When it comes to the general consensus of style priorities this season, one word takes precedent; multifunctionality. Investments are working smarter and harder, with a plethora of outfitting opportunity a necessary reason to purchase. However, occasion pieces in particular can cause some difficulty when considering cost-per-use. Dressing for a wedding requires glamour and formality, and this and multifunctionality may not always go hand in hand. Fortunately, Karen Millen has mastered the three as a package, and all it takes is some styling fixes and effortless creativity.
Enhanced with details such as the choker neckline and metallic flecks, this statement dress adds modern elegance to every wedding event - especially when paired with bold earrings. Whilst infused with dopamine-rich hues, the darker shades of purple effortlessly take it into autumn, and could suit a breadth of locations, from a traditional church wedding accompanied with a fascinator, to a city registry and champagne toast.
When it comes to a more relaxed approach, perfect for stepping out from the office to dinner with friends, knee high boots and a leather jacket creates a more casual alternative to the dress, whilst still looking considered.
A simple-yet-feminine piece, this iridescent satin design provides understated glamour to the big day. A simple slip is timeless, and the lace detail makes it the perfect entrance to cooler-season dressing, despite the lack of sleeves. An easy option for an evening wedding event in particular, the use of a shawl or faux fur stole can evolve it through to a December – and even tights if fearful of the cold.
When it comes to a cami style, the versatility of this dress speaks for itself. A leather blazer and ankle boots take it to weekday evenings, or layer with a fitted roll neck sweater underneath to make appropriate for the office.
As we know, the LBD takes many shapes and forms, and while black can be a periodically controversial colour for a wedding guest to wear, this leather design is still appropriate, thanks to the strapless neckline and silhouette-skimming fit. To speak to the optimism of a wedding day, choose colour-pop or metallic accessories to evoke a more celebratory mood.
The cleanness of the leather dress also gives it great opportunity to be worn, depending on your desired aesthetic. For a feminine look, layer a white shirt with neutral courts underneath and a coat draped over the shoulders, or as an edgier, more youthful approach dare to try a head-to-toe look alongside a leather trench, biker jacket and boots.
A blazer dress is a forever-favourite, a sartorial reliable design that truly ticks the wedding guest boxes. With both tailoring and the colour red key A/W trends, have a modern moment with timeless refinement in a staple style. Red also speaks to the romance of the event, and this rich hue is bound to make a statement.
The joviality of this red design is additionally an invitation into dressing for the festive season. Paired with a bold rouge lip and gold accessories, it brings the holiday mood from November to January.
A haute addition to occasion dressing, a bandage dress brings all the glamour of the ‘90s into autumn/winter wedding guest outfitting. Elevated with a hint of sparkle, it’s perfect for a cocktails and canapes to start off the night. Again, paired with a fur stole it brings a dose of beauty that elevated the outfit. When it comes to finishing touches, remain pared back to ensure focus stays on the main event.
If choosing to wear for a different occasion, make use of everyone’s favourite fabric – leather to provide a more contemporary, edgier approach. An oversized biker jacket effortlessly completes the look and contrasts the bodycon fit of the dress.
Tailored dresses may be seen as a workwear staple, but they also have a place when it comes to event dressing, especially if you’re in search of a Mother of the Bride piece. This design effortlessly skims the form, and its monochrome hue means that it will suit all. It’s rare that any piece can suit both work and wedding, but this design successfully manages to do both.
Feathers have played a huge part in occasion dressing over the past couple of years, and this season sees little change. Providing the opportunity to bring a sense of fun into fashion, this piece utilises KM’s signature knits with a feather trim, making it both practical and for the cooler months whilst still remaining aesthetically pleasing.
