Spring Event Dressing Guide: Outfit Ideas for All Occasions

It’s that time of year again when, if you’re lucky, the invites for some special occasions start coming in. For many of us, as much as we look forward to going to a good do, this throws us into an ‘I have nothing to wear’ panic. First up, please do check your wardrobe to see if there is an outfit you already own that can be recycled for a new event. Princess Anne wore a coat the other week that was 57 years old! She must have an extremely good storage facility and a very unchanged figure too.

I would also advocate checking resale sites for event dresses, especially if you know you like specific brands, as so many people wear these once or twice and then sell them on. You’re more likely to get a bargain this way, and then you too can sell it on afterwards so that the fashion cycle turns once more.

That said, there’s a certain kind of joy in having something shiny and new that you genuinely look forward to wearing. Here are six outfit ideas for all your spring event needs.

A DAY AT THE RACES

As I have only ever been to one horse race in my life (in Canada, and it wasn’t a fancy affair; it was more beers and baseball caps than dresses and Dom Pérignon), whenever I think of a day at the races, my mind circles back to Pretty Woman (Big mistake. Huge), as that’s all I’ve really got to go on. Even then, they were at a polo match, but we’ll gloss over that and just run with the polka-dot theme. Mainly because I like polka dots, and all of these would work just as well for a wedding or christening.

If you’re so inclined, you could also add a hat. I have never bought a fancy hat in my life, so I’m afraid you’re on your own with that one.

COCKTAIL OR BLACK TIE PARTY

This is the kind of dress code that I can get on board with. I know ‘black tie’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘wear all black’, but it’s such an easy option, and one I always fall back on if I’m at a loss for an outfit for a posh do. Also, I still have this De La Vali dress from 2022, and I relish any excuse to wear it again because I love it and it looks great with flats. As you should know by now, any dress that looks good with flats is a winner in my book.

WEDDING GUEST SUIT

If you’re invited to a spring wedding but you don’t fancy a dress, then a nice suit is your friend. I’m all for something you can wear many ways and to many occasions, and a suit with a nice shirt ticks those boxes. I would look for something a little different to the kind of smart suit you might wear to the office. Instead, either go for something brighter like this from ME+EM (my go-to shop for smart suiting), or one with a bit of extra interest, like this from Zara with the added contrasting scarf collar and cuffs.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM

Once upon a time, we were guests of the bride or groom, but these days many of us are more likely to be the parents of one of them. Life moves on, but you don’t have to go down the traditional route when it comes to your outfit on the big day. It all depends on your personal style. I would keep it simple and go for an understated block colour, but obviously not white or cream. I would also keep it fairly demure too. Not too much cleavage or leg.

I love all these dresses for different reasons. The boho floaty Stevie Nicks vibe of the Monsoon ruffled blue maxi dress (worn with flats, of course). The more traditional look of the faux two-piece from Self-Portrait, and the 1930s-movie-star-style satin number from Rixo.

GRADUATION

This is closer to my life than a mother-of-the-groom look. Both my sons are going to uni later this year. One in London, so at least we won’t have a totally empty nest just yet. I don’t think I could bear both going away at the same time. Who will come to the football with me? Who will sit with me and watch endless hours of The Sopranos? I might have to talk to my actual husband again.

For a graduation ceremony outfit, I would suggest smart trousers, a good jacket and comfortable shoes, as I imagine there will be a fair bit of walking around involved. Plus you don’t want to look too fancy. The new style ‘sneakerinas’ in soft suede or satin would be perfect for this occasion.

FLORALS FOR SPRING

What ME+EM is to smart suiting, Rixo is to dresses. It’s always my first stop if I’m looking for something for a special occasion. The vintage-style designs are made for all body shapes. I went to an event of theirs the other week, and saw this dress being worn by a size 8 and a size 20. It looked equally good on both of them. I love how mindful Rixo is of all women, no matter what age or size they are.

Next week, I will do trainers, I promise. Apologies, as I know lots of you have been asking for a while.

K x

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