Dress Occasion Guide
The right dress depends as much on the occasion as your taste. This hub matches dress styles to common occasions so you can dress the code with confidence. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Formal and events
Wedding Guest
A smart midi or maxi that respects a wedding dress code.
What to wear
A knee-length, midi or maxi dress in a refined fabric suits a wedding, avoiding white and very short hems.
Why it works
It reads considered and appropriate while still feeling special. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Black Tie
A formal floor-length or elegant midi for the dressiest events.
What to wear
Black tie calls for a maxi or a refined column dress in satin, crepe or lace.
Why it works
The length and fabric meet the most formal dress code.
Cocktail
A knee-to-midi occasion dress for evening parties.
What to wear
A cocktail dress sits at knee or midi length in an occasion fabric, dressier than daywear but not floor-length.
Why it works
It hits the middle ground between smart and formal.
Work and smart
Office
A tailored sheath or shirt dress for the workplace.
What to wear
A sheath, shirt or A-line dress at knee length in a structured fabric suits most offices.
Why it works
It looks professional and holds a clean line through the day. Browse women's dresses (/collections/womens-dresses).
Smart Casual
A polished but relaxed dress for events with a soft dress code.
What to wear
A wrap or midi dress in crepe or viscose reads smart casual, dressier than jeans but easy to wear.
Why it works
It covers most gatherings that are not fully formal.
Day and casual
Holiday
A light, easy dress for warm-weather travel.
What to wear
A maxi, smock or tiered dress in cotton or viscose suits holiday heat and packs light.
Why it works
It stays cool, moves easily and dresses up or down.
Everyday
A comfortable jersey or shirt dress for daily wear.
What to wear
A t-shirt, shift or shirt dress in jersey or cotton suits everyday errands and casual days.
Why it works
It is easy to wear and simple to care for.
Summer Event
A tea or midi dress for garden parties and daytime occasions.
What to wear
A tea dress or floral midi suits daytime summer events, often with a light print.
Why it works
It feels festive and seasonal without being formal.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a wedding as a guest?
A knee-length, midi or maxi dress in a refined fabric works for most weddings. Avoid white, cream or anything too short, and check the invitation for a dress code such as black tie or garden formal.
What is the difference between cocktail and black tie?
Cocktail dresses sit at knee or midi length in an occasion fabric. Black tie is dressier, usually calling for a floor-length maxi or an elegant column dress. Black tie is the more formal of the two.
What dress suits the office?
A tailored sheath, shirt or A-line dress at knee length in a structured fabric suits most workplaces. It looks professional and holds a clean line, unlike a clingy or very short style.