Dressing Up is Making a Comeback! Here’s Your Complete Guide to Doing It Right.

      It's a common perception that certain articles of clothing are meant for special occasions. In my own experience, I've collected fur stoles from vintage shops in Rome, lace dresses that are decades old from Paris, and cherished Manolo Blahnik heels discovered in Osaka, all patiently waiting for their moment to shine. Stored away in garment bags and shoe boxes at the back of my closet, these symbols of elegance linger until an opportunity presents itself, like an invitation to a lavish soirée with a strict dress code that renders my usual attire unsuitable. But what differentiates these moments of luxury from everyday occurrences, if not us? Coincidentally, while I contemplated this very question, British fashion icon Alexa Chung was discussing it with designer and psychoanalyst Bella Freud on her podcast, Fashion Neurosis. When asked if specific garments uplift her when she's feeling down, Chung replied that she subscribes to a philosophy of "total image commitment." The real issue, then, isn't whether to dress up or not; rather, as Chung suggests, it's why we have ceased to fully embrace the pursuit of joyful extravagance through our attire.

      "Dressing up has transitioned from a rigid social expectation to a versatile tool," states Dr. Carolyn Mair, a professor and author of *The Psychology of Fashion*. "Where clothing used to indicate class and respectability, it has evolved into a means of expressing individuality." Matthieu Blazy’s inaugural runway show for Chanel serves as a prime example. To the beat of "Rhythm Is a Dancer," South-Sudanese Canadian model Awar Odhiang made a triumphant procession to conclude the French house’s spring/summer 2026 collection, wearing a drop-shoulder ivory satin T-shirt paired with a candy-colored feathered skirt reminiscent of dahlia petals. The pulsating bass, grand ambiance, and contrast between the "ordinary" and the brand’s extravagant codes heralded a new era of unapologetic freedom and self-expression.

      "Nowadays, dressing up is linked to aspirations and self-worth," adds Mair. "It contributes to how many of us curate a public identity—there’s an increasing connection between our visibility, who we are, and how we use clothing as a form of communication." Celebrity stylist and former fashion director Gabriella Karefa-Johnson shares this perspective. "Dressing up means dressing to be noticed," she says. "It has little to do with pomp, occasion, or circumstance. Dressing up can range from wearing black-tie attire to a casual bar to putting on non-elastic trousers for a relaxed weekend. It's a mindset and an act of discipline." Personally, I can’t think of a better principle to embrace as we head into 2026. The start of a new year often prompts self-reflection, making it an ideal moment to refine one’s personal style. As Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard wisely noted, how one spends their days ultimately shapes their life, and I don’t want mine to be characterized by the dust accumulating on my cherished possessions simply because the right moment to display them hasn’t occurred.

      From trendsetters who do it effectively to the essential tools needed to enhance an outfit and elevate its impact, welcome to the art of dressing up.

      "It’s a lifestyle, and I’m committed to it," says model, presenter, and influencer Emma Winder regarding her passion for dressing up. While her career certainly encourages her to embrace extravagance in her wardrobe, she asserts that getting dressed up necessitates care and discipline. "I usually plan six key looks each month, along with some extra outfits, allowing me to maintain consistent style and quickly assemble outfits without feeling pressured," she explains.

      To reach a point where dressing up becomes a ritual, and ideally, intrinsic, there are several reliable style principles to consider. Key is introducing contrast to disrupt uniformity, such as pairing kitten heels with leggings or adding a decorative rosette to a Savile Row-inspired suit jacket. "Embrace tension," Karefa-Johnson advises, adding, "different elements often clash to create visual harmony." The simplest way to achieve this is through color, shape, and texture—all of which can already be found in your existing wardrobe. Playing with these aspects can help you break out of your comfort zone and create a more visually captivating ensemble. Naturally, you can also enhance your look with accessories. "They can transform even the most basic outfit; they completely change the vibe," says Edie Rose, a stylist and founder of Koroma Archive, a vintage fashion studio in London. Ornate brooches can elevate casual attire, while satin opera gloves add refinement to any mundane outfit thanks to their intrinsic elegance and association with socialites. Similarly, a floor-length coat, a pillbox hat, or a piece of lace styled around the waist as a scarf can be wonderful additions.

      Developing your own style language also involves challenging conventions. Fashion has a definitive vocabulary for a reason—design is indeed an