Dressing up to give back

Covetable clothes with a social conscience? What better way to rediscover the joy of dressing up.

By Bicester Village

If you’ve spent the last few months living in a lockdown uniform of well-worn jeans and comfy jumpers, you’re not alone. But with warmer days, friendly gatherings and a return to the office on the horizon, we’re getting ready to unlock our wardrobes once more.

Happily, there’s no need to be daunted by the prospect of getting dressed up and heading out again. The new season has brought with it a mood of optimism and playfulness, which translates into fresh, flexible looks that work for everyone, no matter your age, size or budget. This Spring, we’re championing outfits that effortlessly bridge the gap between comfort and style. For example, a hot pink and red striped jumper is perfect with a silky skirt which boasts an all-important elasticated waistband, the ideal stepping stone between athleisure and full-on formal. Think about the investment pieces you can style in a kaleidoscope of ways, too: a white, embroidered Tory Burch dress can be a beach cover up one day and the ultimate transitional hero piece the next, working just as well with simple sandals as with boots and a heavy coat.

Above all, the new season is about pairing the unexpected in a joyful collision of textures, colours and brands. Mixing detailed shirts with airy tailoring, stand-out dresses with elevated trainers and clean-cut suits with sandals will not only bring excitement to your outfits, but give you permission to use the full spectrum of your wardrobe.

Of course, buying well isn't always about buying new. At our Stella x Smart Works pop-up, you’ll have the opportunity for the first time to browse pre-loved fashion in the Village, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Smart Works, a UK charity which helps unemployed women in need.

"I think more than ever, as we go into spring and hopefully a more optimistic summer, just to be there for each other is so important."

Kate Stephens, CEO of Smart Works.

Since its launch in 2013, Smart Works has helped over 18,000 women to get back into work. “When a woman looks and feels great, she’s able to do great things,” says Kate and with brands at the pop-up boutique like The Fold and ME+EM, there’s never been a better – or easier – way to look good while doing good.

Alongside the Stella x Smart Works boutique, we are proud to be hosting Brides Do Good, a bridal boutique featuring exclusive collections donated by British designers including Sassi Holford, Savin London and Savannah Miller plus many more, with 1/3 of profits donated to charity projects working to empower women and girls and end child marriage.

Brides do Good is harnessing the power of the wedding industry for good.

Chantal Khoueiry
Founder of Brides Do Good and Chief Culture Officer at the Bicester Collection.

“There is increasing awareness around environmentally friendly and socially just fashion at the moment, and I believe the bridal industry has an enormous opportunity to make some significant and positive changes. This event is a fantastic opportunity for both brides and brands to choose to do good, to be a part of this change, and help create a brighter future for us all.”

Award winning British fashion and bridal designer, Sassi Holford, adds: “We are delighted to be partnering with Brides Do Good for another of their fabulous Bicester Village pop-ups. Brides Do Good not only champions fantastic designers, but they work closely with charities whose values we support. One of our primary initiatives throughout 2021 and beyond is improving our supply chain sustainability. We are continually striving to minimise our impact on the planet across the business, and our relationship with Brides Do Good is important to us as it ensures that all our gowns find a home.”

The transformative joy of fashion is something we all deserve to experience. So shop consciously, knowing that by dressing up, you’re giving back to others.

Discover the Stella X Smart Works boutique and Brides Do Good boutique at Bicester Village until 9 May 2021, no booking required.

Smart Works Charity No: 1080609

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