Spring Has Sprung

Spring Has Sprung

Your Guide to Event Dressing in your 50s

Spring is often thought of as the season for reinvention, here at Blue Illusion however, we think it is rather an opportunity to refresh what is already beautiful with a new lease of life.  

Without doubt the spring social calendar is always as busy as ever. Whether you're breaking out of your winter cocoon and channelling your inner social butterfly at an afternoon tea with friends or putting on a frock to get ready for the races, spring is the ideal time to rediscover the elation of getting dressed up! 

Dress with the wow factor 

This collection’s dresses are taking home the gold this season. Our designers have reimagined the ever-popular fit-and-flare silhouette for spring, with two standout styles made for celebrating. 

First, the Border Print Dress features our Blooms Border Print, a beautiful motif woven throughout the collection. There’s even a matching scarf to add a little je ne sais quoi to your look. 

Crafted from a lightweight cotton blend that feels soft against the skin, the dress features princess seams and a flattering V-neckline for a feminine shape that’s as comfortable as it is à la mode. 

This dress might just take your breath away, but it can easily be dressed up or down to suit the occasion. Style it with our Manon Heels — in gold, bien sûr! — and a matching Round Clutch, with just enough room for your lippy, favourite perfume and ticket to the races. Elle est toute prête! 

Double the dresses, double the joie 

Because one stand-out dress is never enough, our Pin Tuck Linen Dress channels the romance of a Claude Monet watercolour. Filled with vivid colour and new-season blooms, the print captures the beauty of spring — and is one to cherish for seasons to come. 

Whoever said linen was reserved for casual dressing clearly hadn’t met this fit-and-flare dress. Pintucks follow the contours of the body, while the linen-rayon blend feels light against the skin as the temperature begins to rise. 

We’re already imagining all the ways you might style it. Pair it with comfortable Espadrilles and our Kira Woven Tote Bag for a day exploring the city. Or perhaps you’re lucky enough to be visiting one of Australia’s spectacular spring flower shows? With a print this intricate, just be careful you aren’t mistaken for part of the display. 

Take the dress from day to soirée with a pair of golden slingbacks and our classic 100% leather Bowler Bag. Polished, feminine and ready for an evening out. 

The power of two 

Embracing your style in your 50s is about finding pieces that make getting dressed a pleasure. Co-ords and matching sets make it easy to feel put together without overthinking it. En plus, they’re incredibly versatile. 

Worn together, our Puff Sleeve Appliqué Blouse and matching Detail Skirt create an instantly polished look. Add your favourite accessories and you’re ready for the spring racing season. 

The beauty of co-ords is in how you style them. A simple change of shoes and accessories can take a more formal ensemble into the daytime. Style the Cobalt Appliqué set with tan accessories — perhaps a pair of our Spanish-made Espadrilles and our Kira Woven Tote Bag. 

And to complement the floral motif? We think a bouquet of seasonal flowers makes the perfect spring accessory — for you and your home. 

Our Crushed Shell Top and Midi Skirt in the vibrant Tidal Drift Print are also made for travel. The fabric’s naturally crushed texture makes the set wonderfully suitcase-friendly: pack it, unpack it and you’re ready to go. 

Our matching sets can be worn together or styled separately, giving you more possibilities from your wardrobe. Pair the tops with our iconic Bengajeans, or when the temperature rises, with our essential linen pants. Crafted from 100% French Linen, they’re breathable and comfortable for warm spring and summer days. 

Stand out in sequins 

Here at Blue Illusion, we strongly disagree with the idea that sequins should always be used in moderation. Sometimes, more is more — and our latest occasion styles are no exception. 

Inspired by the glamour of event season and the arrival of spring, our new Vintage Floral Print is given a little extra je ne sais quoi with shimmering sequins. 

Despite its nostalgic name, the Vintage Floral Print feels fresh and modern. Our Printed Sequin Blouse and Dress bring a playful sense of glamour to occasion dressing. Just wait until you see those sequins catch the spring sunshine. 

With wedding season fast approaching, consider this your invitation to celebrate love — and the joy of dressing up for it — in our latest occasion collection. 

Versatility never goes out of style 

Much like our matching co-ords, our range of reversible jackets gives you twice the styling possibilities — particularly useful when your spring calendar starts to fill up. 

Our design team has created a Reversible Linen Coat that you’ll want as your plus-one all season. Crafted from a French linen blend, it’s light enough for warmer days while offering an extra layer when the temperature dips after sunset. 

On one side, the coat features our Antique Rose Print, placed to complement its refined tailoring. If the outfit underneath is doing most of the talking, simply reverse it to reveal the understated neutral side. 

Two looks in one? Oui, s’il vous plaît! 

A go-to spring shoe 

Espadrilles are one of those spring shoes that seem to work with almost everything. Ours are made in Caravaca de la Cruz and Alicante in Spain, bringing a little Mediterranean sunshine to every step. 

The braided soles are handcrafted, with extra cushioning through the insole for added comfort. As with many of our shoes, the uppers are crafted from 100% leather, bien sûr! 

For a chic spring look, opt for a pair of our Isla Espadrilles. Wear them with a flowing dress, your favourite linen or a matching set, and you’re ready for wherever the spring social calendar takes you.