9 Catwalk Trends To Inspire Your Summer Occasionwear

Although butter yellow is trending this season, it has a timeless quality to it that ensures longevity – especially when put into an occasionwear context. This is the colour that channels golden-age Hollywood glamour – take Prada’s bustier column gown or Chloé’s vintage nightdress as proof. There’s versatility, too; take it prim and ladylike à la Emila Wickstead, in a full skirt or tweed mini. Or add a masculine edge in a coordinating trouser suit.

You might more commonly associate crochet with day trips to the beach; however, when done correctly, it can be worn formally as a summery alternative to lace. Khaite showed us how with its intricate two-piece. Elie Saab’s crochet slip could just as easily be worn with party heels and bold jewellery as low-key flats. For just a hint of detail, try wearing a white shirt atop a crochet maxi skirt.

Sparkle needn’t be reserved for just the winter party season. In fact, the catwalks were full of inspiration for how to wear your favourite sequinned pieces throughout the summer, too. Heading to a summer wedding? Make like Brandon Maxwell and dial down silver shimmer by wearing your classic trench coat over the top. For a minimal occasionwear look that still packs wow factor, reach for a black sequinned trouser suit, keeping accessories and make-up pared back.

Bows are an occasionwear evergreen that will always add a hint of stylish whimsy to your outfit. If you already have a bow-bedecked piece in your collection, now’s the time to rediscover it. Don’t be afraid to mix up the styling and contrast the femininity with sculptural silver jewellery and a super-sleek pump. The flamboyance of a large bow adds instant drama to an outfit, but a little also goes a long way; a delicate shoulder ribbon is enough to transform a plain shift into something memorable.

Ice-cream hues are a spring/summer classic, but this season they come with a little more oomph by way of pistachio green. If your calendar is full of weddings, this is your go-to shade as it will chime perfectly with English countryside settings, as well as looking suitably tutti-frutti for sunny destinations.

As for the accessory that will breathe new life into well-loved occasionwear pieces? Enter the red evening bag. The perfect pop of eye-catching bright – think of it as the handbag equivalent to red lipstick. Match it to your favourite red dress for tonal impact or clash it with the aforementioned pistachio green. This look doesn’t have to be dramatic, though. For more relaxed occasions, take a cue from Stella McCartney and use it to dress up pale summer suiting.

Sheer fabrics have been under the fashion spotlight for a few seasons, so if you’ve yet to try them, take this as your cue. Follow Dior’s lead and go for an ethereal look in ballet-inspired tulle layers. Respin your black evening jacket by styling it with a transparent bottom half, as seen at Louis Vuitton, or transform your summer basics (cotton shirt, white tank, silk camisole) and team them with a gauze-fine pencil skirt.

If you need any more reason to revel in the ’90s nostalgia of a silk slip, then the spring/summer catwalks are it. Tove, Nina Ricci and Victoria Beckham were among the designers who celebrated this wardrobe icon, demonstrating its enduring appeal. To ensure yours feels up to date, consider a few styling tweaks: switch heels for flats, a dainty bag for an oversized clutch or mini bucket, and keep jewellery minimal.

The coolest answer to summer event dressing comes via crisp and simple white, as demonstrated with aplomb on the catwalks by the likes of Bottega Veneta, Nina Ricci and Alaïa. When doing white occasionwear, the desired effect is pristine, so make sure tailoring is beautifully cut, silhouettes are clean and fuss-free and fabrics have a premium look.