Curated by those in the know, watch our expert guide to event dressing.
Mastering your style starts with knowing who you are – and how you want to feel. So, to help you discover your personal style, uncover modern wardrobe essentials and decipher this season’s trends, David Jones has enlisted the expert eyes of nine stylish industry insiders.
For this instalment of Style Guide, Buying Manager of Footwear and Accessories Liz Ormando is sharing her secrets to perfecting your eventwear wardrobe. Keep reading for the pieces, trends and brands worth investing in.
Demystifying the smart casual dress code
Smart casual occasions call for a careful balance between comfort and style. Soft tailoring is an easy way to feel put-together for events like these – think office meetings or after-work drinks. Another reliable smart casual staple is a simple black dress. Simply layer on jewellery and a chic heel for instant elevation.
SEED
Streamline Blazer
SEED
Pleat Front Suit Pant
SEED
Kendall Leather Penny Loafer
SEED
Knot Chain Necklace
Master your event dressing style during the day
For daytime events, practicality is key. Flowing dresses in lightweight fabrications and pretty pastel colourways are a chic option for baby showers and wine tastings alike. For footwear, opt for a heeled boot to ensure you are comfortable and stylish on every terrain.
DAVID LAWRENCE
Tatum Sleeveless Silk Dress
SENSO
Robbie VIII Sandal
SABA
Lola Sleeveless Midi Dress (Coming Soon)
MIMCO
Mod Circle Crossbody Bag
What to wear when the invitation calls for cocktail attire
As one of the most frequently occurring dress codes, it’s worth investing in cocktail pieces you can wear again and again. A little black dress is an enduring style that can be easily differentiated with the right accessories, like statement jewellery or a pop of flair with a colourful heel.
If suiting is more your style, silk fabrications and sequinned embellishments are an easy way to make traditional tailoring feel more elegant. Pare back with a classic black heel and chic clutch for ultimate cocktail sophistication.
AJE
Eldora Mini Dress
SOL SANA
Joelle Heel
MARCS
Linsey Sequin Blazer
WITCHERY
Jett Mini Crossbody Bag
Dress to impress at black-tie events
Statement accessories offer maximum impact for black tie events. Lean into the ’90s trend revival with silver bags and jewellery – the perfect complement to a simple black gown. Plus, feel supported no matter the dress code with shapewear designed to be worn underneath form-fitting styles. Skims is a great option, with a range of cuts to flatter every silhouette.
MICHAEL KORS
Parker Medium Convertible Chain Shoulder
THE TWO MRS GRENVILLES
Long CZ Drop Earring
SASS & BIDE
Got Her Own Dress
SKIMS
Seamless Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh Sienna
