fashion

Just 25 of the best party season looks to shop for spring and summer.

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October feels like the official start of party season.

The countdown is on to Christmas, and in the meantime the invitations are rolling in. Spring weddings, long lunches, barbecues, work do's…

Then there's the rather pressing question of what to wear to said events.

Are we doing dresses? Matching sets? Sequins? Is everything still brown?

All good questions, so let's get to the bottom of it.

Watch: The ultimate would you rather debate: would you rather be underdressed, or overdressed? Post continues below.


Mamamia.

There are three definitive trends I've identified that will dominate this party season, and they're all refreshingly wearable.

Elevated separates.

Emma Jang styles a Dissh outfit.Content Creator Emma Jang styles a DISSH outfit. @viaemmajang.

The first idea to wrap your head around is that statement dresses are no longer your go-to option.

While fun frocks will always have their place, event dressing has relaxed a bit recently, and we have more options to work with.

More specifically, this year it's all about "elevated separates". Not only are they more cost-effective (because you can style them multiple ways), they're going to get you way more mileage than a standalone dress you'll be bored with by the second wear.

Look to luxe fabrics like silk and satin and fluid shapes that feel effortlessly glamorous — think asymmetrical tops and drapey maxiskirts. A cool linen set also hits the mark.

The extra incentive here is that you can easily dress these pieces up or down depending on the occasion. A backyard get-together might call for flats, while an engagement party is an opportunity to amp it up with chunky jewels and heels.

Shop the look.

NA-KD Draped Cape Top, $69.95.

NA-KD draped cape top.Image: Supplied.

Billy J Blair Off Shoulder Tee, $64.95.

Billy J Blair Off Shoulder TeeImage: Supplied.

MNG Midi Satin Skirt, $99.95.

MNG Midi Satin SkirtImage: Supplied.

By Frankie Black Satin Wide Leg Pants, $69.99.

By Frankie Black Satin Wide Leg PantsImage: Supplied.

DISSH Connie Sandstone Cupro Maxi Skirt, $129.99.

DISSH Connie Sandstone Cupro Maxi SkirtImage: Supplied.

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Fayt Junie Oversized Shirt, $79, and Sable Pant, $99.

Fayt Junie Oversized Shirt and PantImage: Supplied.

Jag Kayla Linen Vest, $160, and Kayla Linen Pintuck Pant, $160.

Jag linen vest suit.Image: Supplied.

Zara ZW Collection Poplin Shirt with Tied Detail, $105.

Zara top with ties.Image: Supplied.

Zara Flowing Trousers with Elastic Waist, $59.95.

Zara trousers.Image: Supplied.

Dresses over pants.

Influencer Monikh wears a Faithful set with a matching tunic and pantsInfluencer Monikh wears a Faithful set with a matching tunic and pants. Image: Instagram/@monikh.

If there's one resounding trend coming through from our Instagram feeds right now, it's that dresses can and should be worn over pants.

While this might conjure up scary 2000s flashbacks, the new take is much more modern than you may be envisioning. We're not talking about wearing a bandeau dress over your low-rise skinnies here.

Instead, the vibe is about pairing tunic-style tops with loose trousers. It's a silhouette that looks and feels very new — so get ready for this controversial combo to go mainstream.

This is one of those trickier trends where you need to be intentional about what you're pairing together. Don't just throw any old top over your pants; think about proportions and what pieces compliment each other. For example, a short-sleeve blazer dress looks amazing with lace pants, while an embellished tunic plays nicely with jeans.

Better yet, opt for a matching set that takes the guesswork out of it.

Shop the look.

Showpo Gemma Two-Piece Set, $119.95.

Showpo Gemma Two-Piece SetImage: Supplied.

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Bronze Snake Tasi Set, $135.

Bronze Snake Tasi set.Image: Supplied.

VRG GRL Rae Satin Top, $135, and Rae Satin Pants, $149.

Vrg Grl rae satin set.Image: Supplied.

Big W &Me Longline Tunic Top, $15.

Big W &Me Longline Tunic TopImage: Supplied.

Showpo Gloria Pants, $79.95.

Showpo Gloria Pants.Image: Supplied.

Bayse Joanna Dress, $129.95.

Bayse Joanna DressImage: Supplied.

Beginning Boutique Cordelia Sequin Wide Leg Pants, $90.

Beginning Boutique sequin pants.Image: Supplied.

NA-KD Lace Sequin Trousers, $69.95.

NA-KD Lace Sequin TrousersImage: Supplied.

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Sabo Oaklynn Top, $88, and Oaklynn Pants, $118.

Sabo Oaklynn Top and PantsImage: Supplied.

Bronze Snake Romy Set, $159.

Bronze Snake Romy Set.Image: Supplied.

Textured statement pieces.

Digital creator Laura Maree Smith wears the cult Vrg Grl Devyn skirtDigital creator Laura Maree Smith wears the cult Vrg Grl Devyn Midi skirt. Image: Instagram/@lau.maree.

Textured styles have been trending for a while now, and we're going to see lots more of them over summer.

From sheer organza to embellishment and woven details, these styles add dimension to your look — and they're just right for party season when we're all encouraged to have a bit of fun with our outfits.

There's one particular skirt by Aussie brand VRG GRL that continues to sell out with every restock. The Devyn Midi Skirt has now been released in multiple styles and finishes, and it was everywhere at Copenhagen Fashion Week.

When you're shopping this trend, keep in mind you only need one textured element in your outfit — lest you risk looking like a walking Christmas ornament.

Try pairing a sequinned midi-skirt with a plain tank, or a simple linen dress with a raffia accessory like a handbag or hat.

Shop the look.

VRG GRL Devyn Sequin Midi Skirt Lace, $119.

VRG GRL Devyn Sequin Midi Skirt LaceImage: Supplied.

Petal & Pup Yonder Sheer Lace Top, $69.

Petal & Pup Yonder top.Image: Supplied.

NA-KD Rhinestone Mesh Top, $55.95.

Na-kd rhinestone mesh top.Image: Supplied.

H&M Sheer Embellished Strappy Dress, $89.99.

H&M Sheer Embellished Strappy DressImage: Supplied.

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Petal & Pup Vienne Sequin Skirt Set, $119.

Petal & Pup sequin skirt set.Image: Supplied.

MNG Sequinned Midi Skirt, $139.95.

MNG Sequinned Midi SkirtImage: Supplied.

Adorne Lonnie Top Handle Mini Handag, $79.95.

Image: Supplied.

Zara Embroidered Mesh Slingbacks, $139.

Zara Embroidered Mesh SlingbacksImage: Supplied.

Sabo Maris Crochet Hat, $38.

Sabo Maris Crochet HatImage: Supplied.

Adorne Timber Beads Mini Bucket Bag, $69.95.

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Feature image: Instagram/@lau.maree and @lauren_menkens.

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