Be The Best Dressed Guest With This Gorgeous Occasion Wear Edit

Rejoice: events season is kicking off! And, while we relish any excuse to go all out and get dressed up, often the panic over what to wear is induced the moment you RSVP. Sound familiar? Us too. In good news, there are plenty of dress-up trends to get excited about. Will you flash some clavicle in a shoulder-skimming dress? Or how about letting your earrings do the talking with bold, chandelier styles in XL shapes? In some circles, the opera glove has been reinvented and is all the rage for summer, will you try it? Or what about the of-the-moment strappy heels? (Those with a block heel are the perfect level of comfort required for a wedding, we think.)

Nailing your occasion look has never been easier either. Step up, Kildare Village which is a haven for all of your occasion wear needs – whether you’re craving a statement LBD, looking for perfect suiting, or in search of a whimsical floral dress that’s the last word in romance. The array of fabulous Irish and international boutiques, with super savings to be had, offers a host of dressy options for the events season, whether you’re attending a wedding, heading to the races or enjoying a garden party.

For the best in Irish design turn to Curated by Design Centre, a hub for homegrown talent where runway collections from Paul Costelloe, striking dresses in elegant, fluid shapes by Róisín Linnane and suiting by Catriona Hanly sit next to a new millinery range by Belfast designer Grainne Maher. Meanwhile, stylish mothers of the brides (and grooms!) will gravitate towards Louise Kennedy, where classic fabrications like tweed are remixed in ultra-flattering dress shapes that are not only chic but will inspire confidence.

Younger guests are catered for at The Kooples, where guys and girls will be suited and booted in razor-sharp Gallic styles. Right now, the array of pretty dresses is second to none, from cross-over printed mini-dresses in decadent florals to elegant pleats and midi-styles for that timeless nod to elegance. For the guys, look to the tailored-fit suits which range from classic navy to more adventurous micro-checks, however if you’re really after a style statement we’d advise channelling Harry Styles and investing in the brand’s classic collar shirt with a bouquet print – it’s got a certain je ne sais quoi. Equally, at THE GLOSS favourite BA&SH, bohemian prints and Sarah Jessica Parker-inspired metallic sandals are key.

Dressing for la dolce vita? Eleventy offers the best in Milanese style for men and women. Tip: best dressed guests will snap up the men’s tailoring. At fellow Italian brand Pinko, there’s a chic throwback to the 1990s with slinky slip dresses and minimal blazers: the perfect wedding guest uniform, if you ask us. Add a quilted shoulder bag from the brand’s accessories range to complete the look. Lastly, don’t complete your shopping trip without a visit to the newly upgraded LK Bennett boutique at Kildare Village. The accessible luxury brand is a veritable staple for wedding and races outfits, so don’t miss your chance to shop it at a superb price. There’s pretty collared blouses, classic point-toe pumps and stunning floral dresses you’ll want to wear on repeat.

Kildare Village is open from 9am to 7pm daily. For further information visit the Kildare Village website, or follow @kildarevillage. 

Polka dot dress, RRP €515, Village price €257, at LK Bennett.

Long-line collarless jacket, RRP €450, Village price €295, at Pinko.

Tatum tweed dress, RRP €2,995, Village price €1,995, at Louise Kennedy.

Button detail jacket, RRP €350, Village price €233, at LK Bennett. 

Adele blazer, RRP €225, Village price, €150.75, at Reiss.

Callie dress, RRP €580, Village price, €387 at LK Bennett.