What To Wear With Your Favourite Drink
There are a few weeks in March which are just about you. No fashion weeks to drain you, no press events to trek to. Easter is around the corner, and the spring-like vibes (minus the temperamental weather) give you the perfect opportunity to catch up with your friends. What better way to have that much needed gossip, and maybe the occasional bartender flirting experience, than over cocktails? Every cocktail has its own personality, and can say as much about your style as the clothes on your body. If you want some continuity, here’s what you should wear to mirror your best beverage.
THE VODKA TONIC
Ingredients: Good strong vodka, fizzy tonic, a couple of squeezed lime wedges and lots of ice.
What it says about you: A vodka tonic is a simple but seductive drink. It shows your social prowess, as it’s the kind of cocktail you can make with one hand, and one eye. It’s also pretty mobile. If you order it at a bar, you can easily take it to the dance floor.
What to wear: Our founder, Sofia Barattieri, is adamant that the vodka tonic is the ultimate drink. To dress appropriately, you need to emulate the simple but shimmering glamour of Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface. A black cocktail dress that almost falls off your bronzed body, some very high statement heels, a couple of matching, gleaming cuffs, and a tongue in cheek clutch to show off your naughty side.
THE WHITE RUSSIAN
Ingredients: Vodka, Kahlúa and milk, or cream if you’re a pedant.
What it says about you: This creamy but dark concoction has two different sides to it. On one hand, it’s Jeff Bridges’ drink in The Big Lebowski, giving it a very relaxed, humorous overtone. On the other, it’s a creamy sensual option for the woman who likes to treat herself to a taste of delicious, naughty luxury, every now and again.
What to wear: Our Head Stylist’s advice is to go hard or go home. If you’re mixing up a milky cocktail, why not wear those creamy colours yourself? A ladylike lace dress and sky-high black sandals mirror the monochrome mix of the ingredients. A plush fur coat adds the Russian element, and some geometric accessories, like this bracelet and clutch, connote the large cut ice cubes.
THE OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients: Muddled dissolved sugar and Angostura bitters, whiskey and a twist of lemon peel.
What it says about you: Old-school sex appeal. There’s something really hot about being able to appreciate a classic, and an Old Fashioned is certainly one of those. It was created in the late 19th Century, and was often the adopted bevvie of distinguished gentleman. Twisting the gender norms like the citrus peel in that little glass, there’s something exciting about a woman ordering a whiskey based cocktail. Plus, Ryan Gosling drinks it in Crazy, Stupid, Love.
What to wear: Our Editor, being both a fan of Gosling and of whiskey, jumped at the chance to style this badboy. As it’s a traditional drink, a vintage style fur coat, and retro red lips and nails are a must. The sexiness of the drink is emphasised by some good lingerie, and a layered lacy sheer top. Add a modern edge with a pair of leather trousers and some contrasting sandals.
KIR ROYALE
Ingredients: Crème de cassis topped up with champagne.
What it says about you: Anything with champagne in it seems naturally festive, which is why Kir Royale is drunk so often around Christmas. However that deliciously ripe blackcurrant flavouring has a very spring like feel about it. Ordering one of these will show off your sense of fun, and carefree attitude.
What to wear: Our Fashion Assistant reckons that enhancing those berry notes of the drink will be a complimentary look. A classic currant coloured cocktail dress, with sexy matching lingerie hidden underneath, can be made even more glamorous with a large statement necklace and a colourful clutch.
MANHATTAN
Ingredients: Rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters and a Maraschino cherry.
What it says about you: One of the traditional cocktails named after New York City’s five boroughs, this refreshing but rich drink came to prominence in the 1870s. It’s sophisticated, grown-up and professional, while having that fun element of fishing around, and then seductively eating, the tasty cherry garnish.
What to wear: As a Canadian, our Beauty contributor is the closest we can get to Manhattan. She believes this is a drink of the city, and as such, has created a truly urbane ensemble. A full-waisted skirt and eiffel tower Lanvin purse have a Parisian edge, while the bookish specs and pink lipstick look to London. The sheer shirt and monochrome heels have a New York feel about them, and together it creates universal appeal.
STARBUCKS, THE MORNING AFTER
Ingredients: “Rich, full-bodied espresso in steamed milk, lightly topped with foam,” says Starbucks.
What it says about you: That you’ve had an amazing night, but you need to be in work by 9am looking vaguely alive, respectable and like a woman. A good latte is enough to wake you up, give you a sugar boost, and temporarily sooth your pounding head.
What to wear: Your humble author has, unfortunately, been in this situation more than once. You’ve gone out wearing a neon bodycon dress that looked excellent in the ambient lights of that Soho club. However, at 9.16am on a busy commuter street, you will look like a poorly placed prostitute. If you find yourself sartorially challenged after staying out all night, make sure that next time you take an oversized clutch with a good pair of flats and an boyfriend knit. Adding those two elements, plus a large blazer that will work with your evening look too, will give you 90% more credibility. Sunglasses and large hat also help to hide the shameover as you order extra hazelnut syrup.
