WHAT'S THE OCCASION?

Summer events season is on its way. From love-filled weddings to days at the races and hot bank holidays spent in the city, we’ve planned your summer events outfits for you.

This is FLANNELS 3-Ways, your new styling BFF, where we break down three ways to dress for three different occasions. This time? Summer occasion dressing.

From choosing a wedding guest outfit that won’t – or maybe will – upstage the bride to a classy race day look that Julia Roberts would be proud of and the ultimate low-key bank-holiday outfit that’ll take you from day to night effortlessly, this is how to do summer occasionwear the FLANNELS way.

Polished, tailored, chic: picking a winning race-day look that ticks all the boxes can be a tricky brief. But one we’ve mastered…

The key to keeping suiting feeling cool, not stuffy? Go for mismatched separates that work seamlessly together but feels more casual. The easiest way to do it? Add a dark-hued jacket with a pair of light-coloured trousers. Finish with loafers – in a contrasting shade – a shirt and big glasses.

As for race-day dresses? Go for cuts that hit just above the ankle, cinch in at the waist and button up to the top. Pale shades will help you feel cool in the heat, while cat-eye sunglasses and big hats will finish off that Julia-Roberts-at-the-polo vibe. The finishing touch? A big nude Ferragamo bag that’ll hold all your worldly possessions for the day and easy-to-walk-in kitten heels.

Ah bank holiday. Renowned for spontaneous plans that could lead you just about… anywhere. And a look to match a multitude of establishments? Tricky indeed. Luckily, we’ve got you sorted.

Balance slouchy, rugby-inspired stripy shirts with silky shorts and toughen up with textures: think woven bags c/o Dragon Diffusion and studded, pointed flats via Ganni. An outfit that’ll work whatever the Great British weather has in mind this time…

Big, baggy, statement jeans. A buttery-soft bomber. An iconic white tank top. Layers that can be added or removed, depending on the venue. This is what bank-holiday outfits are (should be) made of. Aka, a look that’ll take you from brunch to bar to everything in-between.

Aim to be the best-dressed guest at any wedding? Whether you’re heading for a cool city do, an escape to the country or flying to a far-flung destination wedding, we’ve perfected the wedding guest outfit formula….

Brown has been having a big moment over the past few seasons and it’s in full swing this summer - just in time for wedding season. A softer alternative to black, a brown suit feels fresher and – frankly – just a bit cooler (temperature-wise and other) than its darker counterpart. Keep things loose by pairing with an open-collar shirt, loafers and statement sunglasses.

Hot on brown’s heels for the colour of the season is yellow. Buttery, zingy and fun, it adds a shot of colour to the proceedings without feeling too loud. And this one from Jacquemus is the perfect option; cut down at the sides and square at the neck, it sits across the top of the thigh before falling asymmetrically across one leg. Add a gold clutch, gold mules and big gold-rimmed sunglasses to finish off that sunset vibe.