Five Runway-Inspired Fashion Tips for Cocktail Hour

The 24th Absa Champagne in Africa Festival is taking place at Summer Place in Sandton on Friday. This year's theme, "When French Luxury Meets Pan-African Chic," combines French sophistication with contemporary African creativity. The festival features 35 champagne houses, curated culinary experiences, art, and live entertainment. Guests can expect an indulgent celebration of authentic French champagne and African cuisine.

Fashion plays a significant role in making a statement at the festival. To upgrade a look from daytime to cocktail hour, consider incorporating French chic with an African twist. This can be achieved by adding statement, bold pieces with delicate lace, translucent fabrics, and romantic details. For example, layering a sheer lace blouse over a satin camisole or pairing a lace-trimmed dress with a structured blazer can add a softer, more sensual edge to cocktail dressing.

Colour is also an essential aspect of making a statement at the festival. Instead of playing it safe with neutrals, guests can brighten up the room with a single bold colour choice or experiment with the colour-blocking trend. Striking combinations of cobalt blue, cherry red, emerald green, and rich purple can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. Pairing a vibrant satin slip dress with a tailored blazer or colour-blocking a bright blouse with contrasting trousers and gold accessories can make for a stylish look.

Sharp tailoring and expressive detailing are key elements in creating a stylish outfit for cocktail hour. Relaxed resort wear, perfect for the cooldown after the heatwave, can be achieved with dramatic silhouettes and designs synonymous with contemporary African design. For men, stylish short-and-shirt co-ords or a sheer lace kimono paired with wide-legged mesh trousers and a mesh vest underneath can make for a stylish look.

Texture is another crucial element in creating a stunning outfit for the festival. Delicate lace, fluid satin, and romantic ruffles can add sophistication, while loud fringes and iridescent textures can shimmer in the sunset. Pairing a lace-trimmed camisole with wide-leg tailored trousers or pairing it with a fringed skirt can add a touch of elegance to any outfit.

Metallics and embellishments are a surefire way to take any outfit from office to cocktail hour. Shimmering silver to champagne gold, colourful sequin statement textures can bring sparkle straight into a wardrobe. Neutral fringe and underrated beading can add movement without demanding a full evening gown. Pairing a metallic midi skirt with a crisp white shirt during the day and swapping into a fitted black top and strappy heels for the evening can make for a stylish transition.

Finally, accessories can transform a simple dress or jumpsuit into a stunning outfit. A dramatic metallic jewellery piece, sculptural gold earrings, or a beautifully crafted beaded necklace can add a touch of glamour to any look. With these five runway-inspired fashion tips, guests can turn heads at the 24th Absa Champagne in Africa Festival and make a stylish statement.

Key points

• The festival's theme combines French sophistication with contemporary African creativity and flair.
• Texture, colour, and metallics are essential elements in creating a stunning outfit for cocktail hour.
• Accessories can transform a simple dress or jumpsuit into a stunning outfit.