Harvey Nichols has always been one of my top shopping destinations thanks to its impeccably curated edits of both established brands and emerging contemporary-luxury names. As a fan of neutral tones, I usually stick to minimalist, monochromatic looks, so for black-tie events, I'd typically reach for a sleek black dress with understated jewellery. At garden parties, you'd find me in a flowy beige number paired with classic espadrilles.

However, I've since discovered vibrant and unique dresses by brands such as Zimmermann and 16Arlington and summer shoes from the likes of Toteme that have me excited to experiment a little. From floral prints to feathered trims, these pieces are just what I need to elevate any summer event wardrobe, and I'm ready to embrace the bold new me.

What I love most about this curation is that there are plenty of the classics as well as some cult-level pieces. Take for example Loewe's Dusty Blue Bracelet Pleated Leather Clutch (£1100)—sure, you can carry it with the top strap, but those in the know will tell you that you can also wrap the strap around your wrist (hence its name). When it comes to ready-to-wear, 16Arlington always hits the mark with cocktail-party attire for cool girls. Be it the '60s-inspired minidresses with XL collars or signature feather trims, or the choice of deep, moody hues, the brand is always a go-to for any editor attending a society sporting event like Wimbledon or Ascot.

For jewellery, you can't go wrong with a classic gold piece, but if you're looking to make a statement, might I point you in the direction of Alighieri? I've been eyeing up The Medusa Medallion 24kt Gold-Plated Necklace for a while now. These pieces would make excellent additions to any wardrobe, but their timelessness means they'll work year after year—a bonus, but an important one.

So, whether it's a dress, a pair of shoes or a clutch bag that you have on your radar, below, I've curated a selection of my favourites from the Harvey Nichols event edit. Keep scrolling for the pieces that won me over in an instant.

Shop Harvey Nichols' Chicest Summer Event Pieces:

1. Dresses

2. Shoes

3. Bags

4. Jewellery

When it comes to spring dressing, there's one name that always delivers refined silhouettes with a modern twist: Polo Ralph Lauren. Whether I'm attending a bridal shower, a brunch with friends or a romantic dinner date, Polo Ralph Lauren gets the memo every time. From flowy floral dresses to tailored blazers and elevated accessories, each piece adds to the next, making styling outfits so much easier.

Picture a sunny afternoon at a garden party sipping mimosas in an understatedly elegant ensemble—a stunning floral maxi dress paired with strappy sandals and a straw hat for that quintessential spring vibe; or perhaps an all-linen outfit and a pair of slingbacks for a dressier brunch look.

Always the planner, I decided to use this past weekend to get prepared and style five outfits I'm planning on wearing to every event in my calendar this spring. Keep scrolling for the looks and pieces that get 10 stars from me.

1. Bridal Shower Elegance

Style Notes: Embrace florals for a laid-back bridal shower or a casual outdoor gathering. The flowy silhouette and intricate floral design of this maxi dress add a touch of classic charm, whilst espadrille wedges and a woven crossbody bag complete the look with ease.

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2. Dinner in the City

Style Notes: For a day out in the city or rooftop drinks, opt for a sleek and polished linen set. With the oversized silhouette of the trousers and fitted waistcoat, this two-piece easily transitions from day to night with the help of the matching blazer. Complete the outfit with statement earrings and a structured clutch for an easy yet polished look.

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3. Boat-Party Fun

Style Notes: Channelling seaside vibes with a navy linen shirt and shorts outfit, this look is ideal for a casual day on the water or a beachside gathering. Pair it with classic espadrilles and a woven tote for a timeless nautical-inspired look that's both stylish and practical.

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4. Date-Night Glam

Style Notes: A sunset dinner date isn't complete without a swishy dress. With its delicate floral print and flattering silhouette, this dress is perfect for an evening of cocktails and conversation. Complete the look with strappy heels and dainty jewellery.

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5. Garden Party

Style Notes: Make a statement at any upscale garden party with a silk slip dress. This outfit exudes timeless sophistication with its simple yet classic silhouette. Pair it with white pumps and a clutch adorned with delicate floral embellishments for a pretty feel.

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Keep scrolling to read my conversation with Seroya and shop some of the trends he's suggesting for party dressing in 2024.

What was the inspiration behind your fall/winter 2024 collection?

My latest collection centers around the alpha woman, who is the professional working woman by day and the sexy party woman by night. Her impeccably tailored suiting turns to slinky draped gowns after dark. I was very much inspired by all of the influential women in my life, from my childhood to the present day, starting with my mother—fall's biggest muse—who worked three jobs and dressed with confidence each day. Next would be my girlfriends, who I am always the first to help style for a night out, followed by my staff, the majority of whom are women who embody a powerful femininity.

I also pull a lot of inspiration from '80s icons. Think Showgirls, Basic Instinct, Wall Street, and Pretty Woman—headlined by icons like Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone, Alicia Silverstone, Elizabeth Berkley, and Michelle Pfeiffer. For this collection, I channeled a timeless glamour that carries from day to night, office to cocktail lounge. She is the woman who can do it all, having the office job and the enviable social life we all crave.

When you're designing pieces for Retrofête and Ser.o.ya, who are you designing for?

I've always said Retrofête is made for those unafraid to stand out. When she slips into our clothing, we know she will feel empowered. She has intention when putting together her outfit, crafting the perfect look from head to toe. When she walks into the room, everyone wants to know what she's wearing—she's not afraid to be sexy and strong. Ser.o.ya is crafted more for the modern minimalist. With a truly effortless aesthetic, the Ser.o.ya woman is laid-back and casual while still put-together and refined. In tune with the latest trends, she curates her wardrobe with ease.

Which pieces from your latest collection are your hero pieces?

A piece that stands out to me from the fall 2024 collection is the short-sleeved pinstripe blazer. It's a new take on a staple silhouette that experiments with proportions and femininity. The four-piece suit is also one of my favorites, where we style a tailored blazer underneath a coordinating floor-length overcoat. It's power suiting at its finest. Shoes and handbags complement each look in the collection—cut in suede, croc, and patent-leather fabrications.

After-party looks can sometimes gain more attention than red carpet looks themselves. What advice would you give someone when the goal is a killer after-party look?

After-parties are your opportunity to go all out. Make it a mini or opt for sequins—the options are endless. While we're seeing award shows and red carpets become more polished, the after-party is where you can push the envelope. Slits can be higher. Shoes can be more sultry. Fabrics are sheer, and textures are bold. It's not just about the dress but [also] how you style it. By picking out the bag, the stockings, the jewelry, and the jacket, you are able to personalize each look.

How do you recommend styling your pieces?

I think the beauty of Retrofête is that there are endless styling possibilities. With the expansion of our outerwear and accessory categories, you can now shop for all of your finishing touches in one place. When my team and I design each season, we take into account every little detail. Each color and silhouette ties back to something else in the collection. We know exactly how many dresses are needed, how much occasionwear to offer, and how many knits will round out our offering. Every aspect of the look is highly curated from head to toe—with Retrofête shoes as the finishing touch, of course. By meticulously merchandising to keep styling simple for you, we ensure that all pieces find their most powerful complement.

What party dressing/night-out trends are you predicting we will be seeing a lot of in 2024?

2024 is already shaping up to be a big year for night-out dressing. Sequins are a forever staple, especially for Retrofête, but we are finding new ways to reinvent them with each season. We take an unexpected approach to the collection, incorporating crystals into traditional workwear silhouettes by way of high-shine embellishments and fabrications—doubling as a night-out look. We're starting to see a shift to more sophisticated party dressing. For example, the midi dress is becoming the new minidress. People are craving something fresh, and this silhouette is ultra-flattering and more refined.

Leather will also be huge this season, and at Retrofête, we're experimenting with it in all forms. Whether it be patent, croc embossed, or unexpected colorways, the fabrication is always luxurious and edgy.

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Sophisticated Party Dressing

Leather Moments

Embellishments/High Shine

Whether you actually tuned in for the 2024 Grammys or not, you probably saw what the biggest stars of the evening chose to wear. From beauty close-ups to full red-carpet breakdowns, my social feeds were alight last night with photos from every angle of the occasion's attendees. But one thing that's easy to forget is that Grammys night doesn't end when the guests depart Crypto.com Arena. The party continues far into the wee hours, and at the next venue, a whole new slew of looks come out.

This year, there were a number of big Grammys after parties, including one at Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard that was attended by everyone from Sabrina Carpenter and Selena Gomez to Anya Taylor-Joy and Storm Reid. Hunter Schafer, Julia Garner, and more hit up another at Fleur Room, hosted by Billie Eilish. And yes, they all came dressed to impress. Scroll through all of the best Grammys after party outfits below. 

WHO: Sabrina Carpenter

WEAR: ShuShu/Tong set; Jimmy Choo heels

WHO: Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco

WEAR: Valentino Tulle Illusion Embroidered Short Dress ($14000) and shoes

WHO: Julia Garner

WEAR: Gucci 

WHO: Keke Palmer

WEAR: Dolce & Gabbana dress; Jimmy Choo shoes

WHO: Storm Reid

WHO: Barry Keoghan

WHO: Troye Sivan

WHO: Hunter Schafer

WHO: Dove Cameron

WHO: Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross

As if her Saturday Night Live promo images weren't chic enough—with especially noteworthy inclusions being an Alessandra Rich catsuit made entirely of lace and a Khaite bodysuit styled with just tights and a giant feather coat—this week's host, Dakota Johnson, showed up to the after-party in the most perfect sheer, hand-beaded vintage Alaïa gown, like, ever. 

The dress, which was designed by the late founder of the house Azzedine Alaïa and included in his spring/summer 1996 collection, was sourced by Johnson's longtime stylist Kate Young from Vintage Grace, a New York City–based designer-vintage business founded by Chandler Guttersen in 2021. It features short sleeves and sequin embellishments throughout, making it completely sheer and perfect for the occasion. On top, the Madame Web actress wore a feather Saint Laurent jacket, adding simple black pumps and a Jimmy Choo handbag to finish off the look. 

Scroll down to see the full ensemble and shop sheer dresses just like Johnson's. 

On Dakota Johnson: Vintage Alaïa dress from Vintage Grace; Saint Laurent jacket; Jimmy Choo Bon Bon Velvet Bucket Bag ($995); Verdura Jewelry Night Band Ring ($17500)

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When it comes to party dressing, no one does it with quite the level of finesse as Kate Moss, the '90s supermodel who's responsible for wearing one of the most iconic naked dresses of all time. Her 50th birthday party was never going to be an exception. For the momentous occasion, which started with lunch at Brasserie Lipp in Paris's Saint-Germain district, Moss hosted an intimate dinner at Laurent followed by an after-party at the famed Ritz Paris. While her low-key lunch was more of a "leggings and fur coat" type of affair, according to a photo posted on the Instagram account of Brasserie Lipp chef Pascal Jounault, the evening's lineup of activities called for a far more festive getup. 

While en route to Laurent alongside her daughter Lila Moss, boyfriend Nikolai von Bismarck, and friend Haider Ackermann, the birthday girl was spotted donning a floor-length sheer dress made entirely of black lace. With it, she added a bevy of diamond jewelry, including bracelets and earrings, and a black Alexandra King cape lined with gold silk. Given the winter temperatures, she appeared to have swapped her cape for a much warmer piece of outerwear later on in the evening: a Penny Lane–esque Bob Mackie coat that makeup entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury arrived at Laurent in, according to W. 

Below, see both versions of Moss's 50th-birthday outfit, the likes of which will, no doubt, serve as party style inspiration for many years to come. 

On Kate Moss: Alexandra King cape; vintage dress

On Kate Moss: Bob Mackie coat; vintage dress

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Putting together an elegant party outfit is about as close to impossible as winning the lottery or getting a table at NYC's Polo Bar… the two concepts just don't really go together. Yet Anya Taylor-Joy managed to create one seemingly with ease for the Emmys after party she attended last night. For the event in West Hollywood, the The Menu actress chose an all-black ensemble consisting of a black leather miniskirt, matching go-go boots, and an hourglass-shaped blazer that added just the right amount of formality and glamour to the otherwise fun and playful look. 

Hourglass silhouettes like Taylor-Joy's are quickly becoming some of 2024's most sought-after items, with trending styles by designer labels like Alaïa, Tory Burch, Versace, and Gabriela Hearst, as well as more affordable options that can be found at Aritzia, Reformation, and Helsa. Below, scroll through 15 of my favorite nipped-in, structural pieces, each of which is more elegant than the next. 

WHO: Anya Taylor-Joy

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If you ever have the opportunity to attend a French person's birthday party, expect the unexpected. Did I think I'd spot a poplin shirtdress on her maman? Absolutely not. Did I expect leggings paired with a sequin top? Of course not. Is my shopping cart filled to the brim after this party? You guessed it. Below, find the seven trends I saw among the crowd at this birthday celebration.

1. Classic Black Dresses

You're never over- or underdressed in a classic black dress, so if you're headed to a fancy soirée and aren't sure what to wear, you probably already have this staple that does it all. French women would definitely approve, and I saw multiple people wearing black maxi dresses to the party I attended.

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2. White Tank Tops

Sometimes, all you need is a classic white tank top. Pair it with a leather jacket and denim or a strong blazer and you're good to go. It's the most effortless staple of all time.

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3. Leggings as Pants

Attending a Parisian's birthday party made me think I'd see nothing but wardrobe staples among the crowd, but this up-and-coming trend came to me as a surprise. French people aren't afraid to take risks with fashion as an expression of individualism, so go for the no-pants trend if it interests you.

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4. Timeless Watches

A good watch goes a long way. In the past years, timeless timepieces have sprung up as the investment of the moment, and that's not changing anytime soon.

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5. Blazers

A blazer for a night out is still a relatively new concept. College me would never, but now, fashion people everywhere want the corporate siren vibe that's all over TikTok. No complaints from me about this one.

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6. Denim on Denim

Whenever I don't know what to wear, you'll see me in a denim-on-denim look. It's one of my go-tos during fashion week. There was also a time when I didn't think of this as a night-out ensemble, but things have changed rapidly.

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7. Cotton Poplin

A cotton poplin daytime dress is not something I expected to see at a birthday party, yet somehow, it effortlessly fit in among the crowd at this soirée. Styling a poplin top or a poplin dress will do in any setting if you want the chic French-girl vibe.

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When paired with a simple LBD or a chic, pared-back party look, a crystal bag is the easiest way to dress up an outfit, no matter the occasion. If you're ready to go all out this festive season, dare to layer sparkles on sparkles, or play with textures such as feathers and velvet for a head-turning party look you'll want to wear on repeat.

Simple yet eye-catching, a crystal bag is the winter party piece that will keep on shining year after year. From early December get-togethers right up until New Year's Eve, rhinestone-embellished bags were made for fun. 

Who What Wear UK deputy editor Maxine Eggenberger shows off Whistles Sorbie Gem Clutch Bag (£135).

If, like me, you're interested in all that glitters, read on to discover my edit of the best rhinestone and crystal bags available to shop this season.

SHOP THE CRYSTAL BAG TREND:

Opening Image: @louisahatt

Next Up: Suddenly, All the Coolest People Are Wearing This "Dated" Heels Trend Again

New Year’s Eve at 27 years old looks a bit different than it did a decade ago, but one thing remains the same: I will never miss an opportunity to throw together a look. As a more neutral dresser in my day-to-day life, I take NYE as an excuse to lay it on thick with all things sequins and faux fur. It’s a celebration whether I’m on the couch with a cup of tea or dancing all night in Brooklyn. This year, my favorite brands brought their A game with their holiday pieces. Reformation came through with the minidresses. Revolve said, "Here’s every coat you need to own.” And Anthropologie somehow knew I was looking for cool pajamas. So no matter your plans, I guarantee the following items will help you create a celebratory look. Keep scrolling to shop my favorite NYE fashion finds.

Night Out

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