A stylist’s guide to occasion dressing
STYLE7 五月 2023
Weddings, garden parties and sporting events abound, be the best dressed guest at every event with these five occasionwear tips from stylist Katie Felstead.
Avoid clichés

As the invites start to arrive, we find ourselves at the crux of the annual style dilemma: how to channel effortless sophistication without turning heads (for all the wrong reasons) at those more formal events. “Nothing that involves a fascinator, firstly” says Katie. There’s a reason we’ve come to associate accessories like these with weddings and race day events – and if you want to avoid looking cliché, best to steer clear of anything too ceremonial.

New takes, classic shapes

85 €

55 €

Maje

70s Floral print silk scarf
STYLE TIP

Fascinators and corsages, move aside. Heading to the top of our new purchases is this silky scarf from Maje. Ultra-luxe, smart and stylish, it’s just the thing we needed for event season.

399 €

269 €

BOSS

Kimono-sleeve dress in satin-back crepe
STYLE TIP

After making a stylish return to Spring/Summer 2023’s catwalks, floaty fabrics and relaxed tailoring are set to be your new occasionwear heroes. A piece like this from BOSS is effortlessly chic and supremely comfortable.

Comfort is key

When it comes to occasion dressing, it’s easy to overlook the importance of being comfortable. While slimline cuts and tight fabrics often present more flattering outfit options, “there's nothing worse than wearing something all day long that's either uncomfortable because it's restrictive, or because it doesn't fit you properly,” says Katie. If you’re attending a full day of celebrations, you’ll need something that you can sit, eat, drink and dance in – without feeling the need to loosen.

Fuse comfort and style
Cool, comfortable and covetable

95 €

66,50 €

Hallhuber

Women's dress

BOSS

Bruce Lee High Heel

165 €

111 €

Sandro

Pleated wide shorts with sewn on belt

Sandro

Blazer
As is confidence

“Above all, just feeling like yourself is very, very important” says Katie. “You don’t want to be grimacing at the pictures,” so ensure you find items that nurture any areas you’re conscious about. For example, “older women often don't like showing their arms, but a little crop jacket can help with that.” Not only does it work as a modest option for a formal event but importantly, “in the evening, it can come off” when the cameras are packed away and the more relaxed receptions begin.

Elegant and effortless

365 €

245 €

Sandro

Mix it capsule oversized suit jacket
Style tip

Oversized blazers, like this style from Sandro, are the unisex layering trend we’re big on this season. As comforting as they are stylish, throw them over your outfit when the temperature drops or tighten with a belt to define an all-day look.

Above all, just feeling like yourself is very, very important.

KATIE FELSTEAD

STYLIST

175 €

118 €

Sandro

Flowing viscose shirt
STYLE TIP

Weddings, summer garden parties, the races and more – break the rules with a less conventional style like this shirt from Sandro, which will work for practically every type of event in this year’s social calendar.

Break from tradition

“For women, you don't always have to be wearing a skirt or a dress. Wide-legged, loose trousers with a cropped tailored jacket as an occasionwear option looks fantastic.” Similarly for men, don’t feel like you should always opt for a traditional two-piece suit for those more formal events. Especially on days when the weather permits, “a good, tailored city short, pleat or flat fronted will update just right,” says Katie.

Modern tailoring
Anchor with accessories

Small yet impactful, accessories have the ability to take an occasionwear look from high fashion to major faux pas. “I can't think of any other style but a clutch bag that doesn't spoil the line of anything you're wearing,” says Katie. And when it comes to hats and jewellery, typically less is more. Pare back statement outfits with elegant metals and accessories. Or dial up understated glamour with small clusters of sparkle, pearls or feathers for an opulent finish.

Set the mood with accessories

Kate Spade New York

Alexia oversized woven gingham crossbody clutch
STYLE TIP

Arm yourself with accessories that’ll stand the test of time. We think this from kate spade new york will be your new plus one to every future formal event.

Occasionwear inspiration

199 €

129 €

Furla

Classic M tri-fold flower bag

399 €

269 €

BOSS

Slim-fit jacket in performance-stretch jersey

499 €

339 €

BOSS

Belted dress in stretch lace with cotton lining
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