What to wear for an event

It’s officially going out out season! If you have an event coming up you might be a bit rusty when it comes to knowing what to wear – it’s been a while after all!

If your diary is like mine, it will be filled up with invites for weddings, birthdays (my own this month!), work dos and many other reasons to find an occasion outfit. Whatever the event is, you want to look your best.

What does ‘looking your best actually mean?

In my experience, it means you also want to look modern (so don’t be tempted by the dress that’s been at the back of your wardrobe since Julie’s eighteenth!), effortless (‘What, this old thing?’) and to find an affordable outfit you don’t have to remortgage the house for.

So here are a few pointers to help you nail your outfit along with five of my favourite event dresses across the price point – all you need to do now is focus on having a good time:-

1. Check the dress code

Whilst the dress code written on invitations can be vague or non-existent there will be obvious clues. Where the event is held is a massive indication of how smart to go. A wedding in a stately home will clearly have a different dress code to a low key registry office. If in doubt check with the host.

2. Don’t leave it to the last minute

You might have got away with this in the past but current conditions have led to the perfect storm of conditions for event wear panic. That’s because your pre-pandemic ‘go-to’ now looks tired and out of date after nearly three years.

On top of that there are more people than usual shopping event wear which means the best styles are flying off the shelves. Add to that the fact that delivery issues mean the stock isn’t being replenished in some cases and you’re set for disappointment if you don’t act quickly.

3. Wear comfortable shoes

Who hasn’t been to a party where the shoes have been cast aside and people are dancing barefoot on the dance floor? This can work well if you’re at a beach wedding but isn’t so great on a typical indoor dance floor – squelch!

There are some great alternatives to stilettos out there such as wedges, dress flats and kitten heels. All are far more easy to dance the night away in.

4. Accessories are the ‘piece de resistance‘

Take a look at the picture below to see the effect that accessories have on the outfit I wore to a friend’s wedding. You can see how a different handbag, belt and earrings can completely change the look.

There is no right or wrong as the accessories you chose will be a matter of personal preference. As long as you finish off the outfit with accessories that’s fine. 

5. Don’t overthink it

‘Overanalysis can lead to paralysis.’ Allocate a set amount of time to spend finding your outfit and stick to it. We often receive invitations months before the event. This can lead to us spending too much time looking for something to wear and mistrusting our initial instinct as we search for the perfect gown.

Go with your gut and then move on!

Here are five of my favourite event dresses across the price points:-

Need a hand to find an outfit or two?

If you need a hand to find outfits you love for an event, work or the weekend I can help. I have a range of styling services designed to help you look good and feel great.

If you’d like to book a styling session or to arrange a FREE consultation call drop me a line.

Sally x

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