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The Ultimate LBD And The Most Versatile Kimono: RIISE's Editors Share 5 Outfits They're Wearing This Holiday Season
15/12/22
Author: RIISE Team
DOCUMENTED BY: RIISE
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Christmas parties. Dinners with friends. New Year’s Eve. We’re entering that chaotic – yet glorious – time of year: the holiday season.
While we hope your social calendar is filling up as fast as ours, there is one slight downfall to a packed party schedule: what to wear. Nothing spikes our heart rate faster than the feeling of not having anything suitable to wear to an event.
This is your sign to prepare. And by prepare we don’t mean panic scroll through 100 pages of ASOS or walk out of a shopping centre with a dress you’re only going to wear once. If you need a new outfit for a holiday season event, make sure it’s an investment you’re going to love for years to come.
To help you dress your best this year, we’re sharing five of the outfits the RIISE team are wearing this holiday season.
Katelin Rice, Editorial Assistant
Katelin Rice, Editorial Assistant
My go-to piece this New Year’s will be UNIKSPACE’s Anya Kimono. I’ve worn it time and time again and it never fails to disappoint.
My friends and I have decided to keep it low-key this year and head for dinner and then a few drinks – which may escalate depending on the severity of our annual self-deprecating spiral. Nevertheless, when the night starts out I like to look and feel my best. Particularly as this year I’m disgustingly single and am (trying) to put my best foot forward…before my three Southsides kick in any way.
On the night, I plan to wear my kimono (which I own in shell but also comes in black or white) with a pair of silk black pants, strappy heels and a statement necklace. It’s the perfect mix of fun, sophisticated and dance floor ready. Plus, because it’s a versatile and comfortable piece, it’s also great for the next day – if by some miracle it stays clean. Pair it with the matching Parker Shorts and some strappy sandals for an effortless brunch look.
Kiara Cengic, Social Media Assistant
Kiara Cengic, Social Media Assistant
This holiday season, my number one pick is Fredric’s Hattie Mini Dress in black. I first wore this dress at the RIISE launch party during Melbourne Fashion Festival in March and it’s remained a favourite ever since.
This dress is great for a party or as a go-to summer LBD because it’s super lightweight (made from 100 per cent organic cotton) and comfortable. It fits me perfectly: it’s fitted but not too tight that I can’t have a little boogie on the dance floor. It’s also great to run around in, which came in handy at MFF when I was going backstage at the runways to film content. I love the pleated details and the gorgeous puffy sleeve. They’re so fun and a style I didn’t have in my wardrobe.
When I wore this dress for the RIISE launch party, I styled it with black kitten heels, Monarc’s gold Hermione Hoops and Released From Love’s RFL Curb Chain. Sometimes I like to wear the sleeves off-shoulder too. I love that this dress is so easy to style and that it can be worn in different ways.
Another great thing about the Hattie Mini Dress is that it can be easily dressed down. For a more casual look, I style it with white sneakers, Brie Leon’s Large Everyday Croissant Buckle Bag and Monarc’s Anna Mini Hoops.
Hana Okada, Head of Content
Hana Okada, Head of Content
For my upcoming Friendmas I am wearing one of my absolute favourites, Arnsdorf’s Mila Dress. This is a beautiful and versatile dress that’s great for hot days-turned-evenings. I find a lot of dresses don’t sit quite right, have itchy materials or need a lot of tailoring on me – but this one was perfect straight out of the box. It’s so comfy and the fit is nice and loose (with no tight cinching) so I can eat as much pavlova as I put my mind to.
This dress is made from a Tencel and linen blend, making it thick enough to wear on its own but light enough to wear even on the hottest days. It’s nice and lightweight so I’ve also taken it on a few holidays, too. I love its subtle asymmetrical look – I think it makes it look a bit fancier. The adjustable tie can be worn higher or lower, tighter or looser depending on the look (I find it most comfortable tied up closely for braless security). The straps are also adjustable. I’m obsessed with the colour, it’s so wearable but eye-catching at the same time.
Most recently I styled it with a RUTT Clouds Bag and white strappy sandals with a small heel. I’ve also gone a bit more dramatic with higher heels and a small purse for the evening. The best part about this dress is that it can be worn for lots of different occasions. It’s a go-to piece for a nice dinner or a day party.
Elizabeth Roberts, Deputy CEO
Documented By: Elizabeth Roberts
Elizabeth Roberts, Deputy CEO
Earlier this year we hosted a panel for Melbourne Fashion Festival. I wanted something that made me feel powerful and polished so I bought the Joan Jacket and Relaxed Trouser set from Arnsdorf. It has become my go-to outfit for any important event.
I love the colour of this suit. It’s fun and fresh, yet the cut feels so timeless. It’s very lightweight for a suit, which is perfect for the Australian climate. The fit is a bit oversized and slouchy which I’m very into right now. Coming into summer, I’ve taken to styling the trousers sans jacket with a silk camisole tucked in, heels and gold jewellery (I’m rarely seen without my Seville Chain Necklace, chubbies and Courbure Ring).
I’ve worn a lot of suits in my time and one thing I will say about this set is that it’s super flattering and so easy to wear. The blazer is long and creates a beautiful silhouette with the flared trousers. I like clothing that is equally comfortable and stylish and these pieces don’t feel like a chore to wear. The compliments I get when wearing it are pretty nice too!
Sara Bell, CEO
Sara Bell, CEO
I’ve had Esse Studios’ Strap V Maxi Dress on high rotation for a while now. I just love the colour of this dress. It’s so vibrant and puts me in a celebratory mood just looking at it in my wardrobe. I’m planning to wear it next to see The Tempest at the theatre, followed by post-theatre drinks at the Palisades Hotel.
Like the other Esse pieces I own, this dress has a beautiful feel. It’s made from soft organic Italian cotton and has a two-strand tie belt around the waist. I’m petite so I often have to have clothing taken up but I haven’t had to get this dress altered. I love wearing it with either vintage Air Jordans or a colourful pair of vintage YSL heels. I recently bought my first vegan leather bag from Brie Leon and have been loving the colour contrast between these pieces when worn together.
Above all, it’s the strong colour of the dress that makes it so stunning. I have already lent it out to a friend to attend a wedding. It’s the kind of piece you can take on holiday and casually throw on but also wear to a red carpet event (though in reality, these are few and far between in my life).
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SHOP EDITOR'S PICKS
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Little Chubbies Hoops Gold Vermeil
Monarc Jewellery
Strap V Maxi Dress
Esse Studios
Relaxed Trouser
Arnsdorf
Anya Kimono
UNIKSPACE
Hattie Mini Dress
fredric
Chloe Bag
Brie Leon
Little Chubbies Hoops Sterling Silver
Monarc Jewellery
Courbure Ring Gold Vermeil
Monarc Jewellery
Courbure Ring Sterling Silver
Monarc Jewellery
Parker Tailored Short
UNIKSPACE
Parker Shorts
UNIKSPACE
Anya Kimono
UNIKSPACE
Anya Kimono
UNIKSPACE
Relaxed Trouser
Arnsdorf
Hattie Mini Dress
fredric
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