Ahead of event season, COS celebrates a return to sophistication with a curation shaped by the cinematic locations of summer. Whether you’re a wedding guest seeking the perfect outfit, or a party attendee determined to find a dress that works for any eventuality, the occasionwear edit encourages summer outfit styling through tailored trousers, waistcoats and evening skirts, and special occasion dresses for moments of refinement. Discover the key silhouettes that bring occasion dressing a new effortlessness. 

ELEGANT DRESSES 

With a focus on the easy elegance of summer events and weddings, this season’s occasion dresses propose fluid lengths in refined proportions. From evening silhouettes with sweeping halter necklines to form-fitting midis that marry day to night, the modern intention of summer's dress code channels confidence in simplicity. Turn to pared-back styling with a single adornment of sculptural silver jewellery, or a brooch as a conversation starter. 

EVENING SKIRTS 

Nonchalant yet refined, a skirt in light, airy fabric feels at home for events in the city’s heat or by the coast. For guests of a destination wedding, consider a long maxi skirt or shorter midi skirt paired with a skin-baring top to strike the right balance. Tonal dressing through summer co-ord sets bring evening skirts a studied ease for more formal occasions, with the knowledge they can be easily styled back as a summer separate. 

THE ELEVATED WAISTCOAT 

A new signature of the occasion edit, the waistcoat creates a modern summer statement. Reimagined in lightweight linen, this season’s key piece is minimally constructed with a sophisticated halter neckline and animated by the fluid drape of the new collection’s soft tailoring. The genius of this piece is its versatility, effortlessly translating from day to evening and doubling as a companion to a matching maxi skirt or trousers. 

TAILORED TROUSERS 

Trousers in generous cuts with intricate details mirror the elegance of this season’s evening dresses and sweeping skirts. Tailored wide-leg trousers in fluid linen offset summer’s heat while making a statement when styled with the matching waistcoat in crisp optic white. Summer 2024 offers a new take on artful plissé trousers, imagined in exaggerated proportions that channel insouciance paired with a signature top from the new collection. 

BLACK & NAVY 

Base notes of black and navy are fail-safe options for the most elegant events, such as weddings, galas or black-tie functions. A timeless floor-sweeping silhouette in a deep inky shade reinterprets the classic little black dress with a minimal, pared-back design that encourages styling through new accessories, instilling versatility for future events. A silky alternative in midnight blue is elegance personified.