Today’s reader request comes from Gill who has recently bought a stunning going out outfit but is worried that her usual approach to going out hair and make-up might not work. As well as hair and make-up ideas she’s after suggestions for jewellery too. I’ll let Gill explain more…

{Gill’s Request}

I love reading your site (and was lucky enough to have our big day featured on RMW a few years ago!). I bought a beautiful studded bodycon dress by Lipsy from ASOS which I plan to wear with a pair of Carvela studded platforms and a black clutch, but don’t know how to style it with regards to make-up, hair and jewellery. I’m normally a false eyelashes, bright lipstick and heated rollers kind of girl, but I think with such an embellished dress, this might be a bit OTT and was hoping you might be able to help with suggestions on a more pared back, slick look. If I send you pictures of the dress and shoes, do you think this is something you could assist with please? Hours of trawling Pinterest is getting me nowhere…

First of all, what a fabulous outfit Gill, I do so love a bit a sparkle! You’re right though, with a highly embellished dress and shoes a more pared back approach to your hair and make-up would work well. I instantly thought of Clémence Poésy’s make-up in the new Chloé Love Story perfume campaign. The skin is fresh and glowing, there’s a subtle metallic shadow on the eyes, a hint of black liner, mascara on the top and bottom lashes (but not too much on either) and a lip stain, as opposed to a lipstick, so there’s still colour on the lips but they don’t look too done. If you wanted to wear your hair down, the hair in the Love Story campaign, a kind of glossy take on beach waves, would work well. It’s a pretty look that will let your dress and shoes shine, however it is a long way from your usual look.

Charlotte and I both love a defined eye with a very nude lip look and think it could work well with your dress. Charlotte Tilbury’s The Rock Chick look is the perfect example – a heavy, smokey feline eye, lashings of mascara and a nude lip, inspired by Brigitte Bardot, Debbie Harry and Kate Moss (of course!). I had my make-up done at the Charlotte Tilbury counter at Selfridges before Christmas and I loved the products so much I’ve treated myself to one or two since. The Full Fat Lashes Mascara is key for The Rock Chick Look and is the best I’ve ever used (and I’ve tried a LOT of mascaras). For the lips Charlotte (Tilbury, not our Charlotte!) recommends K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Nude Kate and a sweep of Lip Lustre in Blondie on top for shine. You can see all the products that make up the look in The Rock Chick Look Gift Box, which it going straight on my when-I-win-the-lottery-gift-to-self list.

In terms of hair have you considered a slick high ponytail à la Kim Kardashian? Alternatively I loved the slicked-back low ballet bun with a centre part as sported by Kate Bosworth in the latest issue of UK Marie Claire (see above). If your hair’s long enough you could plait it before twisting it up into a bun for added texture.

Jewellery-wise with the high neck and all-over embellishment of the dress, you definitely don’t need a necklace. As much as I’m drawn to shiny things in this case I would go for a matte black leather cuff which would add interest and a tough rock chick contrast to the sparkle. The one in the slider above is £17 from & Other Stories, you can buy it here. Then finish with some chunky silver rings, like the ones above from Free People which are £20 for a set of 4, you can buy them here.

Over to you! Seen any hair and/or make-up looks that might work with Gill’s outfit? How about jewellery? Any thoughts, links to Pinterest boards etc and so on, you know what to do!