I have my cousin’s wedding and a trip to Vegas within two weeks of each other, and am looking for two outfits that could work for both occasions. I like playsuits with colouring that complements my mixed-race skin. I am a 21-year-old student and an hourglass size 8, and I have a budget of £100 for both outfits. Please help.
Hemlines are short in Vegas — I know from personal experience. If you’re going for a shortie playsuit, make sure it has sleeves, so it will also work for the wedding. Asos’s minty-fresh version (1 £35) is youthful yet chic — the pussy-bow and long sleeves offset the short shorts. The zingy blue floral bell-sleeve playsuit, from motelrocks.com (2 £25), will complement your dark skin beautifully. Another option is the Aaliea skort playsuit (£15; boohoo.com). You can even buy all three and still be under budget. Hurrah!
I’m starting sixth form this September and on the hunt for some simple but stylish shirts. Though there is no dress code, I’m leaning towards the colours white and blue so I can mix and match — trouble is, I’m having difficulty finding anything I like. I don’t want linen and am most interested in a good fit. I’m 5ft 4in and slim with curves.
Try a plain shirt with ribbon tie — there are masses of them this coming season. It’s a simple style with a hint of Parisian sexiness. Comptoir des Cotonniers has a white silk blouse with a removable black necktie (£110), while La Redoute’s pretty striped shirt with ribbon has sweet, slightly puffed shoulders (3 £35). H&M has masses of plain and striped cotton shirts that start at just £13. For more androgynous styles, try & Other Stories. Its print shirts are more “statement”, but that doesn’t mean they’re hard to wear — just avoid multicoloured jumpers. I love its mountain-print silk shirt (4 £65), which looks much more expensive than it is. All these shirts are fitted but not tight, so you should be fine. A sneaky alternative is a mock shirt “bib”. Pop a scallop collar (£29, from Cos) under a crew-neck or high V-neck sweater, and Bob’s your uncle.
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I’m looking for some wedding shoes that don’t look too bridal and don’t cost £700. Where do I start?
The designer Charlotte Olympia recently revealed to me that some of her most popular bridal shoes are leopard print — go figure! So it seems the days of traditional bridal footwear are over. If ivory isn’t your scene and leopard print feels too racy for the aisle, then how about a metallic pair? If nothing else, you’ll use them again (white satin is not so easy to wear, post-event). Russell & Bromley always has great silver shoes. This season it’s the Naughty d’Orsay-cut heels (5 £275). Carvela Kurt Geiger has a few (subtle) gems, such as the Gamma strappy sandals (£110). For something super-minimal, I like the strappy Nudist heels by Stuart Weitzman (£295). I must admit, I have a vested interest in this question, because it allows me to do my own research under the guise of doing yours — my favourite pair are Burberry’s gold leather sandals (6 £495).
How I tackled...the lace pencil skirt
Long-sleeve T-shirt, £110, by MiH. Lace pencil skirt, £40, from Banana Republic. Nevine lace-up sandals, £185, from Whistles
The lace pencil skirt is nothing new, but clothing is all about context. The Burberry-inspired pastel lace offerings are too saccharine for many, me included; instead, use a royal-blue pencil skirt as the focus for high-low dressing. The concept involves taking a tailored or smart piece (the skirt) and pairing it with something casual (such as a breton tee — every wardrobe should have one, although avoid wearing it with Kate Middleton-style wedge courts). It’s an easy workwear outfit for late summer: not too skimpy while pleasingly nautical; plus, the lace-up sandals keep the mood right for August. Bravo to Banana Republic for a skirt that’s simplicity at its best.
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This week I'm into... For Restless Sleepers
Clockwise from left: polka-dot jacket, £430, paisley trousers, £265, paisley jacket, £430, lace shorts, £223, and eye mask, £90, by For Restless Sleepers; brownsfashion.com
The trend for luxury pyjamas shows no signs of abating; if anything, the prints are getting better and the silks finer (Olivia von Halle’s jewel-coloured nighties can even be worn as backless evening dresses). The newest kid on the block is the Italian designer Francesca Ruffini, whose label For Restless Sleepers is now stocked at Browns. The pieces are expensive, so it’s important not to use them just for the bedroom. Instead, wear the top with high-waist jeans, and the trousers with a pussy-bow blouse.
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Pandora’s box of tricks
The belted kimono has become a perennial piece. Get extra wear out of a kimono dress by teaming it with cropped trousers when bare legs no longer feel doable.
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Main image, hair and make-up: Lucy Pearson using Bumble and Bumble and Nars
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Pandora also blogs at pandorasykes.com, some of which is sponsored content