Special event coming up in your diary? Whether it’s a birthday, wedding or graduation party, figuring out what sort of dress to wear to different occasions can be a challenge.
We know better than anyone that deciding what to wear to any occasion, whether a family wedding or a night out with your besties, isn’t an easy task. There are tricky dress codes to navigate, new trends to keep up with, and varying factors like weather to keep in mind.
No matter how excited you may be for the event, we understand that looking and feeling your best self is essential to ensuring you have a ball. So to keep those worries at bay, the style experts here at SilkFred have pulled together a comprehensive guide on which dresses to wear for different occasions, from casual gatherings to the most formal events.
Got some plans? We’ve got the style tips…
Our top tips for how to dress for different occasions:
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Check the dress code – Nobody wants to turn up at the function in the completely wrong gear. Weddings in particular tend to have stricter dress codes, so make sure to check ahead that you’re fit will be on-brand. Our best advice is if it’s a formal event, opt for elegant attire. If it’s a casual event, go for cool and comfy.
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Reason with the season – Other important factors to consider are the time of the event (daytime or evening?), the season (light linen isn’t going to serve you well in winter), and the weather (heavy velvet on a warm summer’s day will break you out in a sweat).
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Be you, boo – Though it’s important to match the vibe of the event, don’t forget to stick to your individual style. Nothing looks better than wearing something that makes you feel confident and authentically ‘you’.
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Accessorise, darling – Lastly, don’t forget to add your own personal touches, whether it’s a statement piece of jewellery or a colourful scarf. A simple look can be elevated instantly with the right necklace, belt or bag. Just make sure that your accessories complement rather than overpower your outfit.
Birthday Party Dresses
When it’s your birthday, it’s your time to shine – which means you need a dress that makes you feel like the main character. Depending on your taste, that might be a sleek and sexy LBD or a playful wrap dress that lets your personality shine through. Style with a pair of (dancefloor-friendly) chunky heels or some cute ballet slippers, if you’re a flats girl. Add some bold jewellery to complete the look – it’s your birthday so on this occasion, more is more.
Need some more bday inspo? Check out our party dress edit and our birthday dress collection for styles that spark compliments.
Formal Wedding Dresses
Want to make an impression at your friend’s formal wedding? Get ready to embrace your Regency era. Try a floor-length gown in a rich colour or jewel tone and you’ll be the envy of Lady Whistledown herself – we like navy, burgundy and emerald green. If you prefer a shorter dress, opt for a midi dress in a luxe-feel fabric such as satin or silk, to really elevate your look. Pair with simple jewellery, like some drop earrings, a clutch and high heels. Just stunning!
Ready to transform into the belle of the ball, Cinderella? Take a browse of our complete ball gown edit. Just don’t forget to be home by midnight…
Informal Wedding Dresses
Beach ceremony or festival-style wedding coming up this summer? Lucky you! For an informal wedding setting, you can be way more relaxed with your fit and play around with your look. You might want to wear a midi sundress or a summer maxi dress, paired with heeled sandals or wedges. Explore our full range of summer wedding guest dresses and discover loads of options in airy fabrics, playful prints and bright colours.
Pro tip: avoid anything *too* casual, such as denim or flip-flops – it’s still a wedding, after all.
Bridesmaid Dresses
Bridesmaid duties calling? You will most likely have a specific dress style or colourway assigned to you by the bride. Follow her instructions carefully, but keep in mind that your dress must fit well, flatter your body shape and make you feel uber-confident.
Whatever colour palette or theme you’re working with, take the stress out of your shopping experience with our bridesmaid dresses edit and maid of honour edit. Prefer a bridesmaid jumpsuit? We’ve got those too – jump in!
Mother Of The Bride Dresses
As the Mother of the Bride, you deserve to stand out from the crowd too. Whilst you don’t have a dress code as strict as her bridesmaids, it’s nice to stay close to the theme or colour scheme to ensure the photos look on point.
In terms of style, wrap dresses are a universally flattering fit and work for almost any dress code, so this is a great place to start. If you prefer something a little different, how about an elegant wedding jumpsuit? For more options, shop our portfolio of Mother of the Bride dresses in every style, colour, fabric and fit. Choose from glamorous off-shoulder midis, full-length evening gowns and floral midi dresses to suit every shape and size.
Engagement Party Dresses
An engagement party is usually a smart-casual affair, so you’ll want something that’s dressed up enough to make you feel special, but still comfy. Whether your friend is getting hitched or you’re the bride-to-be, we’ve got you covered with our engagement party outfits. Going as a guest? We’d recommend a silky slip dress or a jazzy jumpsuit to be dancefloor-ready.
Are you the future wifey? Say hello to your new favourite colour: white. And with tonnes of different materials, lengths, and fits of white dresses to choose from, you’ll be buying a whole new bridal wardrobe in no time.
Hen Party Dresses
Hen do pending? Whether you’re a bride-to-be, MOH or planning to be ‘best-dressed guest’, find your perfect hen party dresses here. Depending on the type of hen do you’re attending, you’ll want your dress to match the vibe. Off to Marbs or Ibiza? Snap up a lightweight summer dress that will fit and flatter the whole squad. Heading into the city for cocktail making and the ultimate girls’ night out? We’ve got you covered with our glam minis and classy midis.
Christening Dresses
Christenings call for a more elegant look. You might want to avoid anything too short, tight, or revealing. We like a floaty midi or maxi dress in a soft colour (such as a pastel shade) or a chic power suit for the picture of sophistication. Whether you’re a new mum or guest, you’ll find loads of options in our christening dresses edit, from floral wrap styles, to long-sleeved maxis and off-shoulder options. Need to layer up? Style with a smart blazer or sheer shawl to stay on trend.
Graduation Dresses
Congrats, smartypants! Go collect that qualification you deserve in a dress that celebrates your success. Since graduation ceremonies usually have a formal feel, you’ll want to wear a graduation dress that mirrors the dress code. We’d recommend picking a midi or maxi dress in a colour that’s going to pop under that black gown. Pair with classic jewellery and some comfy heels (or fab flats) for that all-important walk across the stage.
Holiday Dresses
Need dress inspiration for that pending getaway? Whether you’re after a suitcase-ready sundress to throw over your bikini for a pool day, or a flowing maxi dress for beachside cocktails as the sun goes down, you’ll find everything you need in our holiday dresses and beach dresses edits. If you’re heading somewhere hot, pay close attention to the fabric – something breathable like linen or cotton will help keep you cool, while looking it too. Make sure to pack some chic sunnies and some comfy sandals and you’re good to go. Just don’t forget the passports!
