What to wear for a formal occasion (and how to style your outfit)

We ask luxury tailoring brand Holland Cooper Clothing for their suggestions on what to wear to a special occasion and, when it comes to shopping, why their private appointment service is a breath of fresh air

Holland Cooper Clothing showroom (Image: Archant)

When you’re shopping for an outfit for a formal occasion, whether it’s a day at the races at Cheltenham Racecourse, entertaining clients at a corporate event or attending a Cotswold wedding in the region’s idyllic countryside, the most important thing to consider is to ensure you’re feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing. There’s nothing worse than being too hot, too cold, not being able to walk or move in what you’re wearing (we’ve all been there). It’s something that can put a real dampener on the occasion.

To create glamour, style and confidence are the two key ingredients you need in your outfit. This is the ethos behind the Holland Cooper Clothing brand with founder Jade Holland Cooper combining her love for the city life with her countryside girl credentials in the collection. Each piece has been designed with the customer in mind: to be worn, loved and cherished forever, and to feel fabulous, in whatever you’re wearing.

When styling an outfit, Holland Cooper Clothing advises starting with a hero piece that will create a signature look for the occasion, whether it’s a cape, a fitted blazer, tweed jacket or three-quarter length coat. Once you’ve settled on the style and fabric, it becomes easier to accessorise your jacket – think a matching skirt, skinny leather trousers, a scarf or a hat.

Holland Cooper Clothing showroom (Image: Archant)

Thinking about choosing a tailored jacket, perhaps in tweed or wool, to complete your formal occasionwear? It’s all about the accessories. Holland Cooper Clothing suggest beginning at the bottom and working your way to the top.

If you’re a lady who loves a skirt, perhaps opt for one of their matching Chelsea skirts available in mini or midi style. Alternatively, if you prefer a trouser, the leather look skinnies are both flattering and easy to wear and look even more glamorous when paired with heels.

Holland Cooper Clothing showroom (Image: Archant)

When it comes to blouses, you won’t go wrong with a zip shirt from Holland Cooper Clothing. Available in a range of beautiful colours and versatile enough to work with skirts or trousers, the zip shirt provides a flattering silhouette on all body shapes and sizes with its comfortable, loose-fitting composition.

Hats deliver a stylish touch to show-stopping occasionwear. Holland Cooper Clothing offer trilby and panama-style hats in a range of different of colours and they’re all handmade in the UK. A day at the races is a perfect excuse for a hat!

Shopping on the high street can often prove stressful, and we’ve all left clothing stores empty-handed and disheartened after tiring of changing room queues, unavailable sizes, pushy sales assistants and overcrowded shop floors.

Jade Holland Cooper, founder and designer at Holland Cooper Clothing (Image: Archant)

Designed to create a unique platform in retail, private appointment services are hoping to alleviate the stresses of shopping for a formal outfit for a special occasion.

Becoming increasingly popular across luxury and high street brands, many shoppers are moving away from the traditional shopping experience, opting instead to enjoy a luxury retail experience. Holland Cooper Clothing is one such brand, inviting customers for a one-on-one shopping experience with one of their personal stylists for guidance and advice on their lifestyle collection.

It doesn’t stop at shopping for formal occasionwear – the personal shopping experience is also there for customers buying a gift, creating their seasonal wardrobe or indulging in an afternoon of retail therapy with friends.

The collection is all housed under one roof: recline and relax in the comforts of the Moreton-in-Marsh store, with complimentary refreshments to hand, while your personal shopper helps you to choose the perfect outfit you’ve been searching for.

Think of the team at Holland Cooper Clothing as your fashion confidants, helping you create a classy, stylish and timeless look.

Private appointments at Holland Cooper Clothing are available at the Moreton-in-Marsh store and in-store on the 5th floor of Harrods, Knightsbridge. To book, please call 01608 658063.

Your stylist will create your personal style profile prior to your appointment through a one-to-one phone consultation. Your stylist will shape the perfect look for you, based upon your size, price point and personal taste.

To find out more, or to browse the current collection, visit the Holland Cooper Clothing website.