With weddings, parties and events steadily filling our social calendars again, dressing up to celebrate has never felt so good. After a dreary winter and a chilly spring, we're throwing open our wardrobes to the best and brightest occasionwear the shops have to offer. And one place that is getting the party edit right is Karen Millen.
2022 is the year of the Y2K aesthetic, reaffirming our love for some of the most iconic looks of the decade: mini hemlines, cropped tops and plenty of high-octane glamour. Thankfully, Karen Millen has found the chicest way to incorporate the trend into your closet (with a little extra grown-up polish). Enter the KM collection with model and actress Paulina Porizkova.
Slick, confident, and full of head-turning looks, this is an occasionwear collection that turns up the heat. From sparkling slip dresses to toughened-up tailoring, there is a piece for every kind of party.
We've chosen our favourite pieces from the edit and the rest of the Karen Millen site and put together 10 outfits that will attract attention on the dance floor this summer, so keep scrolling to see (and shop) more.
1. THE SEQUIN TOP + HIGH-WAIST TROUSER
Stand out from the crowd in high-shine fabrics that catch the light.
Pair an eye-catching top with tailored trousers. Party on top, business on the bottom.
A versatile classic that will go with every party outfit in your wardrobe.
2. THE SLIP DRESS + SLINGBACKS
Long may the reign of the slip dress continue. This '90s staple in noughties shades with 2010s party energy is still a favourite for the 2020s.
A printed shoe adds detail to a block-coloured outfit, and this open-toe slingback has Carrie Bradshaw written all over it.
Events are the best time to get experimental with jewellery. To make a statement, the bigger the better.
3. THE EMBELLISHED JACKET + MINISKIRT
Going out means going all out, and this manages to combine fringing, sparkle and boucle in one unforgettable evening jacket.
The '90s may have given us column skirts, but the millennium was all about the mini. The micro skirt is back on our radar after a brief hiatus, and we're welcoming its return.
Let's be honest: When it comes to parties, there's no such thing as too much crystal.
4. THE SLOUCHY SUIT + CAMI TOP
Consider this the power suit 2.0. Gone are the giant shoulder pads and pencil skirts, and in their place is relaxed, fluid tailoring in an oversized fit.
We might be wearing white tank tops during the day, but for the evening, we'll be reaching for a camisole top for layering.
With a wide-leg trouser, you'll need a shoe that can hold its own, and a square-toed mule always makes an impact.
5. THE SHORTS SUIT + MULES
If you're ready to fully embrace the bare-legged season, swap your slouchy suit for shorts. This versatile set can be worn with flat sandals for everyday wear and dressed up with a heel for occasions.
If you thought summer meant espadrille wedges, think again. The new mules are glossy, bold, and ready to party.
6. THE TUXEDO DRESS + STATEMENT HEELS
Put a glamorous spin on the tuxedo suit with a refined minidress.
Animal print will add a point of interest to an all-black outfit.
Elevate your everyday hoops with a diamanté drop style.
7. THE ONE-SHOULDER TOP + LEATHER MINISKIRT
Loved by every It girl in the '90s and 2000s, the understated one-shoulder top is best paired with a luxe mini.
The classic leather skirt just got a studded upgrade.
Dancing shoes that deserve to be seen.
8. THE LACE DRESS + TAILORED BLAZER
Toughen up a delicate lace dress with a boxy blazer for an easy wedding-guest outfit.
Every fashion editor has a camel blazer in their wardrobe, but as soon as summer hits, change it for a weather-accommodating white version.
A strappy heel low enough to be comfortable, too.
9.THE SATIN DRESS + PLATFORM HEELS
There's nothing not to love about this universally flattering shade of blue, but our favourite thing about this dress is the strategic front and back cut-outs.
These platforms have a retro feel worthy of Studio 54.
A necklace that proves that statement jewellery isn't just confined to earrings.
10. THE JUMPSUIT + MULES
Partywear isn't all dresses. Make an entrance they won't forget in a feather and crystal jumpsuit.
An elegant, satin mule is the perfect shoe to slip off at the end of a very well spent evening.
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