Occasion Dressing: 3 Elevated Looks for This Season’s Events
From race day tailoring to wedding guest polish and garden party ease: Rabia Cissokho (@rabia.cissokho) showcases three event-ready outfits.
The calendar is filling up; longer lunches, last-minute plans, evenings that stretch a little later than expected. Spring has a way of bringing everything back to life, including your wardrobe. And while each occasion comes with its own dress code, the real goal is simple: to feel confident, comfortable and unmistakably put-together.
This season, occasion dressing is less about following rigid rules and more about thoughtful styling. A sharp suit can feel just as celebratory as a dress. A classic mini becomes event-ready with the right accessories. Tailoring softens for outdoor settings without losing its polish.
Below, we break down three distinct looks: one for the races, one for wedding guest season and one for spring garden parties, with practical styling tips that make each outfit feel elevated, achievable and ready for whatever’s in the diary.
Written By: Dawn Rajah - Published: 23.02.26
Spring Garden Parties: Polish for the Patio
Garden parties are less about strict dress codes and more about considered ease. You’re outdoors, potentially on grass, and moving between drinks tables and photo moments, so tailoring needs to feel relaxed rather than rigid.
The Ganni suit does exactly that. The softer cut and earthy tone feel fresh against greenery, while still giving you structure. A simple camisole underneath keeps it light and breathable. Leopard-print heels add personality, but you could easily switch to a block heel or elegant flat if you’re navigating lawns.
The Coach shoulder bag leaves your hands free for a glass of something sparkling, and minimal jewellery keeps the look unfussy in natural daylight.
It’s refined without feeling try-hard. Comfortable without looking casual. Exactly the kind of outfit that lets you mingle, pose, and stay for “just one more drink” as the afternoon drifts into evening.
Wedding Guest Season: RSVP in Style
Wedding guest dressing is about balance. You want to look incredible, but never like you’re trying to upstage the bride. A textured black mini strikes that perfect note for city weddings or evening receptions: elegant, refined, and easy to elevate.
The key here is softening the black. Gold jewellery adds warmth, while delicate heels keep things celebratory rather than corporate. For church ceremonies or formal venues, layer with a tailored blazer or lightweight trench, it instantly makes the look feel more occasion-conscious.
Swap in a satin or jewel-toned clutch to subtly nod to the celebratory mood. Hair can completely shift the tone: a sleek low bun feels polished for daytime vows, while loose waves transition beautifully into dancing after dark.
This is the kind of piece that photographs well, feels comfortable through speeches and champagne toasts, and won’t feel dated when you look back at the album.
The Races: Trackside Tailoring
The races aren’t subtle. They’re theatrical, high-glamour and just the right side of competitive when it comes to style. That’s why Boss’ rich burgundy suit works so well, it’s bold enough to hold its own in a sea of florals, but tailored enough to feel refined.
The sharp lapel detail and cinched waist create structure, which is key for race day polish. Keep the base simple (a plunging neckline or silk cami underneath) and let the colour do the talking. Wide-leg trousers move beautifully as you walk between enclosures, and a heeled sandal keeps the silhouette elongated without looking overly formal.
For Ascot rules (hello, dress codes), finish with a sleek fascinator or sculptural headband in a tonal shade. A compact top-handle bag feels more elevated than a crossbody, and gold earrings add just enough gleam in the spring sunlight.
Confident. Photogenic. Unapologetically put-together, exactly what race day dressing should be.
