With weddings, parties and events firmly back on the agenda, dressing up has never felt so good. After a solitary couple of years building up an extensive collection of loungewear, we're throwing open our wardrobes to the best occasionwear the shops have to offer. And there's one place that has the most amazing party edit right now: Harvey Nichols.
If you've ever wondered how to nail black-tie etiquette or which shoes to wear to a garden party, the luxury department store has got you covered. Its latest occasionwear edit is a treasure trove of cult favourites, new-season gems and party-ready pieces you won't want to take off. The best part is that you can even earn rewards simply by shopping. So that pair of shoes you've had in your basket now comes with even more perks.
With Harvey Nichols Rewards, you earn points on all of your luxury purchases. Simply shop, dine or download the Harvey Nichols app to increase your level and unlock personalised benefits like fashion vouchers, beauty experiences and curated gifts that can be refreshed annually, giving you more bang for your buck.
We've chosen our favourite pieces from the occasionwear edit to help solve all of your formal-dressing dilemmas, so keep scrolling.
What to Wear to a Cocktail Party
Raise a glass to the upcoming party season in a statement dress, and pair your look with equally glitzy accessories to make an unforgettable entrance.
For unabashed partywear, look no further than 16 Arlington.
Delicate pearl drops add regency flair to these statement earrings.
Fairytale shoes that will keep you dancing long past midnight.
You can't go wrong with a slip dress.
The party shoe of our dreams.
The pinker an outfit, the better.
What to Wear to a Garden Party
Mirror your surroundings with a printed midi dress, which is always a fail-safe choice.
A ditsy-printed sundress that you can easily wear for daytime picnics or dress up for evenings with gold accessories.
A pillowy-soft cloud bag is the modern take on the traditional box clutch.
The most versatile accessory in your arsenal.
Because you don't have to wear heels for every occasion, opt for flats that feel just as special.
The blend of retro florals, charming ginghams and kitsch polka dots in Rixo's dresses makes them our summer go-tos.
A basket bag with an occasion upgrade.
Mules are still very much having a moment.
What to Wear to a Dinner Party
Slick and stylish separates toe the line between refined glamour and casual cool when you're not sure how formal an event will be. Although there aren't any expectations to dance at a dinner party, why not use it as an opportunity to dress up?
If in doubt, sharp tailoring is always our fail-safe.
Up the ante with an embellished version of this season's hero skirt: the mini.
If you aren't already familiar with Piferi's luxury vegan shoes, the Fantasia sandals are the perfect introduction.
When it comes to occasion jewellery, if it doesn't glitter, go for gold.
What to Wear to a Wedding
Good sense says you should never upstage the bride (unless expressly permitted, head-to-toe white is off the table), but there's no reason to celebrate the union of your nearest and dearest in a muted outfit. After all, the photos will last forever. Our advice? Timeless silhouettes, mood-boosting colour, and comfortable shoes.
This full-skirted bouquet of pastel florals comes in linen to keep you cool at a summer wedding when the temperatures rise.
A sure-fire conversation starter.
The ideal mid-heel height for a comfortably stylish look.
What to Wear to a Black-Tie Event
The level of formality at a black-tie event means that men have to wear dinner jackets and bow ties and women are traditionally expected to opt for knee- to ankle-length dresses. But don't panic—it doesn't need to be a ballgown (unless it's a white-tie event), so play with colour, volume and texture. And enjoy!
There is no chance of being under-dressed with a statement balloon sleeve.
XXL sleeves deserve some XXL accessorising, and this piece is commanding big-necklace energy.
Calling all logo-maniacs! This iconic shoe has luxury written all over it.
There is something refreshing about this icy-blue satin.
Who says you can't wear studs to formal events?
The best thing about these earrings is their ability to grab anyone's attention.
What to Wear to a Birthday Party
If you can't go all out on a birthday, when can you? In fact, it's actively encouraged. So dust off your favourite party shoes for this most important of occasions, and when it comes to partywear, the more ostentatious, the better.
We called it: Micro hemlines are trending hard in 2022, and the bright-green print makes this gem stand out from the crowd.
A mini bag big enough for all of your night-out essentials.
Add a dose of fun with bright colours and crystals.
The classic little black dress with a little extra cut-out detail.
Coco Chanel might have suggested taking one accessory off before leaving the house, but with jewellery this good, we're inclined to keep it on.
The high-octane, glitter-drenched shoes you've seen all over social media are the pinnacle of occasion footwear.
Signing up for Harvey Nichols REWARDS is easy and can be done via the Harvey Nichols app, online at harveynichols.com/rewards or by scanning an in-store QR code. Upon sign up, customers automatically receive the Birthday Gift and Early Access Pass benefits.
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