Mastering Cocktail fashion: A Guide to flawless elegance

December 22, 2025 | Ann.Frimps

Style With Ann is backkk.

Cocktail events come and go, and with the holidays approaching, office parties and other similar events may be popping up. Because cocktail dress code falls between formal and casual fashion, most people struggle to balance comfort, elegance, and sleekness when dressing up for cocktail events. But I’ve gotcha. In this post, we’ll be looking at how best to slay every cocktail event, quick tips, and mistakes you’d want to avoid.

So what exactly is a cocktail attire?

A cocktail attire or outfit lies between Formal/black tie and casual. ie it is semiformal. It is more classy and polished than a casual outfit, but more relaxed and laid-back than a black-tie or Formal outfit, blending style with comfort.

Let’s get into what you need to look at when building your ultimate cocktail outfit .

Colours

Colour plays a very critical role here. You would want to opt for neutrals(neutrals are always super safe). There is something about subtle colours that exude this kind of elegance so effortlessly. Colours like darker shades of blue, red, and green are also accepted

Clothing Option

Since you’d want to be between the formal official fashion and casual, and to not look over the top, avoid clothing like tuxedos, floor-length dresses /gowns. To avoid looking too casual (like you’re going on a girls’ day out or something), steer clear of T-shirts, jeans, sweatpants, baggy pants, cargo pants, and hoodies.

Appropriate wardrobe items you could go for include: Well-fitted suits, blazers, dress shirts or turtlenecks, Midi dresses, an LBD( little black dress), a very classy jumpsuit, slacks, and blouses. Make sure these items, if opted for, are well-tailored, comfortable, and not too showy.

Accesories

For footwear, just stay away from sneakers, flipflops, trainers,and try to avoid flat sandals as well. Opt instead, for : Dress shoes ( well polished of course), Heels , boots , loafers and flat shoes like ballerina flats

For jewelry…”Less is more.” Your jewelry shouldn’t compete for attention with your clothes; rather, it should complement them. Also, avoid overly bold, colourful, chunky, or over-the-top jewelry.

Neckties if worn, should be classic silk ties in solid colours or simple prints.

Handbags?? No, Clutch is the way to go. Pair your outfit with a matching or complementary clutch. Very cute and handy. Handbags are way too bulky for these occasions.

Makeup should be neat, clean and controlled.

For hair, there are so many options you can choose from: A nice shave, waves, Updos, buns, ponytails, soft volume, and face-framing pieces. It’s really up to you, what you are comfy with, and how well it matches with your outfit ( Pro-tip: Opt for updos, buns, or hairstyle that are not ” let down” if your outfits come up your neck)

This Style Guide is your ticket to turning heads at any cocktail event.

Dressing according to the event’s dress code, especially for cocktails, is key. It shows you’re serious, approachable, confident, competent, and reliable – basically, it sets the tone for how people perceive you, and in a corporate and social setting, that’s everything.

And so take your time, choose comfort with class, and choose you. You can check out the gallery for more inspirationhttps://stylewithann.fashion.blog/gallery/. I do hope you find this post helpful. Don’t forget to drop a like, share your thoughts below, and hit us up on social media for more tips and fashion inspiration.

Merry Christmas. Make sure not to forget the real reason for this season- the love God has for us revealed through Jesus Christ.

Ciao. 🙂

LAST MINUTE THANKSGIVING STYLE GUIDE 🍂🦃

November 27, 2024November 27, 2024 | Ann.Frimps

I know it’s been a while since my last update (academic duties)….. but I’m back for now🤗

Thanksgiving is just hours away and for those who would be at gatherings and dinners and are still unsure of what to wear…..I think I’ve got you.

Here’s a last minute THANKSGIVING STYLE GUIDE

LET’S START WITH THE TEXTURES …

Corduroy , Suede, wool, waffle knit, tweed, faux leather,cashmere, denim and organic cotton are the best not only because they are going to keep you warm but they add a fall aesthetic appeal🍁🧡

NOW THE COLOURS

You could just play around with the classic fall colours ( brown ,earth tones, ,orange, burgundy, etc. ). or you can do earthy pinks and dark greens. It is really up to you and what you have at the moment.

ACCESSORIES

Throw in a scarf , boots -ankle or thigh high . A cute bag and some subtle jewellery

NOW THE FITS

Here are some ideas:

A sweater dress, black leggings and thigh high boots
Sweatshirt, sleek pants and some loafers
Classic shirt or bodysuit and jeans, throw on a blazer or jacket…and heels/boots/sneakers
A maxi dress and heels
Turtleneck, pants( jeans,slacks,leggings), boots, blazer or jacket
A wrap dress
Velvet skirt , faux leather/leather boots
T-shirt, sweater vest ,pants
White button-up shirt , dark green pants , leather shoes
V-NECK sweater , scarf , pants or skirt , heals or sneakers

This post is so late , but better late than never right ? 🙃I hope you found this very helpful. Tell me what you think in the comments section. Don’t forget to like and Share. For more of these you could reach out via X or Pinterest 👇 .

Remember to be thankful for everything , even the little things🙏 . Ciao👋

OOTD 🤎💙 24/06/2024

June 30, 2024 | Ann.Frimps

Hiya 👋

Just wanted to share one of the outfits I put together. This outfit is actually the inspiration for my next post: ✨Styling Navy✨ (watch out for it 😊)

So I just went for a navy button up shirt with polka dots and cream beige straight legged pants, a brown watch and brown flats for the footwear.

Here’s the colour scheme I went for :

This is it. Hope you liked it. Let me know what you think in the comments section below or via X , mail or Pinterest

Watch out for ✨ Styling Navy ✨. See you soon.

Necklines with the appropriate jewelry

May 18, 2024May 18, 2024 | Ann.Frimps

Perfect dress, perfect shirt , hair on fleek , flawless makeup but… should you go with the pendant or princess or collar necklace, maybe a simple chain?? Or keep it simple with no jewellery at all.

This is a drill most of might have gone through before or on the daily. Well… I’ve sampled,done a little search here and there and have found the most appropriate jewel for necklines. And hopefully, you’ll find this useful.

1. The classic crew/round neckline

For the crew/round necklines which we usually see in t-shirts, it’s advisable to keep it simple

A simple chain , pendant necklace or stacking a couple will do it . You could just go for some hoop earrings or nothing at all….(less is more).

2. The V neck

This very sleek neckline goes best with a collar necklace, simple chain , Lariat for elegance or a pendant necklace 😊

3. The Sweetheart neckline

Usually seen in gowns , evening dresses and blouses 🤭. They look better with princess necklaces , short gemstone pendant ones or none . The secret here is to choose a necklace that does not interfere with the curve of the neckline. It shouldn’t be long enough to cross the neckline.

4. Asymmetric necklines

Asymmetric necklines are already dramatic on their own and need noooo necklace. Just some earrings, dangling or stud or anything other with a statement bracelet will do 👍

5. Turtlenecks

These snuggly comforts 🤗 can be paired with layered chains , a simple chain , chunky or pearls .

6. The illusion neckline

The illusion neckline as we know, has a lot of intricate and pretty details. And you wouldn’t want to overshadow or overcrowd that with neck jewellery, would you? Exactly! Just some earrings and bracelets would do .

7. Off the shoulders

So much space for creativity. You could go simple, you could go chocker , collar, beaded, princess. As long as you don’t interfere with the design or clash textures, you’ll look fab.

8. Square neckline

Angular , stacks/layered are the best here . Just bare with the earrings for minimalistic elegance 😉

9. The collar

This guide for the collar is mostly for unprofessional/non official outfits. This is where you can actually go bold, mild, chunky, simple, everything actually goes….. mostly.

10. Boat Neckline

The boat neckline is actually my favourite neckline of all time . It’s elegant and flaunting. For this neckline I suggest no neck jewellery . You could go for it, but the chances of it taking away the simple elegance is very high. The necklace must enhance not overwhelm .

11. Halter neckline

Going for Halter…. earrings are your choice. With some bracelets (statement, tennis, beaded or any other).

I know you found this very helpful. Tell me what you think in the comments section. Don’t forget to like and Share. For more of these you could reach out via X or Pinterest 👇 .

Be yourself in what you wear . See you 😊👋

The Chic Way 🤍✨

August 19, 2023August 19, 2023 | Ann.Frimps

Chic, – a familiar word in fashion and lifestyle , often misused and misunderstood. Chic /ʃiːk/ means stylish and elegant. The Chic style then has to do with anything stylish, clean, flawless and sophisticated. It’s a lifestyle. Chic , in fashion is also pretty much polished and elegant looks .

It is usually perceived as a expensive, monotonous and unrealistic to some extent.

But what is chic really about?

Chic is minimal.

The chic style is not loud or extremely. It’s creating simple looks with little effort. This has got to do with pieces with neutral tones and toned down or little patterns. Loud and colourful patterns scream, but they don’t scream chic. Opting for stripes , animal patterns (like zebra/leopard prints) and other simple and toned down colors does it.

• Chic is not expensive

The chic style goes beyond having all the designer shoes,bags and suits and dressing in head to toe designer brands. Though it may count , it doesn’t guarantee how elegant you’d look. I’ve seen people being adorned in million dollar clothes but end up looking tacky. How well pieces are mixed and matched together to create sophisticated yet clean appearance is what makes chic

• Well tailored and quality pieces .

Tailored clothes , I would say are the foundation of elegant fashion. They are adjusted to fit perfectly – not to tight not too loose. Also investing in timeless quality staples is the best. Tailored +Quality =luxurious and classy yet elegant .

• It is versatile

Chic is often perceived to be a strict and an inexpressive aesthetic . And as this kind of style which makes you look too professional, sophisticated, stuck up and serious. This is actually not so. This style is very expressive and versatile. You can make it your own . – from casual outgoing like to high-end official.

Consider these:

Playing around with other neutrals like beige,grey and coffee.
Outfits with shades of one colour
Light pastels like blush
Print accessories
Scarlett, emerald,wine,the blues

• Cohesion and harmony

Anything from hairstyle to shoes which is being put together for chic must not be in competition for attention. Each individual piece must bring out and accentuate your beauty while complementing one another to achieve elegance.

• Chic is a lifestyle…….it is confidence

Chic is a way life – being simple yet elegant. It is in the way you talk, walk and treat other people. It is working with the staples you have to elevate your sense of style. Above all, it is the confidence with which you carry yourself.

Chic is simple elegance 🙂🤍

Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside
Coco Chanel

I hope you find this post helpful. Don’t forget to tell me what you think in the comments section or via Pinterest, Twitter, Gmail and Tumblr👇👇. Like and share.

Choosing an OOTD ( outfit of the day)

May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 | Ann.Frimps

An all time favorite activity of mine is getting to choose outfits , although it is a whole other level of pain and exhaustion when you just don’t know what to wear.

When this happens I choose to ask myself some few questions to make the process a lot easier. They usually help and I’d like to share them . The first question I always ask myself is:

1. Where will I be going today?

Will I be going to school, to the office,to church, to the library, for a hangout and maybe shopping after that? You must really ask yourself and choose a couple of outfits(which we’ll get to narrow down to one eventually) accordingly. In the case where you’d be going to more than 1 place in a day , you’d want to make choices that will work well for all of them.

2. Will there be anything special happening where I’m going?

Maybe a you’ve got a big presentation at work, officials from HQ will be coming around, you’ll be attending a themed party, there’s christening at church or it’s just your usual boring day 😪. Whatever it is, you’ve got to make the right impression . Now you can narrow down the options from question 1.

3. What exactly is the weather like today?

Is it muddy (you don’t want to ruin those shoes 🥲) , warm , breezy? The weather is always a huge factor. It might feel cold in the morning and start to get really warm later . To avoid regretting your morning choice, layer with a coat, hoodie or cardigan and ditch it when it gets warmer. Also make use of the weather app/forecasts to be prepared for anything.

4. What effect/look do I want to achieve with my outfit?

Fashion speaks a lot about everything. In a casual setting it is up to you. Opt for what feels best like you . However there’s not as much freedom in the professional, official or events world. You’d want to achieve a crisp,sharp,polished, smart , and elegant effect in these cases .

With the questions asked you should have been able to narrow down to a fewer choices which should make the selection process easier now. If not consider these as well

How long has it been since I wore these? ( Go for one you’ve not worn in a while)
Which one do I feel more comfortable in ?

5. Accessories??

Choosing accessories is pretty much the same as choosing the clothes . Just go through questions 1-4 and you’re done.(You can keep a change of accessories if you’d be changing settings)

All you have to do now is to take a look in the. mirror to reevaluate and off you go for another wonderful day.

Never underestimate the power of a Good Outfit on a bad day.

If you feel like this process is too time consuming and will make you late, you can either wake up earlier for this or choose your OOTD the night before.

I hope this helps. How do you choose your OOTD ? How best does it help? Share with me in the comments section. Remember to like and share. Also, connect via Mail ,Pinterest and Twitter for more fashion feed .

Stay marvelous✨🩷.

A Style Guide to celebrate Love ❤️❤️

February 13, 2023February 13, 2023 | Ann.Frimps

The season for celebrating love is here. Most people have got this thing for wearing red during this season especially on Valentine’s day while others just don’t really like the idea; though they still would like to get into the whole Valentine vibe.

It is totally understandable because it could get cheesy with a red outfit on Valentine’s day. Nevertheless you can still dress for Valentine’s day and look smart and elegant. Here’s how:

1. Prints

Prints with red or similar shades are a good way to get into the Valentine mood without actually wearing solid red . You could go for floral print (especially with roses 🌹), African print and even graphic prints.

2. Red accessories

If you would not prefer to wear red by any chance, complementing your outfit with red accessories could work for you. It could be a wrist watch, lapel pin or a simple brooch , it’s up to you and what you feel ok with . Remember, it must complement the outfit you choose to wear.

3. A darker shade of red .

A darker shade of red is a sophisticated and classy choice. They’re usually intense yet very elegant.

Perfect for work and evening events.✨❤️

Still unsure? Why not opt for a lighter shade?

One important thing to note is not to celebrate and spread love on Valentine’s day, but everyday. – A little love goes a long way to make a better world .

I am hoping that this post has got you bursting with outfit ideas for Valentine’s day. Always experiment with new style choice.

Don’t forget to like and share a comment on what you think or what you’d like to see.

Love you 💕. Thanks for all the support so far . See you soon 👋🙂

HARMATTAN STYLE GUIDE 🏜️

December 14, 2022December 10, 2024 | Ann.Frimps

While some parts of the world are looking forward to the winter ❄️ season, it’s almost harmattan here in some parts of Africa . Harmattan comes with cold dry conditions in the mornings and evenings and the afternoons are really hot and sunny most times.

The conditions of this season brings about difficulties especially with health,skincare and clothing. If you go for heavy clothing due to the cold weather in the morning, you might find yourself in a bit of a fix if temperatures rise in the afternoon. There are some tips that are very helpful for this season which I’d like to share in this post . I hope they make this season less of a pain . 👍.

1. Skin

Harmattan brings about a drop in humidity. Humidity is very low during this period whic causes moisture loss to the skin leaving it dry , sometimes flaky and itchy too. It is very important to take care of your skin . Here are some skincare tips for harmattan

Hydration 💦 – Drink a lot of water to replace the moisture you keep loosing. Drinking water will flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated and moist . If you’re not really a “water person” you can include these healthy water substitutes to your hydration – Juicy fruits ( watermelons, oranges ) , coconut water, fruit juice, fruit infused water, hydrous veggies(cucumber, tomatoes, carrots),slushies and smoothies .
Moisturizing – Use oil concentrated lotions or creams. You can also decide to use whatever lotion or cream you already use and add some essential oils like coconut oil , or even baby oil🤭. It helps keep the skin supple .
Moisturize right after bathing 🚿- The skin absorbs moisture very well if it’s damp. Don’t wait until your skin is completely dry before moisturizing.
Try to keep hand cream at all times to moisturize your hands and arms when you’re on the go.
Use creams and moisturizers which contain natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter , olive oil, coconut oil and aloe vera gel. Avoid alcohol based ones.
Put on sunscreen. Some creams already have UV protection/sunblock properties, so those ones work fine.

2. Lips

The lips are prone to get chapped and cracked up. This is when the lip balms come in handy. It’s best to use lip balms which contain natural ingredients like Shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil .

3. Clothing guide

Unless you want to keep applying cream every few hours, these are some clothes and accessories you’d want to avoid this harmattan ☀️.

Sandals and slippers- The feet dry up quickly so to avoid moisturizing every few minutes avoid sandals especially if you find your self in a dusty environment
- Anything above the knee. Skip those shorts and go for long/maxi dresses and skirts and trousers .

It’s cold in the mornings and evenings and warm in the afternoons. As much as you’d like to be warm in the mornings it’s important that you consider that it gets really hot in the afternoon so you’ve got to chose clothes that are suitable for both conditions.

You can wear a sweater/ coat/jacket over your blouse or shirt so that you can take them of during the afternoons . It’s also important that you wear protective clothing/accessories especially if you’re asthmatic, rheumatic, having SCD , pneumonic or having/prone to respiratory diseases. Some of these protective clothing/accessories are: turtlenecks , heavy sweaters🧥, socks, nose masks😷, hoodies and tights. Protect your eyes from the sun and dust by wearing some cool shades( they come in different shapes, sizes and colours, I’m sure you’ll find one just right for you 😉)

#HarmattanHack- Honey+Warm water works for coughs, irritations and sore throats.

Take care and stay healthy this season. I know this post is going to make this harmattan less dreadful for you. Tell me your harmattan hacks and tips in the comments section or via Pinterest, Email or Twitter. Don’t forget to like, share and reach out to me if you’ve got any questions, concerns , requests and suggestions.

Stay safe and cozy 💕. 👋Bye for now.🤗

WINTER ❄️ FASHION GUIDE.

December 6, 2022December 6, 2022 | Ann.Frimps

It’s December, which means winter is coming up in the temperate and polar zones . The ultimate goal to achieve with fashion this season is warmth. It might be cold and chilly outside but you can still look your best and be warm. I got a request to write a post on winter fashion guide especially with which fabric and materials are suitable for this season. I’ll also be sharing some other tips which I think will be helpful for the winter season.

1. The best fabrics for winter

*Wool

Wool is the warmest fabric to go for during winter. It insulates the body and prevents heat from escaping the body . It is advisable to go for clothes made from wool because they are warm and durable.

* Fleece

Fleece has thermal insulating properties. It reduces heat transfer between the body and the environment. Moisture resistant and lightweight,also 👍.

*Hemp

Hemp might sound unusual but it’s really warm, it insulates the body , keeps you dry and it’s sustainable🌍❤️……… what’s better than that?

* Cashmere

Cashmere is softer and finer than wool . It has this soft and fluffy feel . Cashmere is very cozy and breathable too.

*Flannel

One thing that pops into my mind when I think about flannel is Christmas 🎄🙃. Flannel is warm but not so warm . It good for days that are moderately cold .

There are many other fabrics and fibres that are good for winter. The fuzzier the warmer 🤗 . But please avoid cotton. Cotton is very absorbent , so it absorbs sweats but you don’t want that because you’re going to be wet and chilly from the moisture of the sweat 🥶. It’s better to save it for the summer. Also avoid synthetic fibers like rayon , acetate, polyester and nylon. They are not at all breathable, they’ll trap heat but not like in the insulating kind of way. – the sweaty kind of way. Plus , they’re not eco-friendly.

2. Layering

During winter, wearing just one layer of clothing may not be a good idea . It’s better to put on about three layers- First layer to keep the chill and sweat away, second layer to insulate and keep you snuggly😊 and the third layer to protect from wind, rain and wet snow . It’s really up to you and how cold it is if you’d like to add more layers.

Base layer – tights, long sleeved , close fitting shirts ( try to avoid cotton, it absorbs moisture)
Middle layer – sweaters, jackets , jeans, turtleneck
Outer layer – Shell coat, coat , trench coat , poncho

Now, one great advantage of layering is that you can undo/remove some of the layers when you begin to feel warm or when temperatures rise during the day .

Layering doesn’t only work for clothes. During bedtime you can layer your blankets to keep you warm and cozy all night long🙂.

#WinterHack- Wrap your clothes around a hot water bottle or heating pad to make them warm .

3. Experiment with winter accessories.

Investing in different winter accessories for your winter wardrobe is the best decision you can make . Winter wardrobes have somewhat very limited options because they only/mostly consist of clothes made to keep you warm. With this you can make good use of winter accessories. By playing around with colours with scarves, gloves , snow shoes and boots , hats and ear muffs you can create fabulous looks with very limited choice of clothes .

Try to eat warm foods to be armed against the cold , inside – out .

Snuggle up, get some hot chocolate ☕ and wait for more exciting posts. I hope these tips will keep you cozy all winter long . How do you stay warm during winter? Share in the comments section or via Pinterest , Email or Twitter. Don’t forget to like and share as well. And oooo! Christmas is coming up 😄. Get ready for some festivity and good tidings.

👋 See you soon. 💕

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