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The Ultimate Guide: How to create an occasion wear collection

With the end of the year approaching, event season is now already in full swing – are you ready? Whether it’s a formal, wedding, a cocktail party, or a formal gala, having a curated selection of dressy event styles can elevate your store while also catering to your customer's needs. In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips for selecting key pieces for any occasion, what to look out for in the materials and fabrics, and incorporating accessories that elevate those pieces. With a thoughtful approach, you can create a stunning occasion-wear collection that reflects your brand and ensures your customers are always dressed to impress.

Attending a Birthday Party

A significant event that happens year-round – a birthday party! Having a good range of styles, colours, and lengths can go a long way to assist your customers with their special occasions. Many customers look for one-stop shopping for party needs. Some signature dresses can also make great gifts, especially for your customers to shop during the holiday gifting season.

 Stocking versatile dresses allows you to offer a comprehensive selection, making it more convenient for your shoppers to get their hands on dressy styles suitable for any big event.

Formals/Proms

Formal season is here in Australia! Regarded as a significant milestone for many high school students, it is a prime opportunity for your store to connect with a young audience eager to celebrate this special occasion. Make sure to offer a range of formal styles to make sure you're able to cater to diverse tastes and body types, ensuring inclusivity and attracting a wider customer base. Additionally, formal season often sees increased spending on dressy styles! Use this season to establish a knack for stylish, high-quality formal attire to your customers.

Look out for more trendy shapes and materials instead of going classic as this collection caters to your younger demographic – check our recommended styles below!

Bride-To-Be

With full on bridal weekends now in trend, it's so common for these brides to stock their wardrobes with a variety of white styles to wear for the whole weekend of their wedding! From the reception, to getting ready and even just for dinners in-between, brides want pieces that combine style, comfort, and versatility, allowing them to enjoy every moment of their special weekend. Check out our bridal edit here that's sure to please any bride that enters your boutique. 

Bridesmaids

Want to create a stunning bridesmaids collection? Bridesmaids typically seek dresses and outfits that complements the bride’s vision - these usually come in a standard colour scheme that is followed through on every bridesmaid. Usually the requests are in colours that align with typical wedding themes while also being flattering on everyone's skin tones. Some may also appreciate the option of mixing and matching styles within a color palette. A range of different styles are also widely seen with bridesmaids, as they would want dresses that suit their individual body types and personal styles. Here are our recommendations on pieces that will make your customers feel beautiful and confident while celebrating their friend’s special day.

Off to the races

When it comes to dressing for the races, people typically seek stylish and sophisticated outfits that reflect the event's festive atmosphere. Many attendees opt for elegant dresses or statement pieces. Cocktail or midi dresses with bold patterns or colours are just some examples. It's not just limited to dresses, jumpsuits are also quite the popular option for attending a race. Attendees tend to want to strike a balance between elegance and comfort while expressing their individuality, making the races a chance to showcase their fashion sense in a lively setting.

Below are some options to stock your store with to get ready for this fashion-focused event!

Office Parties

For office parties, people typically aim for a balance of professionalism and festive flair. This can include smart casual, cocktail attire and little black dresses are always a fan-favourite! Some notes to take when creating an office party collection:

  • Avoid anything too revealing or casual, as it can come off as unprofessional.
  • Choose clothing that allows for ease of movement, especially if the event involves standing, dancing, or mingling.
  • Consider the season and venue. Layering can be a good option if the party is indoors or outdoors.

While these rules apply, don't let it limit the fun! Office parties are always a good opportunity to allow personal styles to shine through!

Black Tie Galas

When events get fancy, attendees typically choose formal and elegant attire. A full-length maxi dress or gown is the most common choice, often in luxurious fabrics like silk or satin.
A sophisticated cocktail dress can also work if it’s elevated enough. Make sure to opt for high-quality materials that convey elegance, like silk, velvet, or lace. Dark or rich colors are popular, but bold colors and metallics can also make a statement. The key is to look polished and sophisticated while embracing the formal nature of the event!

Have a look at some our picks for your sophisticated soiree! 

 

With an increasing number of social events and gatherings on the calendar, consumers are looking for stylish, versatile, and high-quality attire that enhances their experience. The best part about catering for event season is that they are so close to Christmas and New Year's gatherings and parties that your customers will definitely be on the lookout for coming December. Make sure to stock your store with event-ready pieces so that your customers are well taken care of during this period. It's a great opportunity to cater to customers seeking that perfect outfit for every one of life's special moments. By offering a well-curated selection of occasionwear, boutiques can attract a broader clientele, boost sales, and build a reputation as go-to destinations for formal and semi-formal attire. Embrace the season with thoughtful inventory choices, and watch your boutique thrive as customers celebrate their milestones in style!

Published 31 October 2024

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