Occasion season is well and truly on the horizon and the high street is jam packed with fresh summer arrivals.
And with every wedding invite or save the date comes the inevitable dilemma, what to wear?
What’s appropriate and how to navigate the dreaded dress-code.
Whether you’re heading to the races, attending a wedding or celebrating a special birthday, finding the perfect outfit on the high-street can seem a near-impossible task.
So we’ve hit the shops early and picked out some of our favourite finds, from as little as £23 to give you the inspo you need to be the best-dressed guest this season.
Top tip: snap up your summer gems now, because come July, the rails will be packed with knitwear!
Tracey Lea Sayer, Fashion Director
A Special Birthday Abroad
- Top, £129, John Lewis & Partners – BROWSE HERE (Launching 8th May)
- Trousers, £95, John Lewis & Partners – BROWSE HERE (Launching 8th May)
- Sandals, £62, TKees – BUY NOW
- Bag, £35, JD Williams – BUY NOW
I'm off to Mallorca with girlfriends this summer for a special birthday, and I'm after something that will look amazing but also be really comfy and keep me cool on a balmy evening.
Step forward this gorgeous two-piece from John Lewis.
I love the oversized A-symmetrical print which I think makes it look really expensive.
The kimono-style sleeves and wide-leg pants feel really elegant, but they are also so comfortable because they have a drawstring waist, so are perfect for overindulging on tapas!
I've added white accessories – this JD Williams bag also has an oriental vibe with the faux tortoise shell handle, and I can dance all night long at a late night bar in these TKees flats...
Bring it on!
Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor
The Races
- Blazer, £69, River Island – BUY NOW
- Dress, £60, Joe Browns – BUY NOW
- Bag, £100, Mango- BUY NOW
- Shoes, £35, ASOS – BUY NOW
- Earrings, £150, Monica Vinader – BUY NOW
I love dressing up for all kinds of occasions, but this year I’m heading to the races.
I would never normally think to go to the likes of Joe Browns for dressier occasions, however the brand has a lovely selection of dresses, including this floral halterneck one.
Pink and green are great together and scream spring/summer, plus the fabric on this dress is so soft.
I’ve popped a blazer over the top to give me an extra layer for the unpredictable British weather, and added this fun beaded bag from Mango, along with some ASOS gold heels.
While I'll be sporting this outfit at the races, you could also wear the dress to any other occasions you have this summer – in fact, I’ve already worn it once on holiday!
Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant
A summer wedding
- Dress, £23, Primark – BROWSE HERE
- Bag, £160, Cambridge Satchel – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £38, River Island – BUY NOW
- Bracelet, £40, COS – BUY NOW
I loved this Primark bow dress when it launched in black as part of Rita Ora’s range last year.
It went so viral that I was unable to get hold of one, so I was thrilled to see that they’ve brought it back for summer in new colourways.
Plus, I think it’ll be a piece that I reach for time and time again, as it’s so wearable – and would be a great option for everything from the races to a wedding guest, or would look equally as lovely as an evening outfit on holiday.
If you’re less keen on hot pink, then fear not as Primark has also released it in a cream and floral print.
Plus, there's even a midi-length that's only £32, but be quick as I think they’ll fly off the shelves.
I’ve finished off the look with my go-to bow heels from River Island and this gorgeous rattan bag – it's a little bit more on the expensive side, but a great investment that’s ideal for special occasions.
Clemmie Fieldsend, Fashion Editor
A Christening
- Jacket, £69, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £79.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Bag, £49.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Shoes, £42, River Island – BUY NOW
- Watch, £149, Abbott Lyon – BUY NOW
I’m in my Christening era of life – I have two this year – so I want a one-and-done outfit.
This season, you can't escape butter yellow on the high street – and I’m loving it.
The M&S three-piece suit was a hit at the beginning of the season, and the blazer is a winner for spring.
I’ll be wearing mine as a top on its own, so I don’t have to worry about what's happening underneath – plus it's great for cinching me at the waist, while the exaggerated shoulders help this further by making a more defined hourglass shape.
Paired with this amazing linen wrap-style skirt that looks like something from designer Thom Browne, the deconstructed, falling-apart style is what sets it apart from the rest of the high street's midi-skirts.
Paired with tonal accessories, like this pearlised bag and a hint of yellow in my shoes, and I’m all set.
