The Ultimate Guide to Men's & Women's Occasionwear

For the Dapper Gentlemen

Men’s occasionwear is all about balancing clean lines and sharp tailoring with the right tones and textures to create an effortless yet striking appearance. Below, our Joe Browns stylists have picked out the key components to build out your capsule wardrobe for formal events. 

The Classic Suit

Timeless tailoring is the epitome of occasionwear for fashion-savvy men; every gent needs a classic suit in his wardrobe! Opt for a tailored fit in timeless colours like navy, charcoal, brown or black. These shades are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For daytime events or summer soirees, consider lighter hues such as pastel blue, salmon or beige for a fresh, sophisticated look that’s in keeping with the season. 

Joe’s Top Tip: Stand out in the crown by opting for a striking tie knot, such as the Windsor Knot, to add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to your ensemble.

Crisp Shirts

A well-fitted shirt is a must-have. Classic white and blue shirts are incredibly versatile, while pastel shades and subtle prints can add a touch of character. Ensure your shirt is well-pressed to maintain a polished look.

Joe’s Top Tip: Ensure your shirt is well ironed. A crease-free shirt conveys attention to detail and sharp style.

Smart Trousers

Finding the right style of trousers can make or break a slick ensemble. In most cases, we find you can’t go wrong with  slim or straight-cut tailored trousers that complement your build Traditional suit trousers or chinos in a variety of textures and colours can add depth to your outfit, making you look effortlessly stylish.

Don’t forget to consider trouser length - this will vary depending on the formality of the event in question.

Smart-Casual Attire:  For semi-formal events, such as summer soirees, garden parties, or birthday celebrations, ankle grazed length can give a laid-back look that’s still smart enough for the occasion. 

Formal Wear: For professional settings, such as business awards, galas, or seasonal weddings, we suggest always opting for full-length trousers, tailored to your measurements. 

At Joe Browns, our men’s suit trousers come in three lengths - short, regular and long - to ensure a perfect fit for your unique requirements. 

Need help finding your size? Visit our size chart for more information.

Statement Blazers

A statement blazer can instantly elevate your outfit. Whether you pair it with dark jeans for a smart-casual evening meal or with matching suit trousers for the full suave and sophisticated and look, blazers are one of the most versatile jacket’s to have in your collection.

When it comes to styling your blazer, opt for timeless checks to add a touch of handsome countryside elegance to your look or go for bold colours or a statement, textured jacket to add a unique twist to your ensemble. 

Joe’s Top Tip: Balance a funky shirt with neutral trousers to avoid clashing patterns and maintain a polished look.

Step out in Style in Fresh Footwear 

Shoes are the final touch that offset any ensemble. A pair of well-polished brogues or loafers in classic colours, such as black and brown are tried and tested choices that give a sophisticated finish. 

If you want to add a subtle pop of personality to your next occasionwear look, go for some bold, contrasting coloured socks so that the crowd can catch flashes of them when you sit down or hit the dance floor. This is a great alternative if a bold, funky shirt is a little too loud for your taste, but you still want to add accents of colour here and there to your outfit.

Accessorise with Finesse

When planning your next formal look, never underestimate the power of stylish accessorising. Ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks are small details that make a big difference. Not only do they add points of interest to break up a matching suited and booted look, but they also add notes of individuality to your ensemble, allowing you to express your unique style.

Don’t forget to carefully co-ordinate your accessories by considering patterns, tones and textures. 

Standout Occasionwear for Ladies

When dressing for special occasions, women have an array of stylish options that can make any event unforgettable.  At Joe Browns, we offer a stunning selection of dresses, jumpsuits, tailoring, and more, designed to make you feel confident and fabulous. 

Want to find out more? Keep reading to explore the key pieces and top tips to help you shine at your next event.

Perfect Dresses

From the timeless little black dress to vibrant, patterned maxi dresses, the key is to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and fabulous. Consider the event’s dress code and select a dress that flatters your figure and highlights your best features.

At Joe Browns, we have everything from beautiful flowing boho dresses to chic floral midi dresses and everything in between. Don’t forget to consider the seasonality of your event when it comes to choosing the perfect dress.

Opt for bright summery hues, such as pinks, oranges and yellows, for celebratory occasions, such as summer weddings. Then, in the winter, go for deep, rich shades, such as dark greens, navys and burgandys to match nature’s autumnal palette seamlessly. 

Looking for more winter wedding guest dress inspiration? Visit our guide on What to Wear to a Winter Wedding. 

Chic Jumpsuits

Although we’re all quick to think of dresses when it comes to ladies’ occasionwear, a sophisticated jumpsuit can be just as elegant when perfectly styled. Look for tailored styles with striking details, such as ruffles, gathered waist detailing or unique necklines to really make a statement at your upcoming event. 

Love a jumpsuit moment but can never find one that fits your petite frame? Say no more, we’ve got you covered! At Joe Browns we have a fabulous petite collection that has all the latest trends and styles you love, in perfectly petite sizes. 

Joe’s Top Tip: Jumpsuits make a great choice for formal events where you may wish to dress more modestly, such as church weddings or Christenings. 

For more style tips on this sort of outfit inspiration, read our guide on What to Wear to a Christening: Joe Browns Top Style Picks.

Elegant Separates

There’s no question that tailoring has become a cornerstone in women’s fashion as of recent years. However, why not break the mould and shake things up a bit? Instead of the traditional matching suits, opt for mismatched separates to create a truly unique ensemble. 

Pair a floaty blouse with a high-waisted skirt or tailored trousers to achieve a versatile and personalised look that stands out from the crowd. This approach not only adds an element of creativity to your wardrobe but also allows you to express your individuality with confidence and flair.

In need of a few more ways to style your favourite blazers? Visit our blog on How to Style a Blazer for Any Occasion.

Strut Your Stuff in Fabulous Footwear

Shoes can make or break an outfit, so it’s important to match your footwear accordingly with your outfit. Usually we’d recommend mix and matching bold accessories with elegant ensembles, but when it comes to footwear you want your shoes to be a seamless extension of your outfit, effortlessly tying everything together. 

Choose elegant heels or smart, stylish flats that complement delicate ensembles which are simplistic and understated.

For bolder looks, including standout floral dresses and vibrant jumpsuits, statement heels, such as metallics, bold colours, and embellished designs can add an extra wow factor to your look that’s in keeping with the overall maximilism style. 

Joe’s Top Tip: Even the comfiest heels can be notoriously painful after a full day on your feet, followed by hours on the dance floor. Invest in some invisible gel cushions to make your heels feel comfier for longer.  Alternatively, pop some blister plasters in your clutch, just in case!

Stylish Outer Layers

A chic coat or jacket is essential for winter occasions or cooler evenings in the spring and summer. If you want practicality that doesn’t compromise on style, a tailored blazer, a classic trench coat or a statement leather jacket can add a layer of sophistication to your outfit while keeping you warm.

Accessories are Key

Your choice of accessories provides the finishing touches that tie your entire outfit together, making it feel instantly more dimensional. Statement jewellery, a chic clutch, and a stylish hat or fascinator can elevate your look effortlessly. 

Don’t forget that your hairstyle and makeup are important components of your overall appearance. If you’re wearing a dress with a high neckline, opt for a glamorous updo to accentuate the flattering silhouette of the dress. 

For muted clothing colour palettes, don’t be afraid to bring these to life with bright lipstick and a vibrant matching shoes and bag combo to add a pop of personality and flair to your ensemble. 

Men’s & Women’s Occasionwear: Key Top Tips

With all the key fashion components covered, here are a few top tips worth remembering when it comes to looking and feeling your best at your next big celebration:

• Fit is Fundamental: No matter what you wear, the fit is crucial. Investing in alterations can ensure your clothes fit perfectly and enhance your overall look.

• Confidence is Key: Wear your outfit with confidence. The best accessory is a smile and the assurance that you look fantastic.

• Dress for the Occasion: Always consider the dress code and venue of the event. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, ensuring you feel appropriately attired.

• Add Personal Touches: Incorporate elements that reflect your individuality. Whether it’s an unusual accessory or a bold colour that you love to wear, make sure your outfit feels uniquely you.

Discover More Remarkable Clothing at Joe Browns

Now that you’re all clued up and feeling inspired to strut your stuff confidently, it’s time to find those show-stopping Joe Browns pieces to make you truly shine at your upcoming event! Explore our New Season Collection and find the perfect pieces to make every occasion memorable. 

Looking for more style inspiration? Visit our blog for all the latest tips and tricks from our fabulous in-house stylists.