Cocktail Couture

Up to speed on fall formal trends

By Natalie Meggs

Photography by Jeff Amberg

This season’s formal wear is regal, elegant and contemporary. From the classic little black dress with a modern twist to the traditional formal gown with a pop of sequin detail — these styles will be sure to dominate the night. Fall trends, modeled by Meredith Bilbro, Amanda Bluestein, Erin Harris and Matt Riley, are all the craze for a special evening out. 

Cars courtesy of Jim Hudson and Bill McDaniels. Hair by Keri Bailes, Ashley’s Alley Salon and Makeup by Kevin Daniel Price, f.y.f cosmetics. Special thanks to Millie Lewis of Columbia for female models and the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion Complex, Historic Lace House and Caldwell-Boylston House.

Amanda: Frank Lyman sequin dress, $363 (Carolina Couture), Cesare Paciotti pump, $775 (Gwen Rawls), Mikimoto blue sapphire and pearl necklace, matching bracelet, $8,300 / $4,250, Signature diamond studs, $17,250 (all Sylvan’s Jewelers) Matt: Oxxford sports coat, $3,200, Robert Talbott shirt, $298, Robert Talbott tie, $225, RNG vest, $325, RNG trouser, $295, DiBianco shoe, $995 (all Granger Owings), Raymond Weil tradition watch, $895 (Sylvan’s Jewelers) The car: 2014 Porsche 911 Carrera (McDaniels Porsche)

Meredith: 3.1 Phillip Lim mini dress, $750 (VanJean), Vivian Alexander purse, $770 (Non(e)such), Roberto Cavalli sandal, $495 (Gwen Rawls), Betty Evans glass Hiacyth earrings, $49.99, Ava Austin Studios FaCuffs: Sugar Dots $45.95, Gold Glass Marbles $69.95, Glass Marbles $44.95 (all Artizan). Erin: Tibi wrap dress, $95 (Revente), Luis Onofre pump, $450 (Gwen Rawls), Clara Williams stone link necklace, $345 (Non(e)such), Gold Love Knot studs (Gudmundson & Buyck Jewelers), Tory Burch clutch, $295 (VanJean) 

 
Erin: Janique gown, $613, Donald Pliner pump, $248 (both Devine Robin), Hearts on Fire 18K White gold Hoopla diamond earrings, $12,500, Platinum, sapphire and diamond ring, $59,100 (both Sylvan’s Jewelers) Meredith: Frank Lyman wrap dress, $288 (Devine Robin), 3.1 Phillip Lim sandal, $495 (VanJean), 14K yellow gold necklace, $6,850, Suna 18K yellow gold “Jaipur” earrings, $1,070, 18K yellow gold, platinum and diamond bracelet, $15,400 (all Sylvan’s Jewelers) Amanda: Tony Bowls sequin dress, $899.99 (Carolina Couture), Cesare Paciotti pumps, $895 (Gwen Rawls), Riviera style diamond necklace, $34,950, Platinum and diamond Art Deco link bracelet, $18,950, Signature diamond studs, $17,250 (all Sylvan’s Jewelers) Matt: Black Tux, $395, White dress shirt, $85, Brackish bow tie, $149, Black cummerbund set, $110, Pocket square, $45 (all Brittons) the car: Lexus 350 (Jim Hudson Lexus)
 

Meredith: Frank Lyman halter dress, $325, Donald Pliner pump, $248 (both Devine Robin), Alex Bittar stone bangle, $375 (Non(e)such), Freshwater and diamond dangle earrings, $995 (Artizan), Kotur Margo clutch, $395 (VanJean) the car: 2014 Bentley GT Turbo (Jim Hudson)

Amanda: Tuxedo bib tank dress, $575, Tory Burch clutch, $325 (both VanJean), Cesare Paciotti pump, $675 (Gwen Rawls), Alexis Bittar gold lightning bolt bangle, $195 (non(e)such), Pearl earrings, $84.95 (Artizan) Matt: S. Cohen suit, $695, Gitman Bros. shirt, $135, White pocket square, $70, Stripe tie, $98.50, Trafalgar belt, $235 (all Brittons) 

 

«  back to issue