6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Around this time of year I always get asked, “What do you wear to more formal events?” and since I’ve got a few on my summer calendar it felt like the perfect time to share my answers!

Today I’m sharing those three looks in a bit more detail along with three additional outfits I put together.

Read on for 6 looks for summer occasions that span from cocktails on a patio to champagne toasts at a wedding. At the end of the post you’ll also find a quick list of places to shop (or rent) for your own special occasion pieces.

LOOK 1

Let’s begin with this long sleeved luxurious silk maxi dress that floats like a wisp of air. I love this look for engagement events, rehearsal dinners and just about any evening occasion that calls for elegance and comfort.

This dress is an old gem from DÔEN and they continue to create some of the most beautiful romantic dresses I’ve come across. Do consider searching resale sites like Poshmark and Depop as they can often be found for much less.

I like to wear my Noemi drop pearl earrings with this dress and I love how the lip colour Fringe works with the deep burgundy in the print.

LOOK 2

I love a statement jumpsuit for summer weddings and have been wearing them for years. Jumpsuits are a playful take on a more serious dress with a nod to suiting and I always just feel a little bit more myself in one. I love how this emerald green pairs with cream tones and gold.

This jumpsuit is an old one from Reformation but they currently offer the ALVA Jumpsuit in the same deep green, the LUNA Jumpsuit in a brighter green (or a gorgeous print) and the OVERLAND in a green linen if that’s more your vibe. I’d also explore the Winslow Dress, which has a similar sleeve and neckline but with a long wrap skirt instead of pants.

Since this jumpsuit is fairly minimal in texture and detail I love adding interest through a raffia statement earring and incorporating lots of gold accents like my curb chain bracelet and the curb chain strap on the Day to Night Bag.

For special occasions I opt for a neutral nail polish with a tiny bit of iridescence to help a simple look feel a touch more glam.

LOOK 3

Whenever I’m in doubt about what to wear to a dressier event, I reach for my black wrap dress. This piece has been in my closet for a couple of years now and it’s the kind of dress you can easily dress up for a wedding or down for a nice dinner out. I personally love a black dress with a bright red lip and classic accessories like tortoise earrings and a cream clutch.

This dress is an old style from Christy Dawn and they do the most beautiful feminine styles. Explore the Brooklyn Dress, the Florentine Dress and the Rosemary Dress for similar option to my black Augusta wrap dress.

When I wear a black dress I like to pair it with my Kate Tortoise Hoop earrings and a bright red lip like Thrillest from Kosas.

In this case I felt the Day To Night Bag worn as a clutch would be best to keep the look feeling refined and elegant.

LOOK 4

To switch things up I sometimes like to opt for a silky set (or slip dress) under a chic blazer. It’s a bit more casual but still very sophisticated and elegant. I love this option for a dressy brunch, showers and engagement parties.

My silk set is old from Elizabeth Suzann but The Sleep Shirt, a Canadian-made line, currently has a beautiful taupe set that would create a similar effect.

An easy way to elevate a look like this is to wear your blazer over your shoulders. Plus, then you don’t have to worry about creases on your sleeves!

Don’t be afraid to layer ivory and cream tones in a look. As long as they all have warm undertones they’ll mix together nicely.

LOOK 5

For less formal events like a cocktail party, bachelorette evening or a backyard wedding I often reach for a floral mini dress. This one is perfect for hot days and nights when I need to dress up without overheating.

This mini dress is an old find from Faithfull The Brand. They do such delightful dresses and sets in all sorts of bright hues and fun prints.

Whenever I wear a short dress, I opt for a pair of black bike shorts underneath. You never know when the wind will pick up!

For this look I decided to play with layering and kept both straps on the Day to Night bag. I also wore my two pendant necklaces and when paired with the ditsy floral print all the elements feel fun and youthful.

LOOK 6

Last but never least, we have my all-time favourite dress to dance and celebrate in. A printed maxi dress is another fail-safe option for all the summer occasions on your calendar. I’ve worn this one all over the world for different events and it never lets me down.

This one is The Basil Dress, an old style from Christy Dawn. If you love it, I would look at The Brooklyn and The Katarina, which are similar styles. I’m also infatuated with all the dresses from Daughters of India and the price point is more approachable.

I love how the double strap works in with scenario too. The cream leather matched the cream in the block print for a subtle hint of repetition.

When I’m wearing a lot of print in a look I tend to keep everything else minimal so that it doesn’t feel too busy. A lean colour palette and simple gold accents are just enough to make it feel intentional.