How to plan your spring-summer occasion or event wardrobe

Hello October, I see you sneaking up on me and reminding me that it’s a social slippery slope until the end of the year.

I’ve got quite a few events and occasions already on the calendar – and you probably do too. That’s why I like to talk to you now about how to plan your spring-summer occasion or event wardrobe.

A little planning will go a long way to taking the stress out of the “what to wear” question. Leaving this question unanswered until the last minute, can not only cause stress but also force you to impulse buy something that’s not quite right.

The thing is, for an event or occasion, you don’t want to settle for not quite right. You want totally right. Totally right means you’ll feel confident on the day or evening. Totally right means you’ll enjoy yourself even more.

Read on for my 10 general tips for planning a spring-summer event outfit and three outfit suggestions that would work for different types of events.

Sacha Drake dress | Meredith McMaster headpiece | Oroton clutch (not current)

10 tips for planning your spring-summer event outfits

1. As soon as you have an invitation or a save-the-date, start thinking about what you’d like to wear. Visualising an idea in your head really does help.

2. Research the average day and night-time temperatures where the event is being held.

3. Don’t shop under pressure – use the time that you have in advance to try on a lot of outfits.

4. Take note of any specified dress codes. A formal event usually indicates full-length gowns. A cocktail wedding usually indicates shorter dress styles, a jumpsuit or pants outfit. If unsure, ask others attending what length of gown they plan to wear.

5. If buying a new outfit, look for a dress or pant outfit that you know you’ll be able to wear again for a different occasion.

6. Ask girlfriends and family members if they have occasion-wear pieces and accessories they’d be willing to lend you. I have one sequinned cocktail frock that’s been to more weddings than I have in the past 12 months!

7. Consider hiring a frock. You get all the glitz and glam without the budget bam. Check out Glam Corner.

8. Wear something from the vault. Do you have an occasion piece that just sits forlorn in your wardrobe, sad that it has not been out to a party for a while? Get it out, try it on and think of how you can make it work with new accessories.

9. Choose your shoes wisely. It’s all very well to be seduced by a sky-high pair of heels but if you’re not used to wearing such styles then your event or occasion will be marked by pain. Opt for a pair you can wear all night or have an exit plan and a pair of flats in your bag.

10. If beauty logistics are in your favour, book in to have your hair/makeup done on the day of the event. On the day of an event or occasion, I employ this tactic as it takes away much of the time stress of getting ready. All you need to do afterwards is pop on your frock, shoes and accessories and hop into your car/taxi/Uber. If you planning a spray tan, get this done two days before the event so it has some to develop – and not rub off on to the clothes you’re wearing.

3 ways to dress for a spring-summer event or occasion

The below outfits are suggestions for you to work off to create an outfit that is going to be just right for you and the occasion you’re dressing up for.

A frock is the easiest foundation for a spring-summer event outfit. Step your frock game up a notch with a feminine print in a frock that will work for you for just about any occasion. Cooler weather? Add a white blazer.

Pants or shorts can make a relaxed occasion or event outfit statement. Add a heel, detailing and a blazer and it’s an outfit that will take you most places this spring-summer. Look for a wide-leg pant or short for a more on-trend look.

This is very much the season of the skirt so, if a skirt is your thing, then hop to and add a new one or two to your collection. Pleating (as pictured) and fluted hems are the key skirt looks of the season. They are fabulous feminine and perfect for any occasion worked back with some separates.

So tell me, do you have an event or an occasion coming up? What are you planning to wear?

* This post contains some affiliate links. If you buy something via one of these links I may receive a small commission. Full disclosure policy here.

Join me on Melbourne Cup Day

GIDDY UP. If you’re in Brisbane for Melbourne Cup (Tuesday, November 7), join me at The New Inchcolm Hotel for a stylish afternoon of fashion and fun. I’m your MC for the day and we’ll be presenting a Sacha Drake fashion parade. Enjoy a three-course gourmet experience created by Head Chef Anthony Hales.

Begin the festivities with a glass of Moet & Chandon on arrival followed by a free flowing beverage package of sparkling, white and red wine and Australian beers for $169 per person or $159 per person for a table of 10. Lucky door prize: you could win the Dior watch I’m wearing here.

Reservations are essential, call 07 3226 8888 or [email protected] (more info HERE).

Comments 2

Lisa Mckenzie
September 29, 2017 at 6:46 am

We have 2 weddings Nikki plus bridal showers,Christmas parties to attend this year so I’ve already sorted some outfits for them! I bought 2 new dresses from Birdsnest,I like to sort out my selections early.The blue Sasha Drake dress is stunning on you Xx

1. Nikki | Styling You
  September 29, 2017 at 1:53 pm
  
  Oh that’s a busy but fun social calendar Lisa! Glad you’re on the outfit planning already! x