Whether it’s a wedding ceremony, casino night, or cocktail party, knowing how to dress for a special occasion will keep you looking stylish and feeling confident in your outfit. After all, there’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling as you realise you’ve over- or underdressed for the occasion. When making sense of the dress code, considering the time, place, and event details will be a big help. For example, a summer daytime wedding will require a vastly different outfit to an evening fashion party. Here’s how to dress stylishly and appropriately for three different special occasions.
Wedding ceremony
For a wedding, a black tie dress code calls for a knee-length dress (or longer) in a formal cut and fabric (like silk) with a pair of stilettos. Luxe fabrics like suede, velvet, and leather are perfect for the winter months. If it’s casual wedding attire, skip the eveningwear and opt for a long-sleeved dress and an oversized blazer to keep you warm enough without hiding your outfit. If the invitation doesn’t mention dress code, but it’s an afternoon ceremony with an evening reception, assume it’s semiformal attire. A simple cocktail dress will do. If you’re wondering about colours, the earthy, chic terracotta shades like sunburnt orange and deep red popular this year will still be big news in 2019.
Casino night
High-end casinos tend to love glitz and glamour and sequins are set to be big for 2019. So, why not go for a sequin dress or a sequin top paired with classic black pants and heels? Animal print is also big this season — don a leopard or snake print dress with a waist belt and statement jewelry. If the casino asks for relaxed attire, this still means dressing better than you do in the everyday. In this case, a tailored jumpsuit paired with a neck scarf will keep you looking on-trend and casino-ready. As for shoes, comfortable ballet pumps or wedge sandals are great options.
Cocktail party
A classic cocktail dress is what most people think of when deciding upon cocktail attire — it was first defined by Vogue in 1927 as a “short dress that is suitable for formal occasions” which essentially means something chic you can relax and have fun in. Your outfit should typically include a luxury fabric like velvet, tulle, or lace, or interesting detail like beading, or even just a bold, eye-catching color or a unique cut. In particular, ruched dresses will be big for spring/summer 2019. It’s also totally acceptable to wear a jumpsuit or trousers to a cocktail party. Pair sophisticated wide leg trousers with an elegant one-shoulder top for a fashionable, evening look.
With these fashion tips, you’ll find it easy to put together a stylish outfit for any occasion. While style is usually prioritised over comfort, make sure your outfit is comfy enough for you to enjoy yourself. And, if you’re ever in doubt, you can always contact the host/hostess to get a clearer idea of the appropriate level of dress.
