Event dressing, party dressing, dressing up, being smart, it’s an area of style that can throw many of us off kilter, including myself. It can be particularly tricky if, like me, you’re naturally someone who dresses quite casually. The stumbling block is not losing a sense of ‘self’ through trying to look event appropriate.

Wedding guest dressing would be a good place to start. My rule of thumb is that as long as you look like you have made an effort, you do not need to get bogged down by ideas of what you ‘should’ be wearing. Generally speaking, the best dressed guests that I have witnessed, always look extremely comfortable in what they are wearing and their ‘smart’ outfit is an extension of their usual style and personality.

The other thing that I would say is try not to fall into the trap of buying an expensive dress that you don’t even like all that much and may never wear again. Renting an outfit is an extremely good option (this is a very comprehensive list by Elle Magazine), otherwise think about the longevity of the outfit that you buy. A two piece (trousers or skirt) is often very successful. My shirt and trouser combo here would be brilliant for wearing throughout the summer. The shirt with shorts or jeans and the trousers with a t-shirt for dinner with friends.

Mum’s dress is plenty smart enough for any wedding that I have been to and with a pair of leather sandals, would look gorgeous in the evening on holiday. We chose to show you the look with flat velvet slippers as well as the heeled wedges so that you can get a sense of how the dress works with both.

If a hat was required then - for mum’s outfit - I would pick up the berry red of the trim on her waistband and go for something simple like this and then tie the colour in with your shoes…. these would work well. For my outfit, this would look very dramatic, otherwise this would be lovely for a more understated look.

Shoes. If you’re going to a party this summer, spare a thought for your feet. If the event is on grass and/or the day is going to be long, I would recommended wearing wedges or a block heel - alternatively wear flats!

To this end, I would like to talk to you about these tan suede wedges. I can hands down say that I have never worn a more comfortable heeled shoe. The sole is padded - yes, you heard me right, PADDED! So it’s like walking on two little cushions. If you have various dates in your diary that require a smarter shoe then look no further than these sandals. The tan suede is a very versatile combination in terms of going with lots of different outfits, the chunkiness will keep more feminine outfits looking a bit ‘cooler’ and the platform means that you don’t feel like you are wearing high heels (leaving you free to dance the night away!). They’d also look wicked with jeans for everyday life.

Alternatively, mum’s espadrille wedges have long been a firm favourite of mine for summer parties. This pair are by Castaner who make the best version of this shoe in my opinion - but, the high street do good versions. The reason why I like Castaner over other options is their choice of colours is perfection and their cut is incredibly elegant. They also offer different heel heights. So these here are the 80mm but I own the 60mm and they are very easy to wear. Also, no slowly sinking into the perfectly mown grass as your stiletto submerges below the turfed surface.

The blue velvet slippers are by Flabelus - a new favourite of ours. If you visit their website (or better still, their shop in London) it is like being in a sweetie shop. The colours are exquisite! It also feels like you’re literally wearing your slippers out. (I was advised to size up as they come up quite small). If however this brand is out of your budget then Zara and Pull & Bear are doing some good looking dupes.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEX MOONEY

SUE WEARS…

Dress, £275, Daydress

Blazer, £143, Maison Hotel at Mercantile London

Velvet slippers, £109, Flabelus

Espadrille wedges, £100, Castaner

Red glasses, £150, (colour, Madder) Cubitts

HANNAH WEARS…

Blouse, £102, Maison Hotel at Mercantile London

Trousers, £112, Maison Hotel at Mercantile London

Blazer, as above

Beaded bag, £159, M.A.B.E. at Mercantile London

Suede wedges, £159, Penelope Chilvers

Sardine pendant necklace, £59, Plumo

-STYLE EDIT-

Wedding guest dressing….some ideas.