair with red slim-leg trousers. Info: 064-6633622; www.macbees.ie.

STOCKISTS

Check out Annmarie O’Connor’s style at: www.annmarieoconnor.me