Five Hit The Party Trail ...
Sydney Morning Herald
Tuesday December 16, 1986
FOR most of us, Christmas brings a flurry of parties and more social gatherings to attend than at any other time. There's the office party, family get-togethers, neighbourhood round-ups, friends who throw impromptu romps around the pool and so on, and quite often something a little more formal.
Getting through all this frivolity without spending a fortune on clothes is not impossible though. The secret lies in adaptation - taking a few basic items, mixing them up and coming out with a new look each time.
Most of us find it hard to picture what to do with our existing wardrobes, and sometimes feel a whole new outfit is needed when the unexpected invitation turns up. But the injection of one new piece, a skirt, a jacket or a versatile sweater can pull together an otherwise uninspiring assortment of disconnected bits and pieces.
Taking stock is the first step to pulling together a wardrobe that really works. Maybe there's a plain gaberdine or linen skirt that works well for day, but seems impossible to translate to evening. Imagine it with a silk camisole and glittery cardigan, instead of a crisp white shirt for the office.
One of George Gross's evening separates at the Viva Double Bay boutique would be a valuable investment for years to come. His roomy and lightweight gold lurex blazer instantly glamorises any full or pencil skirt, plain black pants or tube dress. If your wardrobe is top heavy with jackets, a simple tube dress can utilise these pieces.
Accessories count for a great deal, so much so that the one basic dress can go from day to night, from office to garden, from poolside to restaurant, with the switch of a shoe, the swap of an earring or the flick of a fringe on a shawl.
The wardrobe consultant for Sportsgirl, Keren Pratt, emphasises the transforming power of accessories.
"Taking office dressing to an evening affair can be effortless if you plan ahead and pack a small survival kit.
"Metallic pumps or a pair of beautiful embroidered shoes can make all the difference, and, of course, a hairstyle can change the direction of your dressing with the simple addition of a satin bow."
Pictured here are five pieces which gave us four different looks. The common denominator in all photographs is the cotton/polyster ribbed turtle-neck top, which is a basic building block. Accessories are extra, but these five items total $411.
© 1986 Sydney Morning Herald