All Dressed Up & Somewhere To Go

Bill Cunningham once famously said, “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” Everyone’s realities and needs differ. Indeed, one of the best things about fashion is that it enables us to tap into our different sides.

Over these past few months, we’ve been inundated with designs and design philosophies, going from the sublime to the ridiculous and everything in between. I believe there is a time and place for everything, and everything is appropriate at some point, depending on the occasion. Okay, well, almost everything. Even the ugliest or wackiest of creations are suitable for an occasion of some kind.

For example, you been invited to King Charles III’s coronation on May 6th. This couture-like Balmain ensemble (pictured above) would be a perfect choice, hat, gloves, and all! I selected 13 additional looks from recent collections and match them with the appropriate occasion, event, or situation.

When the invitation reads “Festive Attire,” it’s an offer to have fun, be creative, and not take things too seriously. This jacket from Libertine is highly embellished with beads, crystals, flower appliques, and feathers. It’s colorful, insanely fabulous, and easily fits the bill. Just add black tuxedo pants or jeans, depending on how casual you want to be, and you’re in business.

Your calendar includes numerous business and board meetings. You want to look smart, chic, and feel pulled together—no need for bells and whistles, just a perfectly tailored, urbane trouser suit like this by Iro. The zebra-printed hair calf boots add some panache and take it out of the ordinary in a chic, understated way.

American fans of Caviar Kaspia’s twice-baked, caviar-topped potato no longer have to travel to Paris for this iconic dish. The beloved Paris boutique and restaurant opened at The Mark Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in February, and you have been invited to lunch there.

The restaurant’s design, which marries Parisian old-world elegance with a touch of New York Art Deco, embodies the essence of the original Parisian haunt. What could be a more stereotypically UES/Parisian chic and more fitting outfit choice than this Saint Laurent ensemble?

It features an oversized dark brown leather bomber, pencil skirt, silk tie blouse, and silk scarf that ends in a long train, accessorized with elegant high-heeled pumps.

You are a first time modern bride, and want to keep some traditions but not all. Break the rules with this feather embroidered single breasted blazer and organza ombre feather embroidered trousers from Sally LaPointe’s debut bridal collection.

It’s your second marriage and you don’t want to wear white, nor do you want something fussy or frilly. This pale blue Duchess satin tailored jacket and long skirt, lined in cardinal red satin is from the Jean Paul Gaultier spring 2023 couture collection designed by Haider Ackermann. It would be the ideal alternative to something more ornate and elaborate. Perfection!

You will soon be wed, but you’ve had so many weddings you’ve lost count of how many. Why not just go with the flow and be a Lady in Red with Dolce & Gabbana’s red chiffon plunge front gown, red lace bra, and sheer red stockings!?

You will attend Homecoming/Parent’s Weekend at your kid’s Ivy League College in the fall. Leave it to Ralph Lauren to fashion the perfect outfit: preppy and sophisticated.

You are headed to divorce court. You don’t want to dress to impress your soon-to-be ex-husband or to gain his attention; that will backfire. You need to look confident and professional to be taken seriously. Fendi’s gray coat ensemble and crisp white shirt are appropriately tailored, business, and smart.

It is rare for someone to be audited by the IRS nowadays, but it does happen. If you’re one of the unlucky 1 percent, the last thing you want is to look like someone who spends untold money on their clothing. A.P.C.’s denim shirt and gray trousers suit the occasion to a tee.

You are gallery hopping in Chelsea and Soho with friends. Issey Miyake’s bold, vertically striped black and white maxi coat and dress worn with flat lug soled ankle boots could not be more ideal; eye-catching, artistic, comfortable, and chic.

You are going on a first date. Maybe it’s a blind date, and you have no idea how the evening will turn out. You want to wear something flattering, alluringly feminine yet modest and covered up to not give off the wrong signals. Anna October’s long fitted bra top dress in gray jersey and fitted blue turtleneck do both.

You will spend the weekend at a friend’s estate in the English countryside. Joseph’s nubby black and white tweed jacket and wide-legged trousers are ideal. Just add a walking stick and hat for a stroll. Take the jacket off, and you have a perfect pair of pants to lounge around in.

You are attending a high-profile awards show, maybe the 2024 Oscars. And you’ve decided you want to out-meme singer Tems who went viral for wearing an enormous headpiece that completely blocked the view of audience members who sat behind.

Latest Comments:

1. 

   You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.

2. 

   Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!

3. 

   Love my portrait Thank you Michel Haddi!!!!

4. 

   Such a fun and bold take on fashion! Love how this collection brings a fresh, playful energy to the scene.

5. 

   Beautifully written with fashion, identity, and branding intelligence!