5 new rules for stylish occasionwear dressing in 2023
From the winners’ enclosure to a summer of garden parties, your every big-event dressing dilemma is now sorted
Occasion dressing can be painful, particularly when it comes to knowing what to wear to the races. If you’re not navigating the formal headwear dos and don’ts of Royal Ascot, you’re ping-ponging between smart weddings, garden parties, bridesmaid fittings or hen dos, all while trying to cling on to your own unique sense of style and without blowing your life savings on a fascinator.
The best occasionwear buys should be future-proof, easily dressed up or down, make the rest of your wardrobe work harder and still feel like you. Oh, and all while offering standout style.
So, what are the perfect race-day outfits in 2022? And how do you win best dressed at every occasion (without looking like you’ve tried)? Scroll down for our top 5 new rules…
Rule 1: Ditch the dress
Are you longing to stand out in a sea of navy, black and cream race day frocks? Perhaps you’re neck deep in wedding season, having worn That Dress one too (hundred) many times? Maybe you’re just not in a dress mood right now. It happens.
The cure?
Ditch the dress! Tweak tradition! Reclaim your fashion mojo! Park your trusted LBD – for now – instead switching to a tailored trouser suit, razor-sharp blazer or an achingly cool ‘one-and-done’ jumpsuit. All guaranteed to make you look great – and still feel like yourself – only (arguably) edgier, and with a touch more swagger. Channel Zendaya, then add a hat and heels.
Rule 2: Say ‘yes’ to sensible shoes
Sure, sensible doesn’t always scream sexy feet, but what if you get the right shoe? With deliciously satisfying ankle support and dancing-on-clouds-like heel cushioning? Well, that shoe is so haute, it’ll ruin other shoes for you.
In strolls the block heel. A long-standing solemate for the races, weddings, baptisms, bar mitzvahs, garden parties, Jubilee parties, just because parties, and every occasion in between, block heels are loved by Beyoncé (and just about anyone who’s ever attempted small talk, while their stillettos slowly sink into an immaculately manicured lawn).
Packed with comfort and joy, these spirit-lifting heels will make you (and your feet) look and feel amazing, whether you’re tearing up the dance floor, stomping divots or gliding down the aisle, block sandal-style.
Rule 3: Go bright or go home
For a look that feels suitably wow at the races (while conveniently tapping into 2022’s maximalist mood) why not try ‘cooee-look at me! Crayola-brights? They’re the perfect update for die-hard dress fans, and anyone in need of a mid-season perk-me-up.
From electric blues to hot pinks, longing-to-be-seen greens and yellows that are brighter than the sun, now’s the time to get playful with colour. The styling trick? Accessorise with varying tones of one shade for a more modern (and less matchy-matchy) look.
Not used to dressing like a highlighter? Ease yourself in with suits-all crimson and have fun with it, safe in the knowledge that nothing will boost your sartorial mood faster.
Rule 4: Ruffle feathers
Thanks to TikTok, feathers are officially en vogue, as well as in – Vogue. They’re a sure-fire way to win at the races (sartorially speaking), or at occasionwear in general. Go hell-for-feathers, adorning dresses and décolletages, splashed across ankles, heels and bags – or simply stick a feather in your hat and call it, so 2022, darlink.
Simply dial up (or down) according to occasion: a cream feathery number is great for the races, sure, but risky for a wedding, while a discreet feather hat is less likely to ruffle the bride.
Rule 5: Make headlines
Dress codes vary: as much as a location dictates what to wear to a wedding, some racecourses are stricter than others, particularly when it comes to headwear. ‘Do I have to wear a hat to the races?’ remains one of the season’s most searched phrases. And yes, the Royal Enclosure at Royal Ascot does require a headpiece (at least four inches in diameter), but others are more relaxed.
If you do have flex, why not try the unexpected with an oversized bow, a pill box hat or a Kate Middleton-esque padded headband? They’ll elevate everyday outfits, too, and (unless you plan on wearing a fancy hat to work) are more cost efficient. Tip: do look to the royals for inspiration when it comes to headwear.
And if you are a hat person? Own your look! Go full feathers! Veil! Massive brim! It’s your call. Because, when it comes to rules, sometimes there just aren’t any.
