What to Wear for Special Occasions

It’s not every day you get the chance to dress up, so when a special occasion comes around, finding something you feel great in can make all the difference. That’s why at Brenda Muir, we know how important it is to find the right outfit, whether you’re dressing for a wedding, christening, formal dinner or party.

With so many different dress styles and dress codes to consider, choosing what to wear for a special occasion can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. To make things easier, we’ve put together a few simple tips to help you find an outfit that feels right for you and your special occasion.

How to find the right outfit for the occasion

The secret to finding the right outfit starts with understanding the occasion itself. It can be tempting to impulse buy a few different pieces and hope one works but taking a moment to think about where you’re going, the season and what the dress code is can make choosing your outfit much easier.

Dress code

Always check the dress code before deciding what to wear, as this can quickly help narrow down your options.

As mentioned in Vogue, for a black-tie event, a long evening gown is often the safest choice, while cocktail dress codes tend to suit shorter dresses, sleek midis or more statement styles. The key is to choose something that feels appropriate for the occasion while still feeling like you.

Weather

The weather can be the difference between choosing a long-sleeved maxi dress and a strappy satin style.

It’s also worth thinking about whether the event is indoors or outdoors, as this can help you decide on fabrics, layers and most importantly, footwear. We’ve all made the mistake of wearing heels on grass before…

Season

The time of year can have a big influence on your outfit choice. Spring and summer occasions often call for lighter fabrics, softer colours and floatier styles, while autumn and winter events are a great opportunity to opt for richer and moodier tones, with longer sleeves and more structured pieces.

Dresses for weddings, christenings and celebrations

When it comes to occasion wear, there isn’t a one-style-fits-all approach. What you’d wear to a summer wedding is probably going to look very different to what you’d choose for a christening or a birthday dinner, which is where things can get a little tricky.

The easiest way to narrow it down is to think about the type of event first, then build your outfit around that. From bright prints for summer weddings to softer midi dresses for christenings and a chic cocktail dress for a party, here’s what we’d recommend for each occasion.

What to wear to a wedding?

Rule number one at all weddings that we always stick to: leave white to the bride. It’s a long-standing wedding guest rule, and one that fashion experts like The Guardian also agrees with us on. Beyond that, it’s important to think about the venue and overall setting when choosing what to wear.

For spring and summer weddings, we tend to lean towards brighter colours, bold prints and lighter fabrics. Xenia and Ana Alcazar are great choices for summer occasion wear, with statement prints and vibrant colours that we’re almost certain will earn you a compliment or two.

For autumn and winter weddings, richer and moodier shades usually work best. Think black, burgundy, forest green and other deep, jewel tones that feel right for the season. NU is one of our go-to brands for winter weddings, particularly if you’re looking for something elegant with a slightly more unique feel.

What to wear to a christening?

Christenings usually call for a softer approach to occasion wear. We tend to aim for a midi-length or cocktail dress for this type of event, as it feels polished and special without being overly formal.

Alquema is a brand we often recommend to our shoppers for christenings. Their dresses tend to come in softer colours with really flattering shapes, so they feel special without being over the top. Add a simple pair of heels and a few delicate accessories, and you’ve got an outfit that feels polished but still comfortable enough to wear all day.

What to wear to a party or celebration?

For parties and celebrations, a cocktail dress is always our go-to. This is your opportunity to have a little more fun with your special occasion outfit. Play around with colour and cut and don’t be afraid to make more of a statement with your accessories.

Marella is a great choice for occasion wear, with plenty of gorgeous and playful dress styles that work perfectly for birthdays, dinners and evening celebrations. Finish your look with a statement earring, clutch bag and a pair of heels to bring everything together. 

How to style your special occasion outfit?

Once you’ve found the right outfit, the finishing touches can make all the difference. From shoes to accessories, it’s about choosing pieces that complement your look without competing with it.

1. Choose comfortable occasion shoes

   If you’re wearing a long maxi dress, an open-toe heel is always a great option. For weddings, parties and other events where you’re likely to be on your feet for most of the day, a comfortable platform heel can be a much more practical choice. FitFlop and Gaimo both offer styles that give you height while still being easy to wear.
   
   

2. Add statement earrings/necklace

   Earrings are one of the easiest ways to elevate a special occasion outfit. A drop earring works particularly well with dresses and formal clothing, adding a little extra detail without overwhelming the look. Christina Brampti is one of our go-to occasion brands for elegant statement earrings, as well as Zag, which offers more delicate necklaces and pieces for the ladies wanting more of a subtle look.
   
   

3. Finish with a bag

   For most special occasions, a clutch is the go-to bag. It’s small, compact and keeps the focus on your outfit rather than distracting from it. Marella has a wide range of clutch bags in lots of colours and styles that work beautifully for all events.

Conclusion

The best occasion outfits are usually the ones you don’t have to think too much about once they’re on. You want to feel comfortable, confident, and, most importantly, be able to enjoy the day without constantly adjusting a strap or regretting your choice of shoes.

So, whether you’re heading to a wedding, christening, birthday dinner or something a little more formal, choose the pieces that make you feel good and build from there.

If you’re still not quite sure what you’re looking for, pop into Brenda Muir and have a browse. We’re always happy to help you find something you’ll look forward to wearing.