Occasionwear for Women

Formal wear for ladies refers to clothes worn to special occasions, like weddings and parties, that tend to have a dress code.

Traditionally, women’s formal wear includes dresses, skirts, and tops, but in recent times, structured jumpsuits and tailored co-ords are becoming more popular formal wear alternatives. At the end of the day, occasions that require formal wear are your chance to ditch the everyday and dress up in your finest, be that an embellished party dress or pleated skirt and tunic set!

The best jacket to wear with your formal dress will depend on the style of dress and the occasion or event you’re attending. You can’t go wrong with a blazer, which instantly lifts any outfit. Try an oversized blazer over a fitted dress for a modern look, or add a structured blazer in a colour that contrasts with your trousers or skirt for understated class.

For warmer, sunnier days, why not try a cover up? Soft, cotton cardigans are a classic choice, or try a waterfall cover up design over your wedding guest dress for an extra touch of elegance.

Shop our wedding guest collection.

What you wear to a special occasion depends on the event itself and what you feel most comfortable and confident in!

First things first, make sure you’ve got details of the dress code. And if you can’t find any, make sure you ask for them. When you know what clothes are expected, it’s far easier to put together a formal outfit that makes you look and feel fabulous. Special occasions, like the races, tend to publish dress codes months in advance, so you’ve got plenty of time to plan your outfit.

For nuptials, you can’t go wrong with a wedding guest outfit that’s centered around a formal dress or tailored jumpsuit, which you can easily lift even more with metallic accessories or statement heels.

And for formal events with work, like Christmas parties or retirement celebrations, you’ll want to feel comfy and confident. Try a little black dress for an understated look that’s business smart, or a top and trousers co-ord for a modern spin on classic tailoring.

More and more ladies are wearing jumpsuits to weddings, and we’re here for it! Jumpsuits are attention-grabbing while being super comfy, so you can look and feel fab all day long, from ceremony to carriages.

Wide leg jumpsuits are oh-so stylish, especially in bold prints or monochrome patterns, and pair beautifully with chunky heels (our favourite for keeping your feet comfy and looking great!). Or, try a jumpsuit with a difference, such as fun and flirty fabrics on the arms or legs for a one-piece that says ‘wow’.

Remember, it’s always worth double-checking the dress code to make sure jumpsuits are acceptable at the occasion you’re heading to.

Shop jumpsuits.

No, ladies’ formalwear isn’t strictly dresses! Formal clothing gives you the chance to leave the everyday behind and dress up in your best to celebrate with friends and family. You’ll enjoy the celebrations even more if you’re feeling comfy and confident in what you’re wearing. And that isn’t restricted to a formal dress!

Why not try a co-ord or matching set for occasionwear that’s effortless and instantly on-trend? We’ve got embroidered jacket and trouser sets that are perfect for dinners, lace tops and shorts for formal drinks in the sun, and layered wide leg trousers with matching tops that are an edgy alternative for wedding guest dressing.

You can also take one part of the co-ord, e.g. the top or bottoms, and style them as an individual stand-out piece. For instance, pairing patterned trousers with court shoes, a silky top, and a tailored jacket is a classic alternative to a dress, which fits within more formal dress codes.

View all co-ords.