If you find yourself browsing our dress hire Canberra store and are unsure of the right dress to fit the cocktail code of your event, you're in luck! We’re going over all the cocktail attire rules so you can turn heads at your next formal party and feel confident and look stunning in your outfit.
A dress is always the way to go when planning your outfit, but not the only option. Don't feel you have to wear a ‘cocktail dress’ to a cocktail party. It’s becoming more common to see two-piece outfits or pantsuit/jumpsuits worn to these events as a modern twist. If you’re still leaning more towards a dress for the event there are a few tips to keep in mind.
To create a polished cocktail look you’ll want to generally keep the length around the knees. Nothing super long or short. Cocktail dress codes are usually treated with the idea not to show off too much body, but not to go all out and wear a ball gown- those are for galas. Although this is a general rule for creating a fully polished outfit, try and wear the correct underwear and shapewear that won't be seen through the dress, it makes it look like you’ve put more thought and effort into the styling of the outfit.
Black, red and white are the most popular dress colour options. There’s no real rule with colouring for a cocktail code. Although most people usually stick to subtle patterns and block colours it doesn’t mean you can’t wear a sequin or beaded dress to add a bit of glam to your look.
Heels are a must with cocktail dress codes, you don’t have to wear the tallest pair in your cupboard, but something that gives you a little bit of height is good. This helps to add a sense of sophistication and finishes your look. Heels in neutral colours, nudes, blacks and whites are always a great way to go as they can match with anything. Choose either a sandal or pump style for a smart and understated look that will let your dress shine. Or if you’re a real shoe girl you can swap the approach around with a simple dress, letting your bold shoes become the centrepiece.
No outfit is complete without some great accessories to tie the whole outfit together. When choosing your jewellery select a few pieces that aren’t super bold but still grab the attention of others. Choosing one or two intriguing or statement pieces is a good rule to run by. If you’re taking a bag the general rule is the smaller the better, clutches are the best style option to pair with your look.
And that's it! Those three tips should be all you need to know to create an authentic cocktail dress code look for your next big event. If you’re struggling with styling options or in finding the perfect dress visit our website to see all the designer cocktail dresses, we have available.]]>No matter the feel you want to create from these trends, we at Style Theory have the pieces to match. All of our designer pieces from Rebecca Vallance, Alex Perry, Dion Lee and many more have been chosen by us with these trends in mind. Here we’ll be going over a few of our favourite season trends you can rent in our store this season.
This trend dominated the last year and is back again to continue those colourful and soft looks. You can wear one statement piece or more all layered together for that pastel buttery goodness. We’re seeing some soothing buttercup yellows, lovely lilacs, peony pinks, and subtle bluebells reappear. These beautiful colours of the garden are the inspiration for these pastel tones. It’s a great way to bring spring wherever you go.
What started as a nod to the famous shoulder pads of the 80’s has taken off to a life of its own. We're seeing more dresses and tops with puffy, oversized shoulders, giving a little extra flare to our clothing.
This cute and quirky trend is most likely thanks to the rapid obsession with cottage core a lot of people drew towards last year. Cottage core focuses on the idea of rural life, this means prairie dresses, maxi skirts, big collars, cardigans and all things pastel. Think a mix of pride and prejudice meets little women.
Bright Pinks are another colour that's been popping up in runways a lot lately. It’s a great bold colour, that can add an extra element or pop to any outfit. This shade of pink is also one that's flattering on all skin types, and an easy trend for anyone to adopt.
Bubblegum pink is definitely the defining shade of the upcoming season; it’s already in full force in most fashion sets. This trend is a stark contrast to the neutral dominance we’ve seen over the past few seasons. Bubblegum pink has become a dose of fun in our wardrobes, that we should happily welcome.
We’ve seen floral prints grace our wardrobes and runways for years. It’s become a flexible print loved and worn by many. This season we’re seeing a slight change in our standard floral and petal prints. Designers are bringing in sunny yellows, neon tulip dresses, and shades of pink so luminous you’ll need shades to look straight at them.
Taking inspiration from the glamorous movie stars of the 50’s and 60’s, this fashion trend is coming back in a big way. One of the reasons scarfs have come back with such a bang is due to their flexibility. We’ve seen head scarfs as they are, as headbands, around the neck, tied to your handbag, used as bandeau tops and more. They’ve become a staple piece for any wardrobe to add a slice of colour or vintage moment to any outfit, without overdoing it. You can choose from a silky design with floral and intricate patterns or keep it simple with bold colours. Channelling your inner silver screen star has never been easier with this classic go-to item.
To view our full range of designer dresses and accessories pulling trends from this season visit our website or email us at hello@styletheory.com.au to book your complimentary styling session.]]>Luckily, this isn’t the only option these days, with Style Theory offering the ultimate dress hire Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, and all across Australia. Here are the key benefits of why renting is the better option compared to buying clothes.
This is an obvious but necessary point to highlight, as Style Theory lets you rent the runway every day. Instead of being sick of all your clothes options and spending hours throwing options onto your bedroom floor in frustration, simply browse the website for your next exciting attire. Letting you stand out at your events with a new and wonderful outfit every time, with no chance of outfit repeating yourself!
If you have a jam-packed social or work calendar, finding a new outfit every weekend or night can be a huge struggle. This can especially be the case for formal occasions, with weddings or social events requiring very expensive attire. Most of the time with formal events, wearing it once or twice is common, so you won’t be getting your money’s worth if you purchase a new outfit every time. Instead, you can opt to rent out a dress or two, letting yourself change up your outfit without breaking the bank and save a huge amount of your savings.
Wearing the top designer brands luxurious outfits can be incredible, but it can also be outrageously expensive. Many individuals may not have the budget to buy these boutique brands, with the clothes they purchase lacking in style and quality. Alternatively, you can rent expensive pieces at cheaper prices, letting you look like a million dollars but for the price of an adorable dress! This way you can wear brands such as Zimmermann, Bec & bridge, and Alice McCall, just to name a few.
Being a conscious consumer has never been easier, with the option of renting clothes helping thousands of individuals adopt more sustainable habits. Constantly buying big-branded apparel items contributes to a large amount of negative environmental impacts, such as deforestation and mining. Therefore, instead of promoting the demand for newly produced goods, simply rent out clothes to promote sustainability and decrease your overall waste.
The constant state of panic for having nothing to wear while also owning a closet full of clothes is a common occurrence. For many of us, wearing a similar outfit to a previous day and night is a shameful act, and with social media constantly showcasing your outfits from various events, it isn’t just confined to who you last saw in person while wearing that particular outfit. Therefore, many opt to buy a completely new outfit every event, slowly accumulating a cramped closet, with the majority of clothes not even used after the initial occasion. Renting clothes can instead save you a lot of closet space, letting you declutter and simply have your staple items before renting out for special events or themes.
Perhaps you are pregnant, still in your teens and growing, or making some changes in your diet. A changing body is a hard thing to buy clothes for and can be a huge waste of time and money. Therefore, instead of wasting your money and having to resell or donate your old clothes you barely got to wear, instead just rent! Change the sizes and styles to fit your changing body without having to throw anything out!
To view our full range of designers and outfits for rent, take a browse of our website, falling in love with the stylish options only a click away! To book your complimentary styling session email us at hello@styletheory.com.au.]]>For our clients that are not yet on TikTok here are some reasons why you should be creating an account today.
Even though the app is widely known for dance challenges and hilarious videos, having a scroll through your feed will provide you with as much fashion inspiration as you would get from Instagram.
Global luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada and Saint Laurent are now live streaming their latest shows on the app. With TikTok and the fashion world colliding, Tiktok stars are now invited into the previously exclusive runway shows sitting front and centre at the most select shows such as Celine and Prada.
Fashion designers are giving TikTok users an insight into how their latest collections are developed. Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing has been one of the first couture designers at the forefront of this trend. Sharing his latest designs as well as snippets of his day, you’re now able to access more vision of your favourite designers than ever before.
You can also engage with luxury labels in a way that has never been seen previously. British fashion label JW Anderson posted a how-to tutorial on how to re-create its patchwork cardigan, worn by Harry Styles, that quickly went viral on the app.
This app not only features fashion heavyweights and content, but the video platform has also announced an editorial partnership with the modelling agency IMG. Home to the familiar faces of the models you see on rotation at Paris and New York fashion events. With deals like this being made we can safely say Tiktok has left its mark on the fashion industry.
Follow us on TikTok @styletheoryaus to view our range of formal, evening, engagement and wedding guest looks.
To view our full range of designers, click on All Designers on our website. To book your complimentary styling session email us at hello@styletheory.com.au]]>“One is never overdressed or underdressed with a little black dress.” - Karl Lagerfeld.
The little black dress is many women’s favourite style of party dress as it is the ultimate trusted go-to style. No matter what the occasion or season, you can have confidence knowing this is a safe option that always looks stylish. This style is a wardrobe staple, as it’s foolproof for each and every occasion that comes up in your social calendar. Whether you prefer a mini length, knee-length or full length, there is always an option for every occasion. If this style is missing from your wardrobe, we have a selection available to rent for your next event. We’ve put together the latest range of black dresses available at Style Theory.
Galerie Bow Midi Dress from Rebecca Vallance
This party-ready little black dress is perfect to hire for any cocktail party occasion. Featuring thick straps, a sweetheart neckline, and a bow detail at the waist. This fitted silhouette highlights and contours the body. Complete the look with a statement shoe and gold earrings. For the ultimate accessories to compliment this dress head to our accessories page online.
Kalindy Mini Dress From Misha Collection
The Kalindy Mini Dress is crafted from bonded crepe which features a straight neckline, puff sleeves, and stitching designs. This mini dress is the perfect dress to celebrate a birthday or if you’re attending a hen’s day.
For festive parties, we couldn’t think of anything more fun than metallic sequins as your go-to party dress. From minis to midis and maxis, there is a glittering dress perfect for every event. This may not be one of those trends you have in your wardrobe and would prefer to rent once rather than purchase right away. When searching for a sequin dress we recommend simple silhouettes when it comes to this style, as this fabulous fabric is more than enough. For the ladies who like to shine, here are a few options available for you at Style Theory.
Maxie Dress From Misha Collection
The Maxie Dress is crafted from beaded sequins which features a cowl neckline and low cowl back. Style with a strappy shoe and clutch and you now have the perfect outfit to dance the night away! If you love this fabric but would prefer a slightly longer hem length, the Devon dress is also available to hire. Featuring a ⅞ finished hem length and cheeky side splits, this is the perfect alternative.
The Roxbury L/S Midi Dress From Rebecca Vallance.
Make a statement this season in the eye-catching Roxbury Long Sleeve Midi, embellished with sequins and featuring a plunging neckline and voluminous long sleeves. The relaxed silhouette is accentuated with a black velvet belt to cinch in the waist, a timeless go-to party piece.
Spring-summer dresses are some of our faves; they’re not only light and airy but bright and daring. For parties and outdoor events during spring and summer, there’s no better party dress than a floral printed one. If you’re celebrating a birthday, hen’s or baby shower you can’t go past a floral dress or ruffled floral playsuit.
Bellitude Bow Front Dress By Zimmermann
The Bellitude Bow Front Dress by Zimmermann is crafted in a watermelon hued linen fabric. This lightweight mini dress features subtly cut-outs at the waist, stand collar, bow detail at the centre front and statement sleeves creating a striking contrast with the a-line silhouette.
]]>Sydney designer Dion Lee has established himself a global following. He launched his first collection at Australian Fashion Week, and then went on to present his collections in London before relocating in New York where he frequently shows his collections. Established in 2009, we find ourselves loving each collection more than the last. Every range is unique yet consistently combines innovative construction, with an awareness of the female form. Known for his unconventional construction contrasted with traditional tailoring, Dion Lee is the epitome of modern Australian style in the fashion industry. His architectural silhouettes and tactile innovative fabrics create dresses that leave us wanting more.
Our Dion Lee choice for this season is the Whitewash Fine Line Dress. Did you recently get engaged over the Christmas break? This is the perfect engagement party dress! Featuring a low back with rouleau cross straps and an asymmetrical hem. This dress not only looks great, but it’s also easy to dance the night away in.
Established in 1987 Scanlan Theodore is renowned for modern elegance. Each collection consists of simple and clean designs made in high-quality fabrics. “The label's dedication to independent beauty is infused in each Scanlan Theodore creation, defining a new genre of femininity. The Scanlan Theodore woman is confident, intelligent and complex — for it’s all the layered facets of life that make a design, an image and indeed a woman, a timeless beauty of memorable quality.” - Scanlan Theodore.
We can’t get enough of their crepe knit dresses. Every collection brings a new colour and style to choose from. These are the perfect dresses to hire as a guest of a wedding or engagement.
Our Scanlan Theodore pick for this season is the Crepe Knit Bralette Dress. This dress is available in blue and pink. The dress includes a separate belt which can be styled at the front, back, side, or worn without. This is the perfect dress for anyone attending an upcoming wedding.
One of our favourite brands that is accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia is Manning Cartell. Based in Sydney, each piece is made in their atelier. Manning Cartell is bold and fearless coming out with striking colours, embellishment features and innovative fabrics season after season. Not only do we love their clothes, but we also love the message behind the brand. MC is dedicated to sustainability by ensuring transparency within the business and to their customers. This Australian designer brand has a cult celebrity following including Gigi Hadid, Amal Clooney and Jessica Beil.
Our Manning Cartell dress choice for the season is the Surround Sound Dress. This dress is perfect for the girl who wants to stand out! Made from lightweight, snake impression fabric, this dress is a real showstopper. Featuring asymmetrical one-sleeve design and revealing circular cut out. It’s cut to a maxi length with ruched detail at the left side. Let it pop by teaming it with tonal heels and accessories.
To view our full range of designers click on All Designers on our website. To book your complimentary styling session email us at hello@styletheory.com.au
]]>The fervor around that strawberry dress is something we will look back on in years to come in wonder. The frothy pink strawberry dress even made it to the red carpet and into the pages of Vogue, in no small part due to its Tik Tok popularity. The creator, Lirika Matoshi, noted that sales spiked over July and August, proving that the more depressing 2020 became, the more we wanted a cute-as-strawberry-pie dress to cheer us up.
If you’re still in need of a fashion pick-me-up then Christmas is the perfect time to wear something bright, sweet and fun. While not quite as frilly as the official strawberry dress, our Frutta Mini Dress by Aussie favourite Rebecca Vallance combines frivolity with a chic cut, while the puff sleeves and a fruity print pull it all together.
Asymmetric tops are another 90s look that’s back in fashion again, perhaps as a dressier alternative to the boho off-the-shoulder dress. This sleek neckline compliments the softly falling silk fabrics that are also on trend, and suitably cool for those hot summer nights. One shoulder dresses can incorporate puff sleeves, long sleeves, frills, and even dainty single shoulder straps, clasps, or twisted fabric. The one shoulder mini dress is having a revival, but we personally love the one shoulder maxi dress for an elegant Grecian silhouette. Even Vogue announced that the one shoulder is the new off-the-shoulder so we know this trend is legit. In fact, we think it’s here to stay, if the words of Vogue writers are anything to go by: “The tension between bare and covered, modesty alongside sultry, is the point of interest and we predict the aspect that will make the trend stick.”
You’ll be the belle of the ball in our one-shoulder midi dresses and gowns, including our dark floral print Rosewell One Sleeve Midi and our bright pink polka-dot Mattel One Sleeve Midi. But if you’re looking for your personal princess moment, our hot pink Cardiallo Gown features a delicate spaghetti strap, luxe fabric and high leg slit for jaw-dropping effect.
Christmas and New Year wouldn’t be complete with a fun, irreverent fashion trend to go with it. This year it’s all that glitters with sequins popping up everywhere. From Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren to Sally LaPointe, elegant evening gowns bedecked in sequins have been seen shimmering down the runway at nearly every Fashion Week. The sequin dress may be a party season favourite, but we love how it’s been reinvented in a classic suit cut. Sequins also look great over Zoom. For those of us celebrating through virtual channels, a glittering statement dress will certainly put you in the festive mood. However, in a nod to sustainability, this might be one of those trends that you prefer to rent rather than buy, since party dress trends are notoriously short lived. This is definitely one of those “wear it once” kind of styles, so why not rent your own sequined dress right here at Style Theory?
Our eye-catching Broadway Mini Dress is an emerald green vision. Draping, soft-focus sequins and a silk waist-tie with dainty fringing makes this our festive season favourite. We think emerald green is suitably Christmas-y, but if you’re after a more ethereal look, the Broadway Mini Dress also comes in stunning silver. But if you’re on a mission to turn all heads, the Broadway Maxi Dress in silver will have you feeling like a star of the silver screen.
This soft pastel colour has featured heavily across the Paris runways shows from designers including: Givenchy, Altuzarra, and Chloé. Flattering and easy to wear this tone of yellow is a new take on the winter neutrals we are leaving behind. Butter Yellow allows even the most minimalist lover to inject some colour into their wardrobe. This soft, buttery colour is available at Style Theory with the Harlow Mini Dress from Misha Collection. This dress is crafted from bonded crepe featuring detachable straps and side draping creating a flattering silhouette. This colour works seamlessly with white, black or beige accessories.
For those wanting to embrace this trend consider adding a little volume to your sleeves and bold colours with these Style Theory dresses available to rent. Dare to stand out in the Manning Cartell Surround Sound dress. Crafted from a lightweight, snake impression fabric, this dress is a real showstopper with its asymmetrical one-sleeve design and revealing circular cut out. It’s cut to a maxi length with ruched detail at the left side. Let it pop by teaming it with tonal heels and accessories. Another ‘80s trend dress available is the Alex Perry Pierce Dress. A tailored mini featuring structured shoulders, long sleeves, turtleneck, a ruched skirt and a whole lot of attitude.
The Quinn Dress from Misha Collection is crafted from a soft bonded crepe which features a halter neck, body con fit, leg split and statement stitching design. Available in black and ivory.
Style this with The Isolla Panama Boater hat. A classic style, perfect for the Derby. The Isolla panama boater hat is woven by hand in toquilla straw and hand dyed in black, finished with a brass tube and suede leather ties with brass ends.
The Garda Long Sleeve Mini Dress with a bright abstract floral print features a high neckline with frill detail, long sleeves with frill cuff, draped skirt with frill hem and side button fastening. Style with Christie Nicolaides Adara Earring or, for more of a statement piece hire the Syntanna Crown from Ashlee Lauren.
Crafted from linen this maxi dress features a floral placement print framing the dress. Style this with some heeled sandals and the Aqua Aida Crown from Ashlee Lauren.
Choose an outfit to have fun in that you relaxed in. We recommend one of our dresses from Talulah for an elegant outfit without the effort and fuss.
However you choose to spend the Spring Racing Carnival this year, let us help you celebrate in style.
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Not to mention that they are arguably the most joyful item of clothing a woman can wear. New to the jumpsuit trend? Trial this trend for your next event by borrowing one from one of our designer dress hire boutiques.
Here we have rounded up our favourite jumpsuits you should be hiring this season and why.
The Aviana Pantsuit is a stand out tailored design which features a waist belt, square neckline, statement pockets, and straight leg pant. Available in powder blue and check print. Rent this for your next wedding or Polo day. Style with a Panama boater hat for those upcoming warmer days.
Goodbye sweatpants, hello sequins!
We’re dreaming about our next boujee themed dinner party and even more so, the perfect dress to go with it. Here’s what's on our menu at the moment!
The Italian Dinner Dream
Red checkered tablecloths, plenty of red wine, crusty bread, and fresh caprese salad. For an italian pizza or pasta night with the whole family we’re wearing the glittering gold Ava Sequin Dress. It’s high neckline, long sleeves and fitted mini skirt spells timeless glamour worthy of a classic Italian film. Finish the night by watching La Dolce Vita.Now might not be the time you get to whip out your favourite fancy evening gown rental. While that time is no doubt on the horizon, for now we’re getting our fashion fix from the comfort of our beds and favourite streaming services.
In no particular order, these are the TV shows, docco’s, and cult classics we’re loving for all our post iso fashion inspo.
This one’s a no brainer! Every episode is a catwalk for each different character. From Carrie’s extensive shoe collection and dedication to overdressing, to Charlotte’s classic business chic, Miranda’s perfect casual 90’s looks meets hard working woman, and Samantha’s ability to make any outfit super sexy. The fashion inspo comes thick and fast in this one. It’s also a classic we can watch over and over regardless!
The reboot of Queer Eye is one of those sacred shows that not only survived its modern remake but THRIVED. This one is as heartwarming as it is fashion and life inspo! Queer Eye reminds us of the power in fashion and beauty to make someone feel confident. With a bunch of new episodes online this has to be our feelgood fave!
Another classic that is NEVER going to disappoint you. I swear the more we watch this one the better it gets! Channel your inner Miranda after watching this one. Track pants in isolation? Groundbreaking.
If you’re new to the world of drag race you’ll have PLENTY to binge on. There is NEVER a dull episode with this one. Get some over the top fashion inspo, a new makeup routine, and a whole lot of laughs out of this one.
Ugh As If.. you haven’t seen this one. We’d kill to be able to see clueless for the first time again and bask in the glory that is Cher Horowitz’s wardrobe. From her outfit picking technology to her perfect 90’s co-ords, or THAT Calvin Klein dress that was a sell out after the movie aired. The whole costume department of Clueless deserves a raise. Now, as the 90’s come back into style, it’s the perfect time to watch this classic and get some inspo.
Another costume department that was doing the most. Enjoy all the boujee outfits Gossip Girl has to offer. From their preppy upper echelon school uniforms, to their party dresses. Everyone in this show is IMPECCABLY dressed at all times.
If you’re looking for a little more action or are a bit of a true crime lover, this one's for you. This series follows the life and death of the great Gianni Versace. The costuming, cast, and cinematography in this is beautiful. It’s also topped off with the perfect soundtrack. This one is an emotional ride, but beautifully made.
8. Dior & IFollow Raf Simmons through his first Couture collection with Dior. Showcasing the true art that is fashion, and especially couture work. Watch the collection come to life through this behind the scenes look at the immense pressure and hard work Simmons endured.
Another designer docco, McQueen is an intimate look into the life of the late designer. This deeply personal docco speaks to McQueen’s family, friends, and loved ones. Ultimately a celebration of his life and everything he was so passionate about in his work.
If you already binged Sex and the City you’ve probably got Manolo Blahnik’s on your mind. This one is a look into how the empire of Manolo Blahnik came to be from one of the most fun and flirty shoe designers ever.
]]>First things first, your game plan. What do you want your wardrobe to look like when you’re done? Whether it’s capsule, seasonal, monochromatic, or colour coordinated. Know why you’re doing this in the first place.
It could simply be that you know it’s time to let go of those pieces you really never wear to make room for some new favourites or your next Rebecca Vallance rental.
If the thought of picking out the less loved pieces is too daunting to begin with, we’ve got a little trick to make life easier!
Grab all your hanging clothes off your racks and re hang them backwards. Over the next few weeks or months you’ll have done your sorting without even realising it! Anything you’ve reached for or regularly work will have been hung back up facing the right way. This means you can start out by sorting through all the clothes you didn't touch that are still hanging the wrong way round.
However, if you’re diving straight in and tackling the task head on, then we recommend:
Soundtracking Your Success
The reality is this task is probably going to take a bit of time and a decent amount of effort. Do yourself a favour and pump your favourite feel good playlist to get yourself in the zone and keep things as productive as possible!
Commit
Take the plunge! Dump all your clothes out onto your bed. This means the only way forward is to just finish the task.
Divide & Conquer
Start splitting your clothes into categories. Group items by their type or season. This means you can tackle a pile at a time. This is also a great way to balance out your wardrobe. You’ll quickly see what you have way too much off and what type of items your wardrobe is lacking!
Cruel To Be Kind
It can be hard not to be sentimental or nostalgic when it comes to your clothes. Try to step back and ensure you’re not keeping too many things that aren’t actually wearable. We like to stick to a one year rule. Ask yourself, ‘Have I worn this in the last year?” and go from there. If you snag on some truly sentimental pieces that are too rare to part with, fold them up and keep them safe in separate storage. Your wardrobe is prime real estate so keep it open for new trendy tenants!
Recycle, Rehome, Release!
Ok, you’ve done it. Your wardrobe is organised, de cluttered, and totally sparking joy. Now what about the clothes that didn’t make the cut?
Don’t just throw them away! We’re all so much wiser to the need for more sustainable practices in fashion these days. Head to your local op shop, look into reselling boutiques near you that will pay you a commission and look after re-selling your pieces, you can even have a quick little photo shoot and re sell them yourself through platforms like depop! Let your clothes live out their next life!
]]>We’ve got you covered to start your own TO-WEAR list with everything from Alex Perry, to Dion Lee, Zimmerman, and Scanlan Theodore dress hire.
In the meantime here are the dresses we can’t wait to show off!
This Jodi dress from Talulah will have you coming out of isolation with a big bang of bright colour. The perfect pink is playful and flirty. Paired with this flowy fabric and lettuce like frill you can make sure nobody misses your big return.
If the hotter pinks aren’t really for you then the classic Crepe knit dress from Scanlan and Theodore is sure to be a hit. This classic silhouette hugs you in all the right places. With the one shoulder and ruffle detailing it’s the perfect amount of extra while still being subtle. We can’t wait to pair this blushing baby pink with our favourite pair of heels.
One thing we’ve loved about this isolation is having the time to stalk through all our favourite celebs and fashion icons and all their iconic looks. This sage satin gives us major 90’s red carpet vibes. The perfect asymmetric dress from Manning Cartell to make a stylish statement.
While most days we’ve been at home in our favourite trackies, one thing we really miss is getting properly glammed up. This Bailey Gown from Nookie is the ultimate floor length show stopper. The colour and the silhouette is a match made in heaven. We can’t wait for an excuse to get all dolled up in this one!
As much as we do miss getting glammed up, being will always have a place in our hearts. If when the day comes, you aren’t ready like us to give up the comfort and freedom we’ve had at home then this one’s for you. The perfect printed jumpsuit from Mish Collection is the perfect way to get all dressed up without compromising on comfort!
If you’re missing partying with the girls as much as us then the Olivia Pantsuit should be top of your post isolation list! It’s bright, bold, flattering, and best of all, perfect for the dancefloor.
]]>While many of us do the right thing and stay posted at home, it's important to hold onto the routines of our lives before lockdown and adjust and adapt them to stay stylish and sane! While we’re still here with all your occasion dresses online, we’re also here to provide some easy tips on how to stay fashionable while staying home.
Comfort
Yes, comfort is key. However, feeling comfy doesn't always mean you have to look it. You may want to stay in the sweats all day while you work from home and honestly, we get it! If you’re starting to feel more slb than sport, there is an easy way you can spice up and style your sweat sets. Style your fave co-ord sweat set with a ‘model-off-duty’ oversized blazer. Add some layered necklaces and chains and pair with your favourite earrings. If you’re spoilt for choice you can never go wrong with a pair of hoops! You’ll feel as comfy as a couch potato but look like you just stepped off the catwalk!
Shoes
It’s easy to suddenly realise you actually haven't worn a proper pair of shoes in weeks. We’ve almost forgotten about all the beautiful shoes in our wardrobe while working from home. Never fear, even though you and your favourite shoes are stuck at home, there's no reason you can’t break them out. In fact, it’s the perfect way to break out of feeling a little stale when at home all day. Grab your favourite slides, mules, boots, or sneakers. They’ll make any outfit, no matter how casual, feel complete and a little classier. If you feel like you haven't actually ‘gotten dressed’ in weeks then a pair of shoes will be your saviour. They’ll make you feel put together and spice up even the most casual jeans and tee!
Forgotten Faves
Now is the perfect time to clean out those drobes! Decluttering and reorganising means getting rid of all those ‘what was i thinking” items. It also means finding those forgotten faithful pieces that got shoved to the back. Declutter, rearrange, and reorganise. Bring the old favourites back into the limelight and have a little fun with your work from home #ootd’s. Now is the time to experiment and rock whatever you want!
Add some colour
Looking for an instant mood booster while working from home? Throw on your favourite bright top, patterned button up, pastel knit cardi, or summery little dress. Wearing colour will instantly help you feel lighter and brighter. Times like these are tough, so do yourself a favour and dress for the mood you want!
]]>These are some of our favourite self care tips for you to try today:
Masking
Sheet masks, clay masks, pore masks, multi masks and more! This one has to be top of everyone's list. The possibilities are endless! Crack out your favourite mask, sit back and relax. There’s nothing better than a good excuse to chill out for 15 minutes while your mask works it’s magic. There’s a never ending supply of fan favourite Korean beauty sheet masks, with different scents, shapes, and patterns to try out too. So slap on a mask, sit back, take a selfie, and sip some wine.
Gua Sha:
This is the one you want to get on now, before every man and his dog is telling you too. It’s no secret that when it comes to self care, beauty, and skincare, it’s no secret that Korean and Japanese women have been doing it right for centuries. The Gua Sha is a tool that has been around for many years but is finally starting to gain the popularity it deserves amongst our western cultures. The small disk like tool is usually made of jade, sometimes even rose quartz. It’s designed to glide over the face repeatedly, promoting blood flow, draining excess lymph nodes, promoting collagen, and boosting your overall glow! Trust us, there's a reason they call this one the instant face lift!
Meditation:
While self care usually starts with skin care, we all know it doesn’t have to stop there. The effects of stress on your body go beyond the obvious mental ones. Without giving yourself enough time to slow down, reflect, relax, and meditate you can put your body under huge amounts of stress that will start to show on the outside. Finding time to meditate keeps your mind and body in a healthy place.
Journaling:
Feel like you’ve got too many thoughts rushing around your head?! Write them down! Just like our teenage selves would pour our hearts out to our diaries, the benefits of getting things out of your head and onto a page are still just as important. One thing we love about journaling is that there's no pressure. No pressure on you and no pressure on your friend or partner to give you the right advice either. It’s a safe space to just say what’s on your mind and then put it to rest. Write about things that make you sad, things that make you happy, dreams, hopes, just pick up the pen and let it out!
]]>So, you’ve got that big event coming up. You’ve found the dress, booked the tan, got a fresh set of nails, accessories, hair, makeup all sorted. The only thing left is the perfect pair of shoes. Whether it's a big event or just your #OOTD we all know the wrong pair of shoes will put even the best of outfits to shame.
So whether you’re pairing up with your Alex Perry Dress Hire hot out of the post from us, or looking for a bit of a shoe revamp this season, these are the top styles we’re crushing hard on at the moment!
The Mule
The Mule is the PERFECT day to night shoe. Comfy and supportive enough to get you through the day, versatile, sexy and stylish enough to last all night long. Go chunky or go for a more petite mule. This is our new favourite collection staple. Black leather, bright pink vinyl, snakeskin, or a natural weaved cane. The options are endless when it comes to the mule. Someone please stop us from buying one for every day of the week!
The Colour POP
Yes your black shoes will work with pretty much anything, YES we’re guilty of sticking to all black to make life easier too but girl, it’s time to play with colour. Across the runways, the off duty models, and street style across the globe we’re seeing the return of the bold colorful shoe. Whether it's a hot pink snakeskin, a classic bright shiny stiletto, or a pattern, let your shoes get the spotlight they deserve.
The Slide
If thongs are your daggy dad, slides are your fashion forward, well travelled aunt. Slides are everything a girl needs. Comfortable, easy, but still able to hold their own and add to any outfit. Whether it’s leather, fluff, snakeskin, diamontes, designer, or embellished, everyone is doing slides for a reason.
The Strappy
As all that 90’s and noughties fashion flooded back into this decade it brought with it an abundance of straps. The more the merrier. Delicate layered straps flatter any foot and the added support is a beautiful bonus! The perfect summery strappy sandal, from mules, to kitten heels, to pumps are a trend we’re happy to re live.
The Kitten
Speaking of the kitten heel, let’s give her the love she deserves. Forget those tired old workwear kitten heels. Think flirty first dates, paired with silk slips. Think boozy brunch and the perfect way to dress up a pair of jeans without going OTT.
]]>The Beginning
Vallance’s first collection hit the runway at Paris Fashion Week in 2011. With great success she instantly locked in two accounts with luxury department store Harvey Nichols. With her success in paris Vallance launched the brand on Australian shores in 2012 to similar success. Since the beginning Vallance’s collections have remained one of Australia's proudest fashion exports.
The Signature Look
Through all her designs, Rebecca Vallance has struck the perfect balance of timeless elegance, luxury, and a deep understanding for the everyday, universal woman. Signature structured tailoring and silhouettes that have stood the test of time, are an homage to femininity. Vallance's use of luxurious fabrics bring a modern day elegance into every look she produces. Think high class hollywood glamour, for the everyday woman who isn’t afraid to turn heads.
The Rebecca Vallance Woman
In her own words, Vallance described the woman she designs for perfectly in this interview with CEO magazine on Vallance’s top 7 rules for success:
“The typical Rebecca Vallance woman might be a working professional and she might also be a mother. It’s the woman who likes to look beautiful and someone who wants to be in the centre of the room, rather than standing at the back. Our garments are designed and created in a totally undone way, so you might have a cool girl wearing it very casually: she might have distressed, messy hair, but she’ll be wearing a very pretty dress. So that was our angle.”
The Milestones
Vallance was notably and deservedly named Best new up and coming Australian designer by Marie Claire in 2015. The designer was also awarded runner up in the International Woolmark Prize, an award that celebrates designers across the globe who showcase Merino Wool in their work. Vallance always had her sights set big for her brand. Her experience and talent allowed her to give her brand global appeal, or as she calls it “international DNA’. This means she is not only stocked globally but has been worn on some big names across the globe. Some celebs that have been spotted on the carpets in Rebecca Vallance include Halle Berry, Joan Smalls, Rachel McAdams, Chrissy Teigen, Chanel Iman, Behati Prinsloo, Bella Thorne and many many more.
This maxi from Rebecca Vallance is the perfect Aussie summer BBQ dress. For girls in the sunnier states you can easily stun in this designer number thanks to Style Theory. Pair with your favourite sleek sandals or a mule to take you through to the evening. The perfect sun dress with style!
Now one for those chic inner city events from Sydney to Adelaide and the likes. This one is the perfect LBD for the work break up. This classic black singlet silhouette from Alex Perry will hug you in all the right places. Flattering and flirty this one is perfect for those fun end of year events. Pair with sneakers to keep it low key or step it up a notch with a pair of bright bold heels.
Be the star at the top of the tree in this gold number from Misha Collection. This one is our fave for the Gold Coast girls looking to sparkle in that summer sun. The deep plunge neckline paired with long sleeves makes for flattering figure. The tie-around waist sinches you in perfectly too. This one is perfect for those fancier events or afternoon cocktails that lead on into the evening.
Dreaming of a white christmas? No matter where you are in Australia live out your fantasies of a crisp white Christmas in this gorgeous number from Rebecca Vallance. This one feels like it fell from heaven with the perfect shape, colour, and delicate lace trim. Just as dreamy as a white Christmas this dress is perfect for any event. Dress it up or down and play with a variety of colours with your accessories and shoes.
This one is the perfect perth cocktail dress to hire this summer. From Christmas to New Years this cute cocktail frilled dress from Talulah has summer written all over it. Great for casual events while still being elegant and feminine this one is a great pair with some crisp white sneakers.
Scout Sydney / Surry Hills
Owned by European Mixologist of the year, Scout is not just any other cocktail spot. Loosen up as you work your way through the menu of specialty cocktails made from native and local ingredients. Scout is an experience from start to finish, located in a hidden attic like room, above The Dolphin Hotel, this special little spot will be sure to have sparks flying.
What to wear: The Davies Mini Dress is the perfect mix of stylish and fun for Scout. Dress it down with a pair of white sneakers or up with a set of stilettos.
Misfits / Redfern
Misfits has it all. Great food, retro decor, a cocktail lounge, and a hidden bar behind a bookcase. Start your date off with a plate of fresh oysters to set the mood. There's a great range of food to taste your way through after that too. From classic casual pub meals, charred seafoods, and a long list of dishes bursting with flavour. Commit to a cocktail jug or pick from their huge range of spirits. The possibilities are endless with Misfits, you and your date can explore just what's right for you two.
What to wear: This Cloud Nine Mini Dress has fun and flirty written all over it!
Bartolo / Surry Hills
Falling in love is no doubt easier on holiday. With good food, great alcohol, and electric atmosphere, it’s hard not to. We don't expect you and your date to jet off to Italy after work on a thursday night in Sydney, what you can do is pop down to Bartolo. Named after the owners father who emigrated from Sicily in 1910, Bartolo is a little Italian getaway in the middle of Surry Hills. Enjoy fresh pasta, meats, and seafoods, or browse through the nostalgic drinks menu. The cocktails are beautiful, and bound to have you falling in love.
What to wear: The Eden Structured Blazer Dress channels that sophisticated european style with a beautiful pop of colour.
PS40 / CBD
If you're worried about running out of things to talk about, or getting bored, take your date to PS40. This cocktail bar is far from dull. PS40 offers a 10 drink list of cocktails that see your classic favourites getting modern and innovative twists. There's also a small menu of light snacks to perfectly compliment them. The drinks are fun and the decor is exciting, it would be impossible not to have a good time with your date here.
What to wear: Be bold with this Sharna Bandage Catsuit that will have you fitting right in. It’s sleek and stylish with a modern figure.
Cantina Ok! / CBD
Every good date needs a little bit of intimacy. Cantina Ok! Is the perfect inner city hideaway to explore your potential chemistry. There's only 20 seats inside and the bar specialises in mexican spirits that look just as good as they taste. The food menu offers all your favourites as well as some new things to try. The owners clearly have a passion for Mexico, good food, and good alcohol here and it’s infectious.
What to wear: Pay homage to the beautiful salsa dancers of mexico in this sweet but sexy Idol Midi Dress.
]]>Summer is just around the corner. As the sun starts to poke its head out from behind those clouds, it's time to strap on some heels, bring those legs out of winter hibernation, and don your finest cocktail frock.
Sunny summer weddings or events usually mean Cocktail dress codes. While cocktail isn’t a new trend it can sometimes be a tricky one to master. Luckily, Style Theory is here to save you with Cocktail dress hire across Australia. We’ve also put together this handy little guide to help you decipher that cocktail dress code.
Cocktail originally referred to anything sitting just above the knee. It’s bright and bold, fun and flirty, and a great chance to play around with patterns and accessories. These days all kinds of different lengths, shapes, and styles have been thrown into the cocktail shaker.
Cocktail gives you the freedom to dress to your strengths. Look great in a frilly over the knee number? Or maybe a sleek bandage dress just below the knee is your thing? Show off that Euro vacation tan with an off-shoulder dress or frame your figure with some sleeves and a deep cut front. The styles you have to choose from are endless. Just like the menu at your favourite cocktail bar, pick something that’s sweet, sexy, and just to your taste.
Now for your colour scheme. Chanel Carrie Bradshaw and a cosmopolitan in a hot pink or bright red dress. Serve up some Aperol orange and make those blue eye’s pop. Cocktail is meant to be fun and flirty so don’t hesitate to shake things up. When picking your colour keep your natural features in mind. Colours that compliment you skin tone, bring out your eyes, or show off that new ‘do will have everyone wanting to sit at your table.
Choosing the right shoe to compliment your cocktail dress is crucial. There’s no hiding behind a floor length gown here. With a dress that lands somewhere just above or below the knee, your shoes will be in full view, so you want to make sure you pick the perfect pair.
Shoes are an accessory like any other so don’t be afraid to experiment with style. You can go with a classic stiletto, or a playful and practical wedge. The world is at your feet!
Go for a sophisticated updo if you need to glam up your outfit. Pair it with some classic statement earrings and you’ve got yourself a cocktail from the top shelf. Don’t be scared to show off some personality with a clutch too. It doesn’t just have to be practical. You’ve got big buckles, sequins, soft leather, or vibrant colourways to choose from. Your dress might be the main event, but your accessories are the finishing touches that take it from 0 – 100.
The most important thing to remember is that if your event has a cocktail dress code your host wants you to have fun. Cocktail is all about finding a fit with personality and style. Find a cocktail dress that gives you as much confidence as a couple after work Mojito’s and you’ll ace that dress code.
We know that finding that special dress can be tough. You might spend hours scrolling through your socials or through online shops looking for inspiration. So many choices!
With Style Theory, you can rent a formal dress for a fraction of the price that buying the trending looks would set you back. You save money while feeling absolutely on pointe! What’s not to love? It makes so much sense to choose formal dress hire – especially when you’re only going to wear it once.
Here are a few of our top tips for finding your perfect outfit for that fancy occasion.
So, what are you going to wear for this wintery affair?
We’ve pulled together our absolute favourite trends for this season – the best part is that you don’t have to invest in owning all of them, we offer designer dress hire! You can look the part and feel up fresh in the latest trends when you rent a dress.
Playful in a Pantsuit
We’ve done the dresses – all summer long. Time to shake things up with a pantsuit: loose and soft – or – tough and structured! This transformative piece can create major #girlboss vibes, like our Misha Collection Atlanta Pantsuit where a few eye-catching winter trends meet. This one is head to toe coverage and also a gorgeous neutral shade. If you’re looking for something more playful, check out the stunning Addison Pantsuit!
Shout it out Statement Coat
Gone are the days of slim trench coats and silky dusters. This season we’re looking for tactile textures and ultra volume jackets. The super luxe Elka Collective Josefine Jacket is a stunning option that you could wear in so many ways. This is the easiest way to look chic while staying cosy warm on these winter nights.
Blue is for the Babes
It has totally cemented itself as one of this years’ staple colours. Blue, especially a soft powdery shade is being worn around town. Whether you wear it head-to-toe in a designer gown or use it to brighten up a totally neutral outfit, this tone suits everyone! Check out this stunner: Lexi Akasa Dress
Make it Monochrome: Nude on Nude
As winter drones on, colour can be the perfect pick-me-up. But sometimes it’s even more comforting to lean in to the neutral colours. Pick a favourite: beige, ivory, taupe, black, gray, sand… the list goes on. Play on the opportunity to layer these in one chic outfit.
Metallics, but not like the 80’s
High-shine, but making it stylish. We have a beautiful range of metallic Gala dresses for rent. Don’t worry about looking like you’ve come dressed as a satellite, these luxurious materials drape beautifully and show off all of your favourite assets.
Attention: Sleeves and shoulders!
In theme of the voluminous and the eye-catching, the trend this season is to accentuate dramatic sleeves and shoulders. We’ve got some gorgeous options like the Joslin Norah Linen Ramie Dress with the beautiful structured linen and unexpected, yet classic silhouette.
]]>It’s not everyday that you walk down the aisle to find a Prince standing at the other end! Okay, so she’s the new Duchess of Sussex (we still can’t believe it!), but she’s also become a firm fashionista, and we’re kinda obsessed. Meghan Markle, style icon? Absolutely.
So, since everyone wants the Meghan Markle look, we’ve pulled together a few of her best fashion moments since she became a Royal and how you can get the look with us at Style Theory.
Meghan Markle: Wedding Dress Envy
The new Duchess arrived at the chapel in an incredible white silk gown with a bateau neckline, the epitome of class, elegance. A modern day Princess. An extremely flattering style to wear on most silhouettes as it follows the curve of the collarbone, steal the style with a similar dress from By Johnny Bare Shoulder Tie Dress. Perfect for weddings and the races, this beauty features darting to complement your figure.
As much we as loved the first dress, it was the second Stella Mccartney gown that stole the show. The backless, halterneck style was incredibly glamorous and sexy for a Royal, and we loved it. This Wicked Games Gown by Nookie shows a little more skin but definitely has the same Bond girl vibe that complemented Prince Harry’s suit perfectly.
Pretty in Pastels
At the Trooping the Colour ceremony performed by regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies, Meghan was pretty in pink in a blush dress by Carolina Herrera. Featuring an off the shoulder neckline and oversized button details, we’ve got an almost identical piece! Thank your lucky stars for the Misha Collection Romi Structured Midi Dress, a peach number with a cool asymmetric neckline, it’s the perfect style steal.
Sunflower Yellow
Although Meghan usually opts for neutral palettes, the Duchess is known to push the boundaries, especially in recent months. At the Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge, she wore a canary yellow pencil dress that stood out from the crowd for all the right reasons. If you’re looking for the same kind of vivid yellow, then the Mondrian Bow Dress by Rebecca Vallance is the one for you.
Nautical Vibes
With it being Spring/Summer, it’s time for stripes. The nautical look is a bold but effortless statement and we’re following suit. Meghan wore a striped shirt and white pants to Wimbledon and it was a real look. Follow the trend with this gorgeous number from By Johnny. The Bold Panels Dress is everything we’d want to wear to the races or the Australian Open. The fishtail silhouette flatters the body in all the right places and it’d even look cute teamed with some white sneakers for a casual barbeque.
]]>We’ll still be out for after work drinks, Saturday nights out and bottomless brunches on a Sunday. Socialising in style will NOT be a thing of the past.
As wine tasting, cocktail loving brunch addicts, you’ll need to craft a closet full of ensembles ready to take on every occasion.
Keep scrolling for our favourite looks that’ll take you from day to play in a hot minute – weekdays and weekends covered right here.
From Your Desk to Drinks
For a look perfect for the office and after-work drinks, go for long hemlines, floating silhouettes and non-structured fits in the form of a midi dress. If you’re after something that’s work-appropriate without being corporate, this style is your best bet.
Team with flat pumps or slip on mules for office chic, and then switch it up with a pair of sneakers or heeled boots for after-hours cocktails. Leave your work bag in the office too and swap it for a cute cross-body bag or clutch.
Coffee Shops to Cocktail Stops
If you’re looking for something comfortable that you can wear with flats during the day and mix up with heels when you’re ready to go out to play, go for a white shirt dress, feminine florals, or a poplin skirt and top combination.
The GG dress by Sofia looks just as good with effortless flat sandals and nude accessories as it does with heels and gold jewellery.
Work Meetings to Meeting the In-Laws
Depending on the industry you work in, professional attire doesn’t always mean heels and a blazer. Want to look both stylish and chilled? A black jumpsuit. Cool but casual? A black jumpsuit. You catch our drift? The Havana Jumpsuit by Rebecca Vallance is appropriate for literally every event you could possibly find in the social calendar. Pair it with a plain white blouse for client meetings or show some skin with some major embellished accessories and step into a pair of heels for a night on the town.
Meeting the parents? Throw a gingham blazer over the top with sneakers. It’s truly the right amount of demure to bag yourself a new client and make that all important good first impression with bae’s parents.
Whether you’ve got an all-important client meeting or you’re heading to an art gallery with your partners parents, we’ve got you covered from all angles. No matter what the occasion, there’s something for everyone at Style Theory.
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