What to Wear to Summer Events: Best Outfit Ideas & Style Tips for 2025
Ah, summer events—those glorious moments when you get to soak up sunshine, sip something sparkly, and pretend you’re effortlessly fabulous (even if you’re secretly sweating over what to wear). Let’s be honest, picking the perfect outfit can feel like a full-time job. The pressure to show up looking amazing? Real. The fear of being underdressed or overdressed? Also real.
So, to save you from the usual sartorial stress (and to save your precious time), I’ve pulled together a killer collection of dresses, jumpsuits, and a stunning 70’s inspired suit that’ll have you turning heads for all the right reasons. Whether you’re off to a garden party, a wedding, or just trying to decode the Royal Ascot dress code, I’ve got you covered.
And here’s the fun part: I teamed up with the utterly brilliant milliner Rachel Skinner (yes, the hat queen herself!) for a podcast episode to go alongside this blog that’s all about Royal Ascot and, naturally, the hats. Rachel spills the tea on which hat styles work with what outfits and how to nail that perfect look without feeling like you’re wearing a costume. You can listen to the chat here. Or, if you’d like to see the hats then catch us on YouTube where Rachel shows off her stunning creations and shares her top tips.
So, whether you’re a hat enthusiast or just here for the outfit inspo, this blog and podcast combo is your new summer style BFF. Read on for my suggestions.
Top to bottom - L to R:
Reiss jumpsuit - gorgeous on!, Reiss Atellier dress - looks designer, check our the beautiful embellishments, Sezane pleated backless loose dress - love the vibe of this, H&M relaxed puff sleeve dress - more low key but still a bit of drama, New Day Originals bow dress - feminine and LOVE the bow detail, Posse polka dot bandeau dress - linen so more for a garden party or high summer wedding. Would work for a beachy wedding.
If you’re not a dress person a cream suit is stylish. This one by Me&Em is 70’s inspired with a flared trouser - both of course can be worn as separates - so chic.
The stunning aqua blue dress is by higher end brand Saloni. Check out their STUNNING dresses here.
Another Saloni beauty above. This second dress is for you if you love metallics - this is another 70’s inspired choice. This brand has lots of fabulous vintage inspired dresses.
As I mentioned at the start, this blog has a podcast episode connected to it. Have a watch here and see the hats recommended by the renowned milliner Rachel Skinner. WATCH THE PODCAST HERE. OR LISTEN HERE.
Hat with edgy snakeskin detail
The ‘Hannah’ striking hat - perfect for The Races.
Remember to bring this blog post to life and have a listen to Rachel and me talking through Summer events, what to wear and which hats to wear! I hope you enjoy it.