Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

04.29.23

Around this time of year I always get asked, “What do you wear to more formal events?” and since I’ve got a few on my summer calendar it felt like the perfect time to share my answers!

Last week I posted a fun styling reel in partnership with Poppy Barley, an incredible Canadian accessories brand to bookmark. I created three looks for summer occasions (think weddings, showers and engagement parties) featuring their new Harley Heeled Sandal and the Day To Night Bag, both of which are incredibly functional, versatile and expertly crafted.

Today I’m sharing those three looks in a bit more detail along with three additional outfits I put together.

Read on for 6 looks for summer occasions that span from cocktails on a patio to champagne toasts at a wedding. At the end of the post you’ll also find a quick list of places to shop (or rent) for your own special occasion pieces.


This post is not sponsored but the reel I created for the launch was. The accessories featured were gifted as part of the partnership.

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you decide to shop through the links included, I may earn commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always my own and I only share items I love and think you might too. Thanks for supporting Style Bee!


LOOK 1

Let’s begin with this long sleeved luxurious silk maxi dress that floats like a wisp of air. I love this look for engagement events, rehearsal dinners and just about any evening occasion that calls for elegance and comfort.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

This dress is an old gem from DÔEN and they continue to create some of the most beautiful romantic dresses I’ve come across. Do consider searching resale sites like Poshmark and Depop as they can often be found for much less.


Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

I like to wear my Noemi drop pearl earrings with this dress and I love how the lip colour Fringe works with the deep burgundy in the print.

In this instance I wore the Day to Night Bag with the adjustable leather strap. I love how the oatmeal leather brings out the same tone in the dress.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

SHOP LOOK 1: PRINTED SILK DRESS old DÔEN | NOEMI PEARL EARRINGS by Cadette | HARLEY HEELED SANDAL POPPY BARLEY I sized up 1/2 size, other colours available | DAY TO NIGHT BAG POPPY BARLEY


LOOK 2

I love a statement jumpsuit for summer weddings and have been wearing them for years. Jumpsuits are a playful take on a more serious dress with a nod to suiting and I always just feel a little bit more myself in one. I love how this emerald green pairs with cream tones and gold.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

This jumpsuit is an old one from Reformation but they currently offer the ALVA Jumpsuit in the same deep green, the LUNA Jumpsuit in a brighter green (or a gorgeous print) and the OVERLAND in a green linen if that’s more your vibe. I’d also explore the Winslow Dress, which has a similar sleeve and neckline but with a long wrap skirt instead of pants.


Since this jumpsuit is fairly minimal in texture and detail I love adding interest through a raffia statement earring and incorporating lots of gold accents like my curb chain bracelet and the curb chain strap on the Day to Night Bag.

For special occasions I opt for a neutral nail polish with a tiny bit of iridescence to help a simple look feel a touch more glam.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

SHOP LOOK 2: JUMPSUIT old REFORMATION (similar here, here and here in dress form) | GOLD RAFFIA EARRINGS | HARLEY HEELED SANDAL POPPY BARLEY I sized up 1/2 size, other colours available | DAY TO NIGHT BAG POPPY BARLEY


LOOK 3

Whenever I’m in doubt about what to wear to a dressier event, I reach for my black wrap dress. This piece has been in my closet for a couple of years now and it’s the kind of dress you can easily dress up for a wedding or down for a nice dinner out. I personally love a black dress with a bright red lip and classic accessories like tortoise earrings and a cream clutch.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

This dress is an old style from Christy Dawn and they do the most beautiful feminine styles. Explore the Brooklyn Dress, the Florentine Dress and the Rosemary Dress for similar option to my black Augusta wrap dress.


Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

When I wear a black dress I like to pair it with my Kate Tortoise Hoop earrings and a bright red lip like Thrillest from Kosas.

In this case I felt the Day To Night Bag worn as a clutch would be best to keep the look feeling refined and elegant.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

SHOP LOOK 3: AUGUSTA DRESS old CHRISTY DAWN (similar here) | TORTOISE KATE EARRINGS MACHETE | HARLEY HEELED SANDAL POPPY BARLEY I sized up 1/2 size, other colours available | DAY TO NIGHT BAG POPPY BARLEY


LOOK 4

To switch things up I sometimes like to opt for a silky set (or slip dress) under a chic blazer. It’s a bit more casual but still very sophisticated and elegant. I love this option for a dressy brunch, showers and engagement parties.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

My silk set is old from Elizabeth Suzann but The Sleep Shirt, a Canadian-made line, currently has a beautiful taupe set (top and pants use STYLEBEE for 20% off) that would create a similar effect.


Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

An easy way to elevate a look like this is to wear your blazer over your shoulders. Plus, then you don’t have to worry about creases on your sleeves!

Don’t be afraid to layer ivory and cream tones in a look. As long as they all have warm undertones they’ll mix together nicely.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

SHOP LOOK 4: SILK SET old ELIZABETH SUZANN (similar top and pants use STYLEBEE for 20% off) | IVORY BLAZER EVERLANE | HARLEY HEELED SANDAL POPPY BARLEY I sized up 1/2 size, other colours available | DAY TO NIGHT BAG POPPY BARLEY


LOOK 5

For less formal events like a cocktail party, bachelorette evening or a backyard wedding I often reach for a floral mini dress. This one is perfect for hot days and nights when I need to dress up without overheating.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

This mini dress is an old find from Faithfull The Brand. They do such delightful dresses and sets in all sorts of bright hues and fun prints.


Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Whenever I wear a short dress, I opt for a pair of black bike shorts underneath. You never know when the wind will pick up!

For this look I decided to play with layering and kept both straps on the Day to Night bag. I also wore my two pendant necklaces and when paired with the ditsy floral print all the elements feel fun and youthful.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

SHOP LOOK 5: MINI FLORAL DRESS old FAITHFULL the BRAND | HARLEY HEELED SANDAL POPPY BARLEY I sized up 1/2 size, other colours available | DAY TO NIGHT BAG POPPY BARLEY | MY GOLD JEWELRY CAPSULE


LOOK 6

Last but never least, we have my all-time favourite dress to dance and celebrate in. A printed maxi dress is another fail-safe option for all the summer occasions on your calendar. I’ve worn this one all over the world for different events and it never lets me down.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

This one is The Basil Dress, an old style from Christy Dawn. If you love it, I would look at The Brooklyn and The Katarina, which are similar styles. I’m also infatuated with all the dresses from Daughters of India and the price point is more approachable.


Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

I love how the double strap works in with scenario too. The cream leather matched the cream in the block print for a subtle hint of repetition.

When I’m wearing a lot of print in a look I tend to keep everything else minimal so that it doesn’t feel too busy. A lean colour palette and simple gold accents are just enough to make it feel intentional.

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

Style Bee - 6 OUTFIT IDEAS FOR SUMMER OCCASIONS FROM COCKTAIL TO FORMAL

SHOP LOOK 6: BASIL MAXI DRESS old CHRISTY DAWN | HARLEY HEELED SANDAL POPPY BARLEY I sized up 1/2 size, other colours available | DAY TO NIGHT BAG POPPY BARLEY | MY GOLD JEWELRY CAPSULE


WHERE TO SHOP FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

FITZROY RENTALS

(Canada-wide shipping)

PARK & FIFTH

(great price points, made in Vancouver)

REFORMATION

FAITHFULL THE BRAND

CHRISTY DAWN

DÔEN

ULLA JOHNSON

POPPY BARLEY

(For Shoes and Accessories)


Thanks so much for tuning in!

I hope this post gives you some ideas for your next summer occasion and points you in the direction of any pieces you may be looking for.

Most importantly though, the key to having a great time at any summer event is feeling confident and comfortable in whatever you’re wearing!

One thing I’ve learned from wearing the same things over and over is that few people will remember what you wore and those who do are often excited to see it again!

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Alice says:

    I didn’t think I was a white accessories type of person but seeing them styled here I can definitely see myself incorporating them in the future! Also wanted to say wow I have that Doen dress and had forgotten I originally bought it after seeing it here…still love it all these years later! So thanks for the curated closet you share here 🙂

  2. Ashleigh says:

    Oh my gosh! That green jumpsuit is EVERYTHING! I love the color and you styled it so gorgeously. Seriously jaw-dropping!

  3. Nicole says:

    These are all sooooo good, but that Doen dress is such a GEM! I’ve coveted it from the first time I saw it on your blog and have been searching for it or something similar since – sadly to no avail :(. If you ever see it for sale second hand or something similar, let me know!
    I was also recently contemplating getting the day to night bag, and seeing it in action and pairing well with so many outfits is definitely making me think I should go for it. Thanks!

  4. Kristen says:

    I love all of these looks and love your vibe. I’ve been a reader for a long time and you’ve helped me refine my personal style a lot. Have you ever done a round-up of your bag/purse/clutch collection? I’ve done a really good job of streamlining my closet and now I’d like to pay attention to some more bags than just my beat up totes and backpacks. Curious if you have any advice in this area. Thank you!

  5. Each of these looks is so beautiful – but I think I love the green jumpsuit the very most! Since some of these may be worn less frequently than the rest of your wardrobe, how do you store your “special occasion” garments?