Summer Occasionwear - 5 Dress Picks & Styling Tips

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of friend of the brand, Mary Jane Clarke's top picks for summer occasion wear and tips on how to style these pieces to create the perfect look for any event. Whether you're attending a wedding, garden party or just want to level up your summer wardrobe game, we have got you covered. 

Summer is here, and with it comes a whole host of social events that require the perfect outfit. But where do you start? Let us introduce good friend of the brand and Cefinn Siren, Mary Jane Clarke, who has flawlessly styled her favourite dresses from the collection for all her upcoming summer events.

"I love Cefinn’s new summer collection, full of pieces and styles that I know I will adore wearing. The collection is invigorated with new prints, bold colours and each piece is so pretty, perfect for the many events I am attending this year, including my friend’s English summer wedding and a day at the races. Amongst others, I was immediately drawn to the Voletta - it’s the perfect fit and I feel so confident wearing it. The dresses in this collection speak for themselves therefore accessorising them is easy - a pair of heels, some gold earrings and a clutch for my phone and lipgloss and I am on my way!" - Mary Jane

SHOP SUMMER OCCASIONWEAR

Day to dinner - The Petra Dress in Green Leopard Pansy

The Petra shirt dress with its Leopard Pansy print is the perfect dress to take you from day to dinner in style. Made from luxurious 100% silk, the dress has an elasticated back panel and a fixed waist-cinching sash that make it easy to wear while still providing a flattering fit.


Summer Garden Party - Daria Silk Dress in Hot Pink

The Daria dress is the perfect statement piece for any summer garden party. The bold and vibrant colour pop of the silk-blend material ensures that you'll stand out from the crowd. The classic pussy-bow midi style, coupled with the three-quarter-length raglan sleeves, is both elegant and timeless. The loose waist can be nipped in with the rouleaux loops for a more defined silhouette, while the side slits allow for ease of movement.
 
Pair the dress with suede pink heels to elongate the legs, and add a hint of lipstick for a touch of glamour. Alternatively, consider adding a wide-brimmed hat or a fascinator to complete the look. The Daria dress is a versatile option that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion, making it a wardrobe staple for any fashion-savvy individual.


Summer Wedding - The Voletta Dress in Multicolour Print

The Voletta maxi dress is the perfect dress for a summer wedding. The delicate viscose-georgette fabric, in the timeless large floral print, is both elegant and romantic. To elevate the look, pair the dress with back pointed heels, a matching clutch, and statement gold jewellery. The flattering empire line and pretty ruching details will accentuate the waist, while the softly shirred cuffs add a touch of femininity. Consider adding a wrap or shawl to keep warm during the evening. Its classic design and timeless print make it a dress you can wear for years to come, ensuring maximum style points all year round.

Day at the Races - The Irina in Green and White

The Irina dress is a stylish and elegant choice for a day at the races. The vibrant large floral print adds a pop of colour to your outfit, while the figure-flattering bias-cut silhouette ensures you feel confident and comfortable all day. Pair the dress with nude espadrille wedge and a matching crossbody to keep the focus on the dress. The pretty shirred details and tie-neck add a touch of femininity, making it the perfect outfit for an all day event. Accessorize with a wide-brimmed straw hat or fascinator to complete the look. Alternatively, a light cardigan or wrap can be added for extra coverage during the cooler parts of the day. With its stylish punch, the Irina dress is sure to turn heads at the races.

Dressing for the Court - The Rosie dress in Pink and Crimson

Styling the Rosie dress for a day at the tennis can be both chic and functional. Pairing it with a pair of black heels and bag to complete the look. To add a touch of elegance, accessorize with a straw hat for protection from the sun The detachable belt can be cinched at the waist to create a more fitted silhouette or left off for a more relaxed vibe. The pink Techni Voile fabric provides a pop of colour that is perfect for the sunny weather, and the contrast binding detailing adds a touch of sophistication. With its short sleeves and forgiving waistline, the Rosie dress is a versatile choice for any tennis event this summer, whether it be a casual game with friends or a more formal tournament.


The Perfect Pairing: Dresses and Hats

When it comes to attending the prestigious Ascot Races, donning a hat is not only customary but also a splendid opportunity to express your unique style. A carefully chosen hat can transform your ensemble, adding a touch of elegance and flair to your race day outfit. The key to pulling off the perfect hat at Ascot lies in achieving a harmonious balance between your headpiece and the rest of your ensemble.

Our founder Samantha Cameron recently attended the coronation and wanted to find the perfect hat to pair with our Voletta dress. Renowned milliner Jess Collet designed and created the hat worn to the event, both Sam and Jess worked closely to envision the style and colouring, the hat was meticulously designed to complement the elegance and look of the dress.

It was a moment of shared excitement, creativity, and anticipation, setting the stage for a historic and unforgettable affair, you can read more about the process in a personal Coronation Q&A with Samantha Cameron.

Styling with Cefinn Founder, Samantha Cameron

Direct from our London studio for IGTV, Cefinn's Founder and Designer talks through her favourite picks from our new collection.

To view our full collection of styling videos head to our Youtube channel.