Aussie Designer Rebecca Vallance Shares Her Party Dressing Rules
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I’ve always been quite a confident person. Comfort and confidence go hand in hand, so it's essential to choose looks that not only flatter your appearance but also make you feel good from within. I often say I like to use fashion as my armour, and I dress to suit my mood. Being comfortable is essential for me.
You’ll mostly find me in a Rebecca Vallance suit. Suits are not only fantastic for event dressing, but they also offer versatility. They take me from work meetings to evening fashion events. The Evelyn Suit offers a clean and dramatic silhouette while the feather accent is a more feminine touch. Every time I wear it, I feel so confident.
My personal style is definitely reflected in the brand. I like a collection and wardrobe that prioritises sophisticated tailoring and luxurious fabrics. I also like to dress up and push the boundaries with my looks, and I’m not afraid to stand out or be different. I’m very comfortable with my style and I think the Rebecca Vallance customer is also – it’s my aim to make each woman wearing our clothes to feel like the most beautiful version of themselves.
This season, our collection is all about occasion dressing – and taking signature design elements to new heights. While we've retained beloved silhouettes that we know our customers love, while also adding an extra layer of glamour. We’ve embraced understated corsetry and dramatic but still feminine silhouettes, with diamante trims adding a touch of luxury.
I’m loving bows this season. But they’ve always been a signature of the brand. The Veronica minidress is the perfect example, and with its pearl detail and exaggerated sleeves, it’s our hero dress of this year’s party season.
During the day, I tend to dress in a very minimalist way – as a mum and business owner, I’m always on the go, and my wardrobe needs to work for that. But when it comes to events and going out, I love to be a maximalist and dressing up. I prefer to be overdressed than underdressed. When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a pair of cool suit trousers and a blazer, or we have some really elegant mid-length black dresses with cool sculptural sleeves.
When it comes to party dressing, I follow a couple of rules. First, always check the dress code. It's respectful to the host and shows consideration for the occasion. Second, it’s always important to make an effort, even if it’s done in a relaxed way.
Fashion is meant to be fun, so don’t overwhelm yourself. When you’re choosing an outfit for party season, start with the dress. I always encourage clients to build on their own personal style within the dress code. Then you can add the accessories, one by one.
Style isn’t just about clothes, your hair and make-up need to fit the brief too. Also, don’t underestimate the power of your accessories to transform your look – the right shoes or bag can truly make a difference. I love a beautiful coat, too. Just remember, there is nothing worse than an ill-fitting outfit, so try something in different sizes if it isn’t quite right.
I don’t follow trends. Although saying that, there’s been a recent shift towards more subtle and romantic designs in the fashion world – and I’m here for it. Bows, fitted bodices and corsets have always been strong features of the Rebecca Vallance aesthetic, too. I like to keep things moving each season – I’m definitely the kind of person that gets bored easily.
There are a few key pieces which I think every woman should have in her wardrobe. A cool modern black dress, an elegant gown, a well-tailored suit, some statement necklaces and a great pair of shoes.
We recently launched an exclusive jewellery capsule collection with Mytheresa. I’ve been loving the Mariella Drop Earrings – great earrings and delicate headpieces are effortless ways to elevate your look.
On my wish list this season is one of Paco Rabanne’s statement link necklaces – like this one here. They can really elevate a minimal look. Gianvito Rossi and Saint Laurent heels are also my party go-tos. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a Bottega or Louis Vuitton clutch.
The one brand everyone should know about is my friend’s line Juliet Angus X Anisa Sojka. I’ve literally been wearing it every day for the last 18 months. The pieces are really cool, and quite iconic. I’ve worn some of the simpler pieces in the daytime and then the more OTT styles for parties. I wore also wore its jewellery at the Marie Claire Women of The Year Awards.
There are a few people whose style I really admire. Leonie Hanne always knows how to have fun with fashion, all while maintaining a sense of elegance and timelessness. I also love Hannah Strafford Taylor – she is the ultimate London girl and knows exactly how to accessorise an outfit. Finally, Aimee Song is another favourite – one of the original influencers, I’ve loved watching her style evolution.
Follow @RebeccaVallance on Instagram.
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