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The Art Of Accessorising: What to consider when choosing your formal dress!

31 Aug, 2025 106

Picking out your formal dress or semi formal dress can be exciting — and overwhelming. It’s easy to fall in love with a dress in the mirror, but then hit a wall trying to imagine the whole outfit: the shoes, bag, and earrings that will actually make it feel complete. That’s where accessories come in! The right ones pull everything together and make a world of difference.

My TOP 3 tips for success: 

1. 👠 Shoes set the tone

Your shoes completely influence your outfit’s vibe. Strappy heels keep a formal dress sleek and elegant, chunky platforms add edge, and pointed toes are classic. When planning your dress hire, think about the energy you want your shoes to bring.

2. ✨ Balance your look

A busy dress (sequins, cut-outs, ruffles) calls for simpler accessories, while a plain or minimal semi formal dress is your chance to experiment. Statement earrings or a textured bag will elevate the look instantly.

3. 👝 Bags bring personality 

A bag doesn’t have to match perfectly — in fact, the right pop of metallic, colour, or texture makes your outfit feel curated and intentional. Even a simple formal dress hire can look completely different once the bag is added.

Scroll to see how I would style some of our dresses!

Manning Cartell High Voltage Slip Dress Styling

 

Manning Cartell Supreme Extreme Balconette Dress Styling

Fait Par Foutch Liana Dress Styling

Manning Cartell Double Time Pleat Dress Styling

Accessories are what turn a dress into your outfit. The right shoes, earrings, and bag can make even the simplest formal dress feel polished, confident, and intentional. Play around, find what feels like you, and enjoy the process — because that’s when the magic happens.