What do you have planned for the rest of the summer? If you have a special occasion to attend, then you’ll find the inspiration you need below. We know special occasions can encompass a whole host of events so we’ve kept the outfits below versatile so you can mix and match for different events.

We have collaborated and sourced all the outfits from retailer Nordstrom. It’s the most versatile shop for clothes shopping where you can find all your clothing needs.

Take a look and see what you would wear to your next special occasion, whether it’s a dinner with a loved one, a party, a wedding, a family celebration, or a birthday…

Outfits for special occasions

Let’s look at some separates as well as dresses and outerwear from Nordstrom that you could choose for your summer event.

special event tops

To ensure that your tops are both special, and versatile, look out for tops that have interesting details and that are made from beautiful materials.

That will make your outfits look fabulous for special occasions and chic and stylish when combined with more casual items like jeans or wide pants for more casual events.

Tops for special events | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen Plissé Wrap TopMANGO Oversize Satin BlouseM.M.LaFleur Monica Silk Jersey SweaterMother of All Gisele Stretch Silk Wrap Blouse

Outfits for special occasions - Wrap top and maxi skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Mother of All Gisele Stretch Silk Wrap BlouseL’AGENCE Fabianna Belted Maxi SkirtNaturalizer True Colors Vera Ankle Strap SandalNina Pacey Crystal MinaudièreDeepa Gurnani Bina Beaded Tassel Drop Earrings

Jackets and coats

Depending on what your event is, you may need a jacket to stay warm, to add an extra element of smartness or to cover up your upper arms.

To add a formal vibe to any look, you could opt for a blazer.

If you don’t want to add too much warmth but you do want a cover-up, then a wrap that you can wear over your shoulders can be the answer.

Or, if you want to add an edge to your formal outfits, look out for a special moto jacket. We love the cobalt blue color of the AS by DF Fabiana jacket (below).

Jackets for special occasions | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen Open Front BlazerTheory Linen Blend BlazerAS by DF Fabiana Moto JacketNordstrom Shimmer Wrap

Outfits for special occasions - White and cobalt blue outfit | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Oversize Satin BlouseAS by DF Fabiana Moto JacketVICI Collection Belted High Waist Wide Leg PantsNaturalizer True Colors Vera Ankle Strap SandalNina Pacey Crystal MinaudièreOpen Edit Resin Geo Link Collar Necklace

jeans and pants

While a dress is always an obvious choice for a special event, pants look fabulous too.

For glamour, a wide-leg pair of pants will be perfect. You can choose a block color or a print pair.

Depending on the event, you may be able to wear jeans and pair them with a special top. If you do go for jeans, I would choose a darker-colored pair for a more formal look.

Pants for summer events | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ Barbara High Waist Stretch Bootcut JeansVICI Collection Belted High Waist Wide Leg PantsOpen Edit Wide Leg Satin PantsBP. Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Pants

Wearing jeans for a special event | 40plusstyle.com

Theory Linen Blend BlazerHalogen Plissé Wrap TopNYDJ Barbara High Waist Stretch Bootcut JeansBadgley Mischka Collection Carrie Crystal Embellished PumpNina Pacey Crystal MinaudièreOpen Edit Resin Geo Link Collar Necklace

Dresses and skirts

A dress or skirt will always be a great choice for a special event. Look out for dresses with draping or ruching for a flattering look.

A maxi skirt will add drama, in the best way.

Or, if you prefer pants, a jumpsuit is a fabulous option as well.

Dresses and skirts for summer events | 40plusstyle.com

Ted Baker London Jillia Asymmetric Midi DressM.M.LaFleur Rashmeen Long Sleeve Washable Silk DressMANGO Polka Dot JumpsuitL’AGENCE Fabianna Belted Maxi Skirt

Navy dress and gold wrap | 40plusstyle.com

Nordstrom Shimmer WrapTed Baker London Jillia Asymmetric Midi Dress27 EDIT Naturalizer Felicia Slingback Pointed Toe PumpClare V. Foldover ClutchDeepa Gurnani Bina Beaded Tassel Drop Earrings

shoes

When it comes to choosing shoes for your special event, you may want to opt for a pair of heels.

If you find it tricky to walk in heels, look out for a pair with block heels as those offer more support. To be more festive, opt for a pair of shoes with some embellishment, like the designer-inspired Badgley Mischka heels (below)

if you prefer not to wear heels, a pair of glamorous flats is also a good option.

Heels and flats for special events | 40plusstyle.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA Tartina Pointed Toe SandalNaturalizer True Colors Vera Ankle Strap Sandal27 EDIT Naturalizer Felicia Slingback Pointed Toe PumpBadgley Mischka Collection Carrie Crystal Embellished Pump

Gold top and red pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

M.M.LaFleur Monica Silk Jersey SweaterBP. Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Pants27 EDIT Naturalizer Felicia Slingback Pointed Toe PumpClare V. Foldover ClutchDeepa Gurnani Bina Beaded Tassel Drop Earrings

accessories

For any outfit, the right accessories are vital, but they’re even more important for your special occasion look. Choose clutch bags and statement jewelry to finish your outfit perfectly.

Accessories to finish your special look | 40plusstyle.com

Clare V. Foldover ClutchNina Pacey Crystal MinaudièreKarine Sultan Layered Pendant NecklaceOpen Edit Resin Geo Link Collar NecklaceDeepa Gurnani Bina Beaded Tassel Drop Earrings

Jumpsuit and blazer outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen Open Front BlazerMANGO Polka Dot Jumpsuit27 EDIT Naturalizer Felicia Slingback Pointed Toe PumpClare V. Foldover ClutchKarine Sultan Layered Pendant Necklace

Your outfits for special occasions together in one capsule

See below for all the clothes, shoes and accessories from above together in one capsule, so you can easily see how you could put together your own outfits.

You could easily switch around the jackets to create different looks, or wear any of the bottoms with any of the tops.

What do you love to wear when you have a special event to attend. I’d love to hear about your own favorite outfits in the comments below.

Outfits for special occasions | 40plusstyle.com

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Outfits for all your special occasions this summer | 40plusstyle.com

This article was sponsored by Nordstrom

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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