Occasionwear season is officially upon us, so it’s time to pop on your fanciest of frocks and poshest hats. However, if you’re wondering where to start your search, well, that’s why I am here to help.
If, like me, you have numerous dates piling up in the diary, maybe you are a wedding guest abroad, or maybe you are off to the races and need a chic new look, it can be a minefield trying to navigate the countless occasionwear offerings available on the high street and beyond.
But, first things first, it’s important to find out the dress code before the big day as event dressing can be relaxed or take on a more formal approach- especially if you’re off to the races, there are certain dress codes rules and regulations you must abide by.
Need some styling inspiration? I’ve put together some of my favourite occasionwear looks to not only suit all eventualities and tastes but to flatter all body shapes too. You needn’t have a big budget either as the high street is thankfully offering luxe-looking accessories from as little as £19.99- now that’s impressive.
You needn’t blow the budget to look your best this wedding season, the high street is a treasure trove of affordable gems that’ll make you look a million dollars.
Head to M&S for a purse-friendly dress that’ll make a serious style statement. Polka dots and spots always look chic especially when paired with timeless monochrome accessories.
Sinead wears: Spotty dress, M&S, £45 here, Hat, Hostie Hats, £259 here Bag, Furla, £295 here
If you’re feeling bold, alternatively, there are tons of colour block styles and prints to tickle your style taste buds this season.
For a cocktail style with the wow factor opt for a peplum (yes they’re back in a big way!), and will conceal a tum if you are conscious of your middle. Otherwise s floor-sweeping maxi in a chiffon fabric will flatter all figures and is always a fashion failsafe if you’re not sure what suits you.
Meg (on right) wears: Maxi dress Phase Eight, £149 here, Hat, Victoria Charles, £325 here, Earrings, M&S, £16.50 here
Sinead (on left) wears: Purple dress, Nadine Merabi, £375 here, Shoes, Quiz, £32.99 here, Hat, Karen Millen, £95 here
Radiate sophistication and elegance in this striking midi dress from Coast which has been expertly tailored for a feminine, figure-sculpting silhouette.
Perfect for formal occasions like weddings, races, or graduations, dress it up with pretty accessories (we love this cute shell bag) and metallic heels. Top tip: Keep your neckline and hair simple and let the exaggerated sleeves command all the attention.
Sinead wears: Green dress, Coast, £139 here, Bag, Lulu Guinness, £275 here, Shoes, L.K.Bennett, £299 here
Corsage detailing is another 00’s trend making an iconic comeback this summer and you’ll find them scattered on tops, dresses and accessories.
We’ve found two key styles if you want to try the trend for yourself. A fluid 90s-style slip dress (see on the right) will suit tall, lean figures, if you are curvy try a strapless figure-hugging design in a supportive fabric that’ll hug your curves in all the right places.
Meg (on right) wears: Pink corsage dress, Mango, £320 here
Sinead (on left) wears: Black and white dress, Karen Millen, £199 here, Pearl bracelet, Hobbs, £35 here, Hat, Quiz, £19.99 here
If you’re looking for styling inspiration for a garden party or the races I’ve picked two winning looks to suit an array of budgets. Belted shirt-style dresses are perfect if you prefer tailored styles- and will nip you in at the waist for an hourglass silhouette.
Otherwise, if you want to cover your arms but are worried about the heat this silk dress from Hobbs, in summer’s hero hue, has slits along the sleeves to allow some airflow.
Meg (on right) wears: Yellow silk dress, Hobbs, £329 here, Hat, Hostie Hats, £189 here, Earrings, Kate Spade, £160 here
Sinead (on left) wears: Floral dress, River Island, £65 here, Bag, M&S, £25 here, Hat, Hostie Hats, £369 here
Karen Millen is a one-stop shop for all occasionwear eventualities offering a style to suit any soiree. From red carpet-worthy gowns to ladylike midis and chic co-ords and suiting, take it from me It’s a stylist’s hot spot.
I adore this elegant cape design which gives this satin number a high-end finish. Pair with a complementing headpiece for a look that wouldn’t look out of place for a Royal engagement.
Meg wears: Blue dress, Karen Millen, £259 here, Shoes, M&S, £35 here, Bracelet, Hobbs, £35 here, Hat, Camilla Rose, £385 here
(Photographer: Catherine Hack)