Top 3 Occasion Fashions

Great looks for parties and special events!

It’s summertime but with this being a special year for the UK, there are plenty of occasions and events which will require a bit of dressing up – and we’re not just talking about a summer barbecue! We mean Olympics parties, weddings, street parties…

Dressing to feel party-ready in the summer doesn’t need to be complex; it simply requires a bit of imagination and a little practicality. From the classic prom dress to elegant 1970s jumpsuits, we’re going to take a look at some of the clothes online for special occasions, with a little help from Next.

Peplum: the new prom dress

A gorgeous and very wearable style is the peplum – here we see how celebrities have picked up on a trend that has been a high street favourite for nearly a year now. With a kick-out that emphasizes the waist beautifully, it gives instant chic and is a real show-stopper when worn with high heels and simple, bright accessories.

This Lipsy peplum dress – the brand has lots, sold through Next’s website (there are some candy-coloured retro-inspired ones too that we think will be great for a daytime party) – will be gorgeous with some on-trend flatform sandals or high, chunky-heeled wedges. Simple shapes, snazzy details

Arizona Muse wears a beautiful Diane von Furstenberg embellished metallic shift dress to the CFDA Fashion Awards at New York’s Lincoln Center. A simple, wearable shape in a metallic hue is a great investment dress.

This gold lace shift dress (pictured) from Next is a great summer party option: the shape is really easy to wear, so it’ll feel good whether you’re dancing, dining or mingling, and it looks great with or without a tan. It’s £75, and we think it could also be worn into winter too – with some black opaque tights and wedge shoe-boots or chunky heels. Lovely.

The glam jumpsuit

And finally, this is my personal favourite – a real special alternative to the standard pretty dress; an ultra-glamorous, ultra-feminine jumpsuit. With flared legs worn with heels, this adds loads of height and just a hint of 1970s disco fever. For real stand-out factor, get a printed look and wear with plain accessories and high heels.