As spring settles in and the social calendar fills, the arrival of event season calls for one essential wardrobe update, occasionwear. From garden parties to black-tie galas, long lunches to cocktail soirées, dressing for the moment is both an art and an opportunity for expression. At Camargue, we celebrate this spirit of dressing up, curating collections from the world’s most distinctive designers to help you navigate every dress code with ease and elegance.
Whether your invitation reads smart casual or black tie, consider this your guide to mastering every event this season, with timeless pieces and modern details that ensure you’re never underdressed, nor overdressed, just effortlessly refined.
The Cocktail Code
Few dress codes are as open to interpretation as cocktail attire. Sitting between formal and semi-formal, the key to this look lies in balance, polished but not overly elaborate, sophisticated yet playful.
A cocktail dress remains a perennial choice, but modern interpretations favour sleek tailoring, interesting textures, and bold accessories. Look to Dries Van Noten for sculptural silhouettes and rich prints, or La DoubleJ for a burst of joyful colour and pattern that captures the essence of spring evenings. A midi-length dress in silk or satin paired with minimal heels and a statement earring strikes the perfect note of ease and glamour.
Alternatively, tailored separates can redefine cocktail dressing. A softly structured blazer from styled over a fluid slip skirt, lends a contemporary edge. Finish the look with metallic accents or jewellery from panconesi, whose sculptural pieces add a touch of effortless opulence.
Style Tip: Opt for luxe fabrics, think silk, satin, or organza, and play with contrast: structured tailoring paired with something fluid and feminine creates a modern cocktail statement.
Black Tie: The Art of Evening Elegance
When the invitation specifies black tie, it’s an opportunity to embrace formality with a sense of drama. This is the moment for floor-grazing gowns, refined detailing, and elevated accessories. Yet, black tie today doesn’t always demand tradition, it invites personality and polish in equal measure.
For a contemporary take, explore Sofie D'Hoore or JW Anderson whose eveningwear redefines classic silhouettes. A minimalist approach, a sleek black column dress or a sculptural gown, can feel just as striking as something more ornate, especially when styled with refined jewellery and a bold clutch.
If gowns aren’t your inclination, a tailored tuxedo or fluid evening jumpsuit can be equally appropriate. Pair with heels, statement earrings, and a red lip for a feminine finish.
Style Tip: Black tie doesn’t have to mean black. Jewel tones, metallics, and soft blush hues are equally at home under the evening lights. Focus on balance, let one element shine, whether it’s silhouette, fabric, or embellishment.
Smart Casual: Elevated Ease
The most ambiguous dress code of all, smart casual sits at the intersection of comfort and refinement. It’s ideal for daytime events, luncheons, or gallery openings, settings where polish matters, but formality isn’t the goal.
The foundation of a smart casual wardrobe lies in tailoring and texture. Lightweight linen or crisp cotton trousers paired with a button up blouse from Toteme or Victoria Beckham create an effortlessly chic ensemble. Alternatively, a midi skirt and knit tank offer a relaxed yet refined silhouette. Add minimalist accessories, leather slides, fine gold jewellery, and an oversized tote, for a finish that feels composed but not contrived.
Style Tip: When in doubt, refine rather than embellish. Polished simplicity reads as confidence, choose high-quality fabrics, tonal palettes, and impeccable tailoring.
The Garden Party Edit
Spring’s signature occasion, the garden party, is where femininity meets freedom. Think soft fabrics, pastel tones, and effortless silhouettes that move with the breeze. The goal is to feel put-together without looking overly considered.
Floral prints are a natural choice, but this season, look beyond the expected. Otzio reimagines botanicals with bold, graphic prints and contemporary cuts, while Julia Heuer's use of sculptural form and unexpected colour combinations brings modern art to the garden setting. A flowing midi dress or wide-leg trousers with a cotton poplin blouse make for a polished yet breathable outfit.
Footwear should be practical enough for grass, block heels, wedges, or chic flats ensure comfort without compromising style. Add a sun hat or statement sunglasses for the final touch.
Style Tip: Keep fabrics natural, cotton, linen, or silk, and let accessories add a hint of sophistication. A raffia clutch or woven bag nods to the season’s tactile sensibility.
The Finishing Touches
Across all dress codes, accessories are where personality truly shines. Jewellery from Dévé and Sophie Buhai offers refined minimalism and sculptural design, while A.Emery sandals bring understated polish to any look. A statement bag, perhaps from Zilla or Kokyo ties everything together.
When dressing for events, the goal is not to adhere rigidly to rules but to express your personal style within them. Dressing up should feel joyful, a ritual of transformation and confidence. The key lies in understanding proportion, silhouette, and occasion, and choosing pieces that make you feel both comfortable and considered.
Your Event Season, Styled by Camargue
From the understated elegance of black tie to the effortless charm of a garden party, Camargue offers a curation of designers who redefine occasionwear for the modern woman. Whether you gravitate toward the expressive prints of La DoubleJ or the sculptural minimalism of Lemaire, discover timeless pieces that move effortlessly through the season’s many invitations.
Visit us in-store or online to explore new arrivals and find the perfect ensemble for every event on your calendar, because dressing well is, after all, an event in itself.