The Occasionwear Capsule Edit (Edition #002)
For the second edition of the newsletter, I wanted to focus on occasion wear. Mostly, because I know what a big pain point this can be, particularly if you're on a mission to build a wardrobe that is as functional as it is versatile. And also, that isn't black,
So I’ll be breaking down 5 key items worth having in your occasion wear capsule, along with tools you can use to transition them across multiple scenarios (including more casual ones!). Emphasis on versatility here - functional wardrobes are the best kinds of wardrobes to have.
#1 | THE DRESS
While I'm not opposed to a black dress at a wedding, this doesn't always fly (and it's worth checking with the bride first). Instead, I suggest looking at how you can complement your closet's existing colour palette, in a style that has more of a modest hemline to see you across multiple *types* of occasions. Remember, this is an occasion wear piece, so feel free to get really expressive with your style here for something you feel AMAZING in.
Pictured: Camilla & Marc (on sale for $320)
You can see here that despite not *seeming* like the most versatile choice, you do have options with this dress. Layering a thin knit underneath is a great way to add in some modesty and transition this from wedding guest territory to office appropriate party attire. You could also layer something over the top too, leaving just the pencil skirt portion of the dress on show.
L: Camilla&Marc dress, By Far heels, Polene bag
R: Camilla& Marc ribbed top, Camilla&Marc dress, By Far heels, Polene bag
From L to R: Aje | TOHJA | DISSH | Zara | Bernadette | RAEY | Reformation
#2 | THE SKIRT
Whether you go mini or midi will be entirely dependent on just *how* you plan to wear it.Taking a step back and looking at the occasionwear capsule as a whole, you'll want something that sits anywhere from mid to top of the range on the formality scale. Unlike "the dress", this is a piece I recommend considering how it would work outside of special events, so you can really get your cost-per-wear down.
Pictured: Sezane ($295)
A silver skirt, or anything with more of a special occasion vibe can feel a little tricky to dress down. My biggest tip, which you'll see pop up more than once, is to pair it with opposites. The end result is some fun friction in your outfit. You can see I've done this by pairing the elevated, dressed up nature of the skirt with a knitted jumper that is slouchy, unbothered, casual. The addition of the trench helps add layers and more visual balance.
L: Grana silk cami, Sezane skirt, Camilla&Marc blazer, By Far heels, Polene bag
R: The Curated sweater, Sezane skirt, Nilby P trench, VIVAIA flats
From L to R: Henne | Acler | Aje | Silk Laundry | Vince | DISSH | H&M | By Malene Birger
#3 | THE FANCY TOP
Something silky will always be a no-brainer. The sleek, slinky tactile quality has an inherently luxurious nature. There's some sort of unspoken correlation with how delicate an item is, and how "fancy" it feels. If you're planning to ensure your occasionwear capsule works harmoniously together (without any other additions), then don't go too bold with your choices. While it might not seem fun to play it safe, this does give you more options to create variations with these items outside of any special events.
Pictured: Grana ($57 USD on sale)
Silky pieces tend to feel dressed up regardless of the styling, so you can see here how I've used that simple concept I mentioned earlier; I've added in a piece which is really slouchy, casual and effortless. Other style guides I've used? The three colour rule. This helps to keep things feeling cohesive and not too busy.
L: Grana silk cami, Sezane skirt, By Far heels, Polene bag
R: Grana silk cami, Re Rhee shorts, Quince cardigan, Wittner sandals
From L to R: Dominique Healy | Wolford | Self-Portrait | Favourite Daughter | Christopher Esber | Henne
#4 | THE DRESSED UP PANT
Either something with mid to full scale structure, or in a slinky fabric. Nothing in-between. If you want to get ultimate mileage out of this piece, a black trouser will *always* be a winner, and chances are you can easily pull this piece from your everyday wardrobe. Otherwise most trouser options can easily be taken from day to night with a silk top. Promise. Also, if you're buying something special, go with a cut that you always, always, always feel good in, regardless of current trends.
Pictured: Blanca ($192 on sale)
A monochromatic look is a no-brainer when wanting to look effortless but put together; this concept applies for evening wear too. The casual outfit is one I wore recently. I'm pairing the tailored trousers back with a slouchy knit for an relaxed vibe, and a slim fitting shoe (in this case, a sandal), topping and tailing the colour palette.
L: Grana silk cami, Blanca trousers, By Far heels, Polene bag
R: Jenni Kayne sweater, Blanca trousers, Aeyde sandals
From L to R: Toteme | Veronika Maine | Viktoria & Woods | Arket
#5 | THE JACKET
My personal pick is a great blazer; again something that you can easily pull from your everyday wardrobe. Black is always a safe bet and if you opt for a black trouser too, worn buttoned with a lace bralette underneath makes for a lovely occasion wear look. Here you can play with textures, like satin for that sheen, which will bring in an effortless evening wear feel. If you're not into a blazer, a tweed jacket or bolero are also great alternatives.
Pictured: Camilla&Marc ($500 on sale)
While a blazer won't fall within everyone's wardrobe checklist,it can play a role as an ultimate workhorse. Work, dinner, and play. You can see how easy it is to dial it up by pairing a blazer with a fancy dress. Imagine a crisp matching suit. Or for the weekend, worn with a tee, jeans, and a comfy pair of shoes (sneakers even!). Neutrals will be your best bet if you want to get the most mileage out of this piece.
L: Camilla&Marc dress, Camilla&Marc blazer, By Far heels, Polene bag
R: Arket ribbed long sleeve, Camilla&Marc blazer, Weekday jeans, Wittner sandals
From L to R: Toteme | Sezane | H&M | Open Edit | Maje
The key thing to remember with occasionwear is that for the most part, these are things you are going to be wearing *occasionally*. One or two great pairs of shoes and a bag which goes with everything will be a winner. For your bag, I recommend opting for a colour that is a neutral, or will pair back with most things. Same goes with the shoes, though a glitzy number is always a bit of fun!
By Far mules | Isabel Marant heels | Jewellery via Mejuri, Pamela Card, Monica Vinader, Linjer | Polene bag