29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Our fashion team's guide to the best high street occasionwear
Be the best-dressed guest at any formal event this summer with our top pick of occasionwear dresses and two pieces from Phase Eight, Karen Millen, Coast and more
Summer occasionwear season is well underway, and with race days, weddings, and garden parties peeking round every corner, it can be hard to know what to wear.
That's why our fashion team is here to help you out with some inspiration. From Newmarket-ready florals to designer-looking pleats and chic matching sets, we've found the very best occasionwear style pieces from the likes of Karen Millen, Coast and Phase to mention the finishing touches, from fascinators to clutch bags and heels, here's everything you need to get through the season, without spending a fortune!
FLORAL FANCY
A great way to get the most bang for you buck when it comes to occasionwear dressing is to go a matching set over a dress. This way you can mix and match the two items with other pieces in your wardrobe to create even more looks. Make sure to finish of your looks with a statement fascinator if you want that extra drama.
SHOP THE LOOK: Garden Floral Twill Bow Detail Top, £85 here and Garden Floral Twill Bow Woven Prom Skirt, £129 here, both Karen Millen, and Red Flower Pillbox, Phase Eight, £49 here.
LAVENDAR HAZE
Of course classic dainty florals are always in, especially when it comes to occasionwear. But if you're looking to give florals a 2025 update, opt for 3D applique's instead. They're fun, dramatic and plaful, and add a fashionable twist to any dress.
PLEATS PLEASE
If you want to look expensive, always opt for pleats. In our opinion, they're the best way to level up your look and give off an Issey Miyake vibe. Although butter yellow has been all the rage this year, we love the deeper, golden tone of this gorgeous maxi from Phase Eight.
FRINGE BENEFITS
If you want to add a little extra zhuzh to your occasionwear look, why not go for some fringing? We love this mint green halter neck dress from Coast, thanks to its interesting fringe detail and gorgeous sorbet shade. Finish the look off with a contrasting colour fascinator and jewelled bag.
MAXI-MUM STYLE
As we mentioned above, florals are a fool-proof option that always look chic and classy. This long sleeve maxi from ASOS is ideal if you're looking for something a little more modest, or want to protect your arms and legs from the summer sun.
