FASHION
THE OCCASIONWEAR TRENDS WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF
By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 30 March 2026
Spring is the season of occasions. Occasions filled with individual moments that have the potential to become core memories. The official definition of a moment is a ‘brief period of time’, and if you ask us – that's the perfect invitation to go all-out with your style. Because you always remember moments by way of the outfit you were wearing. It might be a wedding, providing the perfect excuse for you to unleash your glam side, or maybe it's simply a date night where you can dress as smart or casual as you like.
Thanks to our latest edit, you can make any moment an occasion. From high-glam embellishments to versatile neutrals, these are the top four occasionwear trends of SS26 – all you need to do is RSVP.
#1: EMBELLISHMENTS
Picture: Getty
Alana Haim at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, 2026.
ARRANGE embellished sequin cami midi dress with full skirt, £220
Pared back is so last season. This spring, our mantra is ‘more is more’. From sequins to fringing, embellishment is the ultimate occasionwear hero. Hear the clinking of clashing metals or see a flash of fringe in your peripheral vision? Those are the signs of a truly statement look. Unsurprisingly, countless A-listers swear by a generous dose of decorative detail – after all, nothing screams red-carpet glamour quite like embellishments. This year's Oscars was a prime example. Whether it's a wedding invite or a summer holiday, memories are guaranteed in these looks.
#2: CO-ORDS
ASOS DESIGN satin longline shirt in pinstripe co ord, £34
If you’re after the simplest way to turn heads this spring, look no further than a co-ord. They’re bonafide gamechangers for your wardrobe, offering instant style points with minimal effort. These duos (and trios) are ready-made – just pop them on, accessorise, head out and enjoy the spotlight. We're seeing co-ords arriving in a plethora of hues, playful prints and modern cuts for SS26, each made to serve every invite on your schedule. Even if work is the only thing on your agenda right now, this checked duo still injects some fun into your office-ready rotation.
#3: PASTELS
Picture: Getty
Bella Hadid at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, 2026.
Gina Tricot satin halterneck maxi dress in light blue, £60
No matter how you like to wear them, pastels are the perfect way to refresh your spring style. Break up neutrals with a splash of soft colour, or drench yourself in a pastel palette from head to toe. Recent red carpets have been awash with dreamy shades – just look at Bella Hadid for proof – offering a certain understated elegance we can’t get enough of. And neither will your occasionwear wardrobe.
#4: NEUTRALS
Pictures: ASOS
ASOS DESIGN cinch waist zip through jacket in camel, £65
If you tend to lean more understated with your occasionwear, look to neutrals. This season, blending mid-tones like oatmeal, beige and chocolate brown is the move. This colour-drenching approach results in a modern, dimensional look. And don’t worry about finding the perfect pieces – this edit is overflowing with neutral dresses, accessories and basics to suit every mood. Plus, neutrals are about as versatile as it gets in the wardrobe department, so you can rest assured your new styles will work just as hard from spring to summer, and from one setting to the next.
