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This Is Where Cool Girls Are Buying Their Occasion Looks Right Now

There's more to event season than a floral dress - and these timelessly cool staples from ARKET prove it. Get ready to wear on repeat all summer long. 

I’m a firm believer than no one should buy a wedding guest outfit with the understanding of only wearing it for one day. Same goes for the races, garden parties, holiday dinners out and any other kind of summer soiree, regardless of their varying dress codes. Over the past few years, I've made a conscious effort to get more wear out of the pieces I buy for events, meaning that while they should make me feel lifted and sensational on the day, they should only be purchased with longevity in mind. Will this piece feel fresh a few years down the line, and will I be able to wear it more than once this year? Trends are all well and good, but if the answer is no, then I’m afraid there’s a good chance it will be left in my wish list and never see the light of day.

This ties nicely in with the fact that generally, traditional occasion outfits are on the out – as is blinding shopping trends for the sake of it. Where once it was strictly lace and florals at a wedding, for example, now we’re now introducing cooler outfits such as suits, slips and even separates into the mix – all items that you’ll wear again on repeat. As such, our options for getting dressed up are endless – a concept that can feel overwhelming at times, particularly if you have an event-packed summer ahead. So where can you go to find the kind of occasionwear you can wear again and again? As it turns out, the same place I go for all my timeless buys: ARKET.

The notion of a timeless wardrobe is fundamental to ARKET. Their designs are created to transcend seasons, meaning everything is built to last in simplistic styles that won’t date. While I rely on them heavily for premium staples – my beige blazer has been styled over everything I own, while their linen offering is second to none IMO – it's also a destination for some of the coolest occasionwear on the high street right now. First and foremost, the overall mood of their event offering is super relaxed and un-constricting – something I appreciate in 30 degree heat when I’m angsty and haven’t had more than a canapé in hours. Dresses are slinky and understated, in elegant fabrics ranging from cotton to cupro. Oversized linen shirts come with the option of accompanying longline shorts, easily dressed up with a vest and heeled sandals for a laidback alternative to tailoring. It’s all around expertly-crafted basics that you can dress up or down, day or night – the cornerstone ethos for a wardrobe that will never grow old. Ideal for events where you’ll be looking back at the pictures in a few years.

Below I've picked a selection from ARKET summer 2022 collection that can be worn at big summer events and beyond. All as effortless as the next and ready to live a life long after the carriages depart. 

Discover the ARKET summer collection

Lime As You Like

Words cannot describe how much I'm obsessing over this colour: the perfect midway between neon and muted. All wrapped up in the most nonchalant crinkled fabric. Not only is it made from plastic waste such as used PET bottles, o help reduce waste products and lessen the use of oil-based raw materials, but the pre-wrinkled effect makes this perfect for carelessly packing in a suitcase. 

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Linen Essentials

A beautiful alternative to a dress, this breathable linen blazer feels so expensive - it has a raw, natural feel that honestly could be designer. I love the beige with the matching shorts, accentuated with a pop of vibrant colour but if you're brave enough, the bold green colourway is good for the soul.

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Bigger, Bolder, Brighter

See, I told you it was too good to resist. Start with the linen shorts and a plain white vest, before moving up to the all-green outfit with the co-ordinating shirt and blazer.

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The Chic Set

For a while, jumpsuits were the cool girls' alternative to dresses. Now, it's chic separates such as these. This satin wide leg trouser and co-ordinating top will glisten under a summer sun, but would look incredible at a winter event too with all black accessories.

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The Ultimate Slip Dress

For a simple piece such as a slip, it all comes down to the details. The bias-cut gives a slight stretch and a beautiful drape to the lustrous Naia™ fabric, while the tie details on the shoulder are what sets it apart from your average high street dress.

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Any Hour Glamour

Business at the front, party at the back - this hot pink cotton maxi will work around the clock.

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Top To Toe

Style together for a sharp playsuit effect, or wear open layered over a vest for something more casual - the options are endless with this 100% linen shirt and drawstring shorts.

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Wear Everywhere

Quite simply, an excellent all-rounder. Just add a strappy heel and a sleek up-do for easy day to evening elegance.

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Simply Perfect

There's something to be said for daringly minimal looks at big events - this lilac calf-length dress is so laidback it hurts. Keep accessories neutral and your make-up natural and glowing to really play it up.

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The Pop Party Dress

Crafted from a soft Tencel© lyocell blend, this A-line dress features a beautiful, voluminous drape that feels super playful - great for evening-only wedding receptions and day events.

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The Understated Superstar

Don't be put off by the casual look and feel of this seersucker maxi. Add a bold lip, done hair and your jangliest gold jewellery and you have a knockout look for holiday dinners, garden parties and more.

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Discover the ARKET summer collection