Whilst they may have been the Highstreets leading retailer for many years now, having one of the quickest turnarounds in fast fashion (getting the catwalk looks to you) there is one area Topshop have continuously lacked in – Party wear. Having worked in the store for two years I won’t lie, there has been more than one occasion when a customer has asked me to recommend a dress for a specific occasion and I’ve been at a loss for what to recommend, due to the fact that whilst our clothes are on trend, they aren’t exactly what could be deemed appropriate for occasion wear.
Well, get your credit cards ready, coz that’s all changed, with Topshop having this week launched the ‘Dress Up’ collection (the name for the range shortened from the phrase ‘why dress down, when you can dress up’, why indeed?). A range of party dresses and occasion wear which can be worn all year through and that ‘brings out individuality and attitude’ (Jacquie Markham, Topshop Design). The dresses are all about having fun and making them your own......
Nude Bandage Dress - £55 (also available in black)
With Bodycon and Lace being two of the most feminine materials of the moment this dress is definitely a must have, with studs which make the dress slightly edgier, it can be worn during the day or night, or even as I’d prefer, during festival season, just add fringing and suede boots.
Black Bandeau Flower Dress - £85
Topshops twist on the simple prom style dress, with added embellishment. Team with a tailored blazer and block heeled shoes for a more structured look, or leave the shoulders bare and add coloured opaque tights for a more summer inspired look.
Pink Heart Frill Bodice Dress - £55 (also available in yellow)
Another dainty, feminine dress with cut out back detail that should definitely be work with high wedges – perfect for elongating your pins!!
Black Leather Stud Bussle Back Dress - £150
Team with block heels, a messy up do and bright red lipstick for the perfect rock princess look
Nude Beaded Ruched Front Panel Dress - £80
With Nude seemingly being one of the most on trend colours over the past three years, this is a dress that won’t have to be hidden in your wardrobe at the end of the season waiting to be reworked at a later date. Team with a biker jacket and shoe boots for the Jessica Alba look.
Sequin Flame Dress - £150
A black jersey dress with a mesh panel along the top, finished with flame shaped embellishment. This dress is not for shrinking violets. Wear with block coloured wedges for maximum impact.
Fairground Beaded Dress - £175
An art deco inspired dress, which, as the name suggests, wouldn’t look out of place on a show girl at a fairground. A dress that speaks for itself and one which doesn’t need accessorising, team with basic platform heels for a show stopping look.
Multi Sequin Dress - £125
No doubt inspired by the Burberry dress Emma Watson wowed us with at the Burberry Prorsum S/S 10 show. Teamed with Opaque tights during the winter or bare legs as the sun comes out this look will carry you through the year.
Dark Red Feather Hem Dress - £70
Not unlike the bandeau dress Topshop in sold last summer in pink, white, green and erm black, the black on red with a feather hem definitely vamps this dress up. Can be worn with block heels for a more glam look, or as I prefer with black converse and plenty of eyeliner a la Kristen Stewart at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards.
Cream Embellished Pleat Dress - £70
A dainty little number that can be worn pretty much anywhere, dresses up with killer heels and a sharp, tailored blazer of an evening, or even worn with flat boots and a messy fishtail plait during festivals. Definitely my must have dress.
Available in store and online today.
