If you’ve already bought your Franschhoek Cap Classique Festival tickets (via Mastercard), and are impatiently waiting for the festival weekend to arrive, start thinking about the guidelines given, for how to dress up to match this year’s theme: “black and white, dots and stripes”.
This seems to be pretty straight forward advice. But you don’t want to rush out to the shops and buy your entire outfit, only to realise that once you’ve arrived, you look identical to every Sarah and Mary, or John and James already there!
Find your outfit inspiration from shopping your own wardrobe and mixing and matching items you already own.
- Chic and Sophisticated
Think back to the silver-screen stars and their chic outfits worn on and off set … didn’t they just effortlessly bring the word glamour to mind?
Ladies: You can’t go wrong with a black and white Breton Striped shirt or jersey paired with classic black pants, and ballerina pumps in a neutral colour. Consider faux pearl earrings or a necklace as your accessories. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and revel in the compliments you’ll receive as you sip champagne at the festival.
Gents: Skip the jeans and t-shirts vibe and bring out your inner James Bond (minus a weapon) by wearing a pair of smart-casual black pants paired with a collared white shirt (long or short sleeved). Loafers in a neutral colour will pull the look together.
- Country Charm
If you balk at the idea of getting too gussied up, then turn to the countryside for some ideas.
Ladies: Dig out that pretty boho top you have and pair it with a pair of dark-wash jeans. Bring along a black or white jersey to fend off the cold, and consider wearing hoops to finish off your look (or find a cute scarf). If you have a striped tote or spotty handbag, bring it along. Alternatively, find a cute dress, pair it with black tights, Hunter wellington boots, and a neutral cardigan or denim jacket.
Gents: Find a checkered black and white shirt and a pair of dark-washed jeans to wear, along with a coat (preferably one made of canvas or tweed), or a denim jacket. Choose a pair of white takkies or black wellington boots to complete your charming country attire.
- Get Inspired by Grease
The outfits from Grease, especially those worn in the song, “You’re the One That I Want”, are commonly seen when you’re out and about. Add a biker edge ala Grease to your outfit.
Ladies: Olivia Newton John really pulled of the spandex pants and off-the-shoulder black top. However if you’re like me and can’t imagine trying to squeeze your ample derrière into the modern equivalent, forget about pants altogether and find a leather mini, as they’re still in style! Pair the mini with a monochromatic top or black collared-shirt, and grab a cream, black, or white leather jacket to finish off your look. For shoes, ankle-boots, takkies, or wedges in a bright colour will give some zing to the muted outfit.
Gents: The outfit John Travolta wore in the same car scene in Grease is timeless and ageless, and you’ve likely worn it once or twice in your life before. A black t-shirt with black pants (or blue jeans), paired with a black leather jacket and dress shoes will give you the movie’s look. Wanna be different? Switch out the black t-shirt for a white one, or skip the t-shirt altogether and get a smart-casual shirt with a collar.
- Floaty Fun
Most of you will agree that lace and silk instantly adds an elegant, fun, and a timeless feel to most outfits. Your clothing doesn’t have to be too formal though, and you can make your outfit comfortable and chic by considering the below.
Ladies: Pull out your little black dress and pair it with white wedges, a spotted scarf (for your head or neck), large Jackie-O sunglasses, and a monochromatic bag. Don’t forget to bring along a lacy black top or crocheted black jersey to finish the look. Alternatively, find a silk shirt that’s patterned or plain, and pair it with a flowy skirt and wedges. Voila, you’ve achieved an elegant fairy-like finesse!
Gents: Though you may laugh, a silk shirt or flowy cotton one tucked into your pants gives you a chic, pulled together look. Pair your chosen top with jeans, a pair of dark takkies, a black blazer, and Ray-Ban sunglasses, to blend in while sampling festival foods.
These are four of our outfit inspirations, and we’d love you to let us know what you’d wear or not wear, for this year’s Franschhoek Cap Classique Festival.
