Post Covid Party Planning

Hooray! The end is in sight! Restrictions are slowly being lifted around the country which means we can go out again! Sure, bars aren’t open throughout the majority of Australia but restaurants and cafes are. Yes, there are time restrictions on sittings which means a long boozy lunch or dinner is out of the picture but we can still enjoy getting out of the house. The restriction lifting that excites me the most, is that more people are allowed around at your house. Rather than just the person you live with, you can have up to 20 people provided there is social distancing (perfectly in time for my birthday this weekend!). Of course some might find this still restricting but I think we all appreciate where we are at compared to where we were a month or 2 ago. But what I’m really dreaming about is when all the restrictions are lifted (mainly the ones relevant to going out and having people over). I’m dying to have a big night out with my friends or a party at home.

This is probably a couple months down the track but I can dream! I can’t help but think of all the gorgeous outfits I’m dying to wear. Yes, I have gone a bit crazy shopping during coronavirus (all my purchases were essential in my eyes like the sequinned camo bomber jacket and the tropical shoes) but I’ve also been smart too. I’ve been eying off outfits to hire at The Volte. It makes much more sense economically and you can hire whatever you want without having to think about whether you would wear it again. This also is much more sustainable and reduces fashion waste. The way I see it, with hiring you can really take risks and wear something fabulous and fashion forward, without a care in the world. The outfits I’ve hired have not been basic at all (although there are those options if you choose). Also, I love knowing I can hire a designer bag, without the hefty price tag.

In preparation for all the post Covid parties you are all going to attend, I’ve curated a selection of dresses that would be perfect for all your different party needs. From a casual get together at home, to elegant dinner parties, to fancy meals at restaurants to those raging nights out at a club or a house party, I’ve got you covered. Take a look and book something fab!

The Casual Get Together

Fortunately with the restrictions that have been lifted now, the casual get together is on the agenda. Be it a few friends at home for a few vinos and some yummy food delivery, or a picnic in park, they are on! I love these get togethers, they are nice and relaxed without any pressure. Your outfit should reflect this. You have a few options as what to wear. You could go the ultimate off duty uniform of skinny jeans, flats, a cool t-shirt and jacket. Always a strong sartorial choice for home or out, and fortunately for you, we have some killer t-shirts by big designers.

If a t-shirt and jeans isn’t your thing, I love long floaty dresses for a casual event. Billowy and floaty, they scream effortless. casual glamour. Be it prints or plains, a soft natural fabric is perfect. Florals are great for that feminine vibe and can be paired with a leather jacket to toughen up the look. These are my top picks.

Girls Lunch

I have really missed these. Meeting up with all the girls, eating yummy food and having a few proseccos or vinos, divine! This long held tradition is back on the cards around the country as restaurants are open. However, as capacity is limited, bookings are essential so I would advise you to book well in advance. Sure it may not be spontaneous but it gives you something to look forward to. And plenty of time to plan your outfit. I think a feminine but on trend dress is perfect. A print is perfect for daytime and I think Zimmermann nails this brief. The dresses are cool and fashion forward whilst being playful with the prints. Daytime is the time to embrace colour. These are my top picks, courtesy of Zimmermann.

Elegant Dinner Party at Home

You really can’t beat a dinner party. Beautiful home cooked food, delicious booze of your choosing and handpicked guests. It really makes for a perfect night. Thankfully with restrictions lifted (varying around the country), these are back on and I see no reason as to why they won’t continue down the track. Now, there isn’t really a dress code that covers all dinner parties. Some might suggest going full casual, others might say go cocktail (but i’d rather save that for a night out) but what I really love is an elegant formal dinner party with divine dresses. Make it something special as we’ve been stuck at home for too long and visiting someone else’s house might feel like more of the same. I’m not suggesting going full formal wear or ball dresses, but think something that little bit extra you wouldn’t normally wear. For this occasion, I would go floor length for guaranteed elegance, maybe get some body in there with some tulle, incorporate metallics for evening sophistication or even embrace the sequins, provided it looks classy. Of course you could do minis or something demure like a knee length or midi dress but getting dressed up in something a bit special makes you feel fab. Take a look at my top picks.

Night out at a Restaurant (and when they are open, bars)

So I was celebrating when I found out I could go out to restaurants again. Yes bookings are essential and seating times limited but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the meal and drinks and fully. For now, kick-ons are limited to going back to a friend’s place but just think how great it will be when we can go to bars! That’s what I’m counting on and planning my outfits for. Nightclubs might be a while off opening but hopefully bars and pubs will be open soon. Its for occasions like this that I think something fun, sophisticated and on trend is perfect. Minis are perfectly acceptable but what I’m really loving are sleeves. It is almost winter after all. This doesn’t mean a simple long sleeved dress, think statement sleeves, one sleeve or a dress that combines gorgeous sleeves but has interesting details like cut outs. Prints are fun and playful so embrace them. Here are a few of my favourites.

House Party

This brings me to house parties. A firm favourite where there really are no limits on what you can wear (yay! You don’t need to wear heels!). Sure, you can go full casual but I think house parties are the time to really have fun. Minis are a firm favourite, especially with fun, playful prints. Plus they can be dressed up with heels but look just as sensational with flats. As house parties are great for meeting new people and prospective partners, go a little bit sexy. Wear something low cut, show a bit of skin or wear something silky. Sequins are always acceptable (last year’s Retrofete Gabrielle Robe would fit in at any house party with the right attitude) but I’m very fond of the effortless look. Think minimalist, clean lines in simple fabrics and neutral colours. Dion Lee is great for this. But as I said, anything goes with a house party. Just have fun with it! Here are my favourite looks perfect for your next house party.

So these are just a few outfit suggestions for your post Covid life. Of course you can accessorize with a gorgeous bag or spectacular earrings to complete your outfit. If you want some more tips and styling suggestions, don’t hesitate to ask.

Gabby

xoxox