Latest news with #occasionwear
Vogue
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Temperley London Resort 2026 Collection
'This one's my favorite—I wish I could fit into that for the Serpentine [Summer Party] tonight,' said Alice Temperley of a deep blue cut-out gown, embroidered with a delicate gold leaf motif, during a preview at her west London store. The designer is doubling down on her signature dresses for her brand's first resort collection in several years, tapping into the demand for occasion wear ahead of the festive season (the collection lands in stores in November and December). Of course, party dresses have been Temperley's raison d'être, ever since she began dressing the likes of Kate Moss and Sienna Miller on launching the brand back in 2000. This season sees the return of old favorites as part of the designer's Heritage offering, from the sequined Filigree dress rendered in silver and scarlet, to the crystal-embellished Celestial gown, also fashioned in a striking shade of red. It's a testament to Temperley's loyal clients that these designs are just as coveted now, as when they were first released. 'They're just classic pieces,' Temperley explained. 'We keep them going because that's what people are asking for.' While there's a smattering of day wear within the offering (the velvet suiting has proven particularly popular in recent seasons), the majority of the collection's brand-new designs stick closely to the label's tried-and-tested DNA. There's the ornate Art Deco-inspired gowns, decorated with sequin flowers; slips and bodysuits featuring heavily beaded overlays; and the more structured gold cloqué dress, inspired by '40s Hollywood. As Temperley prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary next season, it's clear that longevity in this industry doesn't have to mean reinventing the wheel.
Vogue
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Rosie Assoulin Resort 2026 Collection
Rosie Assoulin isn't trying to make your everyday wardrobe. 'They're little special moments,' she said of her resort 2026 offering—a mixture of playful prints, lively colors, and couture-inspired structure with sporty flourishes. 'It doesn't feel wasteful to me because there's that great white summer dress that you pull out every season. No matter what, it's getting worn. It could be 12 years old and it still feels fresh every time.' Assoulin is interested in creating clothing for occasions, be it a dinner party or a vacation. 'I want to feel great every day. They're precious few days that you get to take a trip,' she said. 'We want to create the wardrobe for that.' That's not to say the collection isn't versatile. From tops with convertible drapery to a maxi dress with a removable bustle (in both pink plaid and butter yellow colorways), Assoulin reminds us that just because her clothing may not be for everyday use doesn't mean it can't be reworn again and again. 'Not every occasion calls for a removable bustle, so why not have the option?' she said. While she has no shortage of occasionwear, there are also plenty of statement pieces for more casual moments. Much of her offering mixes sport and craft, from pants made of a floral upholstery-inspired fabric to the stem-green shorts with yellow accents. Even the yellow spongy crepe maxi dress with a scalloped drop waist is inspired by a vintage swimsuit. In limiting her output to two collections a year, Assoulin is challenging herself to edit. (Much of her excess creativity is diverted to her pottery habit, her bright yellow vases dot her showroom.) With this collection, she proves that maximalism can be done with restraint.
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Our fashion editors reveal what they'll be wearing to Royal Ascot – including F&F at Tesco and Zara
IF you're heading to Ascot this year, you don't have long left to find something to wear. And although there's plenty of occasionwear out there, it can be difficult to find something that is both appropriate and stylish. Plus, you don't need to spend a fortune - there are lots of gorgeous and affordable options on the high street, if you know where to look. Our fashion editors have done the searching for you, and picked out their favourite pieces that won't break the bank, plus you'll be able to wear them numerous times throughout the summer. Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor I love any excuse to get dressed up, and the races certainly ticks the occasionwear box. If you think you have to spend a fortune on a posh outfit, then think again. The high street has really upped its game this year - supermarkets included. Can you believe this polka dot co-ord is from F&F at Tesco? I love the skirt and top combination, as it's a slightly different take on a classic dress option. I've added a pop of colour with this red headband from Karen Millen and kept the rest of my accessories neutral, with a pearl bag, black heels and gold jewellery. Plus, once I've worn this to the races, I can mix and match the pieces to create even more outfits. Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director Hat, £85 to hire, Camilla Rose - HIRE NOW Trousers, £140, Mint Velvet - BUY NOW Bag, £100, Mango - BUY NOW Sandals, £45.99, Stradivarius - BUY NOW I go into a panic whenever I get asked to attend a formal occasion! I don't look great in dresses or hats, so I have to be really specific about what I wear. But I do love a suit, so opting for a two-piece always takes the pressure off a bit. This soft pink, elegant suit from Mint Velvet feels dressy and special, but I know I will be really comfortable - and I'll still feel like me! As for the hat, I hired one this year and am hoping it suits me when it arrives. I do know I need a hat with height, so fingers crossed this Camilla Rose one will look the part in the royal enclosure. Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor 4 This year, I'm swapping my frock for a jacket and skirt look inspired by Christian Dior. I've been lucky enough to go to Royal Ascot a handful of times, but I feel overwhelmed by all the dresses on the high street and can't find one that's right for me. So this year, I've built a look that doubles for Dior's iconic 'New Look' outfit that changed fashion history in 1950. I've gone for this beautiful jacket from Aligne that's actually part of the bridal range, and paired it with a statement full skirt from Reserved. Phase Eight has lots of fantastic headgear for races and weddings, so if you're looking for something that will make you stand out, definitely take a look. I've gone for classic black court shoes and a Dior bag dupe from Fiorelli, and I'm all set. Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 4 Choosing an outfit for the races is always a challenge, especially with the unpredictable weather and strict dress codes. For Ascot, it can be hard to find something stylish that's also appropriate, but I recently spotted this Zara co-ord that ticks all the boxes. The boucle cardigan looks luxe, covers everything it needs to, and comes with a bandeau top underneath, so I can wear the buttons undone if the temperature rises. I'm really into combo skirts right now - they're all over the high street and work especially well if you're petite, like me, giving the illusion of longer legs. For shoes, these River Island heels are so comfortable, especially for long days, come in loads of colours, and the closed toe means no emergency pedicures! I'm not usually a fan of hats, but this raffia number from John Lewis & Partners feels like a polished take on a sun hat, so it's perfect. Why the high street still rules! Fabulous' Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts. I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high-street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan. Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls' day out we would look forward to all week. My mum's favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes. I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam's little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high-street fave River Island. I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on. Frilly ra-ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter. Fashion wasn't so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams. At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined. Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop. I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me. One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won! That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous. It's not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When Cool Britannia hit in the '90s, they all turned up in one big store. Designers at Debenhams was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson, to name a few. This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer's signature style. Years later, I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me. In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs. Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself! Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London's Oxford Street. I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show. I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush. At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki's legendary brand Biba from Topshop? High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week. Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING! A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed. Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop's Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon 'Kollection' for Dorothy Perkins. I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars. Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn't look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback. Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels. The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop. The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30!
The Sun
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm a fashion writer and these Phase Eight wedding guest dresses are on my summer wishlist
WEDDING season is is officially here - but it can be hard to track down the perfect occasion dress. The search for a wedding guest outfit can feel like a full-time job, but Phase Eight's new-in section is bringing in all the occasionwear inspiration. Phase Eight new-in dresses and occasionwear The fashion brand has nailed it with its new occasion pieces for summer, from stylish florals to flattering jumpsuits. To save you from hours of scrolling, I've picked out some of Phase Eight's best wedding guest pieces that are perfect for the special occasion in your diary. Phase Eight's new-in occasionwear Phase Eight Natalia Floral Dress, £189 Phase Eight Natalia Floral Dress, £189 Phase Eight's Natalia Dress features a V-neckline, balloon sleeves and delicate pleats, finished with a waist-cinching belt that ties at the front. Florals are a staple for summer weddings, and the elegant purple print would look stunning styled with neutral heels and a clutch bag. The timeless style is also suitable for race days, and I could see it being paired with a pastel pink fascinator for Ladies Day. Phase Eight Keegan Ruffle Dress, £169 Phase Eight Keegan Ruffle Dress, £169 This Keegan dress is just stunning with its emerald green shade and bold ruffle trim. The asymmetric ruffle detailing creates a tiered effect, falling to the ankle with a maxi cut. Suitable for weddings, holidays and other special occasions, the Phase Eight number will look just as stylish with a pair of cream heels as it would with espadrille sandals. The fitted dress could be worn over a smoothing bodysuit to enhance the silhouette. Oh, and you can also read my picks of the best shapewear to buy in 2025. Phase Eight Lucinda Print Maxi Dress, £179 Phase Eight Lucinda Print Maxi Dress, £179 Phase Eight's Lucinda Dress features an incredible hand-painted print, with a high neck and a floaty maxi cut. It's finished with tie detailing that wraps around the waist to flatter the figure, and the style would work well for any summer occasion. The statement dress has received positive reviews online. One shopper wrote: "I love this dress. It's a great fit, a lovely colour and I've had many compliments already. Phase Eight, your new dresses and styles and fit have been spot on this year!" The retailer has a great selection of sizes ranging from women's UK 6-20, with petite options available on most pieces. Shoppers were previously rushing to pick up Phase Eight's Fit-and-Flare Dress, causing mass sell-outs of the timeless midi. wedding guest dress picks under £50. Phase Eight's occasion section is filled with outfits to wear to the races and every type of wedding, with dresses, jumpsuits and two-piece sets.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I'm a fashion editor and these are the wedding guest dresses on my wishlist for summer - they're all under £100 but look so chic
It's an annual dilemma and the one question I am asked most as a fashion editor: where can you buy the best wedding guest dresses? When I say 'best' I mean affordable yet quality, flattering yet comfortable and something that's contemporary enough to wear now and whip out again when you get your next invite. Finding one is tricky enough, but if like one of my colleagues you have seven separate ceremonies to attend this summer, you might need multiple purse friendly styles that won't blow the budget. Having scoured the high street, these are the top 10 styles to shop now - and they're all less than £100. Nobody's Child £99 Shop This chocolate bandeau polka dot number is one of my favourite finds to date. The ruched bodice is ultra flattering and the flare circle skirt makes it perfect for sitting, eating and dancing. Nobody's Child is an expert when it comes to the midi silhouette - and if you don't like this print or colourway, it happens to come in 9 other iterations and all go up to a size 18. New Look New Look has a whole section dedicated to the cause, with 298 dress suggestions in the wedding guest edit starting at just £19.99. But the winner is this pistachio green linen number. The puff sleeves and underbust cut out are right on the money and the clever asymmetric panelling will skim curves and bumps. The best bit? It's less than £50. Mango Mango 's offering is always plentiful when it comes to occasion dressing. Ignore anyone that says you can't wear black to a wedding - you can. But avoid ditsy florals - or risk appearing outdated. Opt for graphic prints like this one instead. The asymmetric shoulder straps and hemline make it look far more expensive than it is and this colour will work for the winter months too. H&M This tangerine satin kaftan is draped in all the right places and the sleeves are perfect for when the weather isn't playing ball. I would style this with gold metallic mules and a raffia clutch to amp up the luxe White Lotus feel to this design. & Other Stories £97 Shop Heading for a hot destination? This fuschia cotton maxi with a dropped A-line waist will keep you looking and feeling cool. All this dress needs is a pair of statement studs and for a final flourish, match your lipstick to it. £89 Shop Omnes make some of the best slinky slip dresses you can get for under £100 - I have my eye on the blue two tone Maggy version with a sultry cut out at the front and back. It comes in a magenta and red colour combination too. F&F at Tesco Finally F&F at Tesco is available to shop online! Run, don't walk when it comes to this micro polka dot flutter sleeve midi. It's a steal for less than £30, plus this shape and print will still be around next summer. George at ASDA £24 Shop Speaking of supermarkets, George at ASDA doesn't disappoint either - especially when it comes to occasionwear. You can't go wrong with a plain red dress and even better, this one comes with pretty twist straps, a cowl neckline and clever ruching around the waist to flatter your stomach. And for just £24, you could buy it in the sage green or pale pink too. Bravo, George! Friends Like These £59 Shop Lipsy's diffusion line, Friends Like These, does must-have occasionwear. This chiffon blue floral style with angel sleeves and delicate lace trim detailing is sure to garner compliments. Plus, it comes in petite sizing. Never Fully Dressed £99 Shop As soon as temperatures rise, I scroll Never Fully Dressed flirty, fun summer dresses and holiday packing. This red and pink colour clashing Valentine smock dress will look gorgeous with a tan and a pair of leopard print kitten heels to match the trim of the design.
