Learn 5 Ways To Get the Best Fit From Your Occasionwear
Finding occasionwear that fits beautifully — and makes you feel confident — can be surprisingly tricky. Whether you're dressing for a wedding, a formal event, or a special celebration, the right fit makes all the difference. Here are five expert tips to help you get the best fit from your occasionwear every time.
1. Dress for the Occasion You're Attending
It's important not to under- or overdress for any special occasion. If you're attending as the mother of the bride or groom, for example, wearing something too plain risks you being overlooked on a day when you deserve to shine. Always consider the formality of the event and dress accordingly — the right level of occasion-appropriateness will make you feel confident and appropriate from the moment you arrive.
Browse our formal dresses for special occasions to find styles suited to every event.
2. Wear What You Can See Yourself Wearing
Part of the reason we buy clothes is to boost our confidence. If you find an outfit that looks beautiful on the hanger but makes you fidget, squirm, or feel uncomfortable when you put it on, you won't truly enjoy wearing it. Our advice: choose a dress or suit that the moment you put it on, you love both how it looks and how it feels. Comfort and confidence go hand in hand.
3. Don't Worry Too Much About the Size Label
One of the most common challenges we see is customers fixating on fitting into a specific size, even when a different size fits them better. The truth is that occasionwear and wedding clothing suppliers size their garments differently — a size that fits you perfectly from one brand may not be the same size from another.
Our advice is to focus on how the dress fits your body, not what the label says. A dress that fits you well in a larger size will always look better than one that's too tight in your preferred size.
4. Be Mindful of the Colours You Choose
Colour choice is one of the most underestimated aspects of occasionwear. You may have a colour in mind, but once you try it on, it may not complement your skin tone — or you may simply feel uncomfortable wearing it. Always try before you commit.
Colours we've found work beautifully across a wide range of skin tones include neutral shades such as beige, gold, ivory, and black. If you'd like to incorporate a bolder or more unusual colour, we recommend keeping the main dress and jacket in a neutral tone and using your chosen colour for accessories instead.
Pro tip: Let the main dress and jacket be a neutral colour (beige, gold, ivory, or black), then use your colour of choice for your hat, fascinator, shoes, or clutch bag.
5. Wear Clothes That Accentuate Your Shape
The silhouette of your dress will either highlight or conceal parts of your body — and the goal is always to feel your best. Choose a style that shows off the parts of your figure you love, and provides coverage where you'd prefer it. Avoid dresses that are too tight, as they can draw attention to areas you'd rather keep understated. A well-chosen silhouette will make you look and feel elegant from every angle.
Explore our dress and jacket sets — a classic silhouette that flatters a wide range of body shapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size occasionwear to order?
Always measure yourself before ordering and compare your measurements to the brand's specific size guide, as sizing varies between suppliers. Focus on fit rather than the number on the label — a dress that fits your body well will always look better, regardless of size.
What colours are most flattering for occasionwear?
Neutral tones such as gold, ivory, beige, and navy tend to be universally flattering and photograph beautifully. If you want to wear a bolder colour, use it in your accessories rather than the main garment to keep the look balanced.
How should occasionwear fit?
Occasionwear should feel comfortable and allow you to move freely — you'll likely be wearing it for several hours. It should skim your body rather than cling, sit smoothly across the shoulders, and not require constant adjustment. If you're pulling at it or feeling restricted, it's not the right fit.
What should I wear as the mother of the bride or groom?
As the mother of the bride or groom, you want to look elegant and occasion-appropriate without outshining the bridal party. A coordinated dress and jacket set in a complementary colour to the wedding palette is a classic and flattering choice. Read our full guide on what the mother of the bride is supposed to wear.