Forget frumpy occasion wear! A fashion editor reveals the sleek styles to swap your mumsy looks for, and the one accessory that will make your outfit look high end

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The countdown is on for the hottest summer parties: pristine Wimbledon whites, OTT Ascot hats and Henley stripes are all on the sartorial set list.

But formality can seem ostentatious. Following a dress code is stressful and often causes us to stray from our personal style towards conservative looks.

If you’re wondering what you should wear to feel sexy and chic instead of lace-up and mommy, read on for the new special occasion dressing rules you need to follow now.

sharp suit

If you don’t like leaving your legs exposed, a suit is a stylish but smart alternative to a dress or skirt. Avoid anything navy blue, grey, or pinstripes; otherwise you run the risk of looking corporate rather than stylish.

Need a quick fix for sagging pant legs? Skip the trip to the tailor and add a pair of chunky platform sandals instead. In addition to increasing height, these will also provide a useful leg-lengthening effect. A V-neck vest, or better yet nothing at all, is another simple hack to give your look a sexy edge.

Try tassels

Tassels are taking precedence over sequins this summer. Originally the reserve of 1920s flapper girls, this vintage-inspired ornament is all over the high street. Rather than being staid, modern and contemporary fringes will add drama and movement to your outfit; It looks perfect when moving through the crowd. Avoid anything containing leather or suede, or you run the risk of looking like you’re going to a rodeo instead of Royal Ascot.

Puffy sleeves (with hem) are back

Puffy puff sleeves are everywhere again this summer, but the trick to making them look cool instead of tweedy is to find a style without lace, cutouts, off-the-shoulder detailing, or a short hemline. Show off one shoulder (or both), some knees, and even chiseled parts of your midsection or back. Sparkling dresses often wear the wearer. But with a sharp, tactical leather, you’ll stand out under all those frills and not look like Little Bo Peep.

The best of the supermarket

If you think you can’t buy special occasion dresses at the supermarket, think again. Tu, George and F&F are at the top of the high street when it comes to gorgeous midi dresses, tracksuits and turf-proof shoes. So the best part? All under £50. Wear and spend less.

Accessory that will make your outfit look expensive

Twangy, sparkly, and the perfect conversation starter, this season’s It-bag is a beaded bag that dangles from the crook of your arm or drapes over your shoulder. On Fendi’s SS26 catwalk, the brand’s iconic Baguette bags were presented with rainbow embellishments, dazzling floral patterns and bright stripes. Similarly, Loewe’s rattan clutches were covered in pink, red and green beads clustered in strawberry shapes.

While these designer buys come with hefty price tags, there are plenty of styles that look good on the high street for a fraction of the cost. The simplest way to embellish a relatively plain outfit. More is more here; If it looks like you’ve been attacked by a Bedazzler, you’re doing it right. Don’t be afraid to be fun!

Old silhouettes to avoid:

• Bodycon dresses are a big no-no. Avoid at all costs or risk succumbing to the unpleasant sausage casing effect.
• Paneled crepe pencil skirts or midi skirts will make you look like you’re just vying for Alan Sugar’s approval on The Apprentice. Leave these styles to the businesswomen in the boardroom.
• Slip dresses are very difficult to remove; I think they only compliment masculine or straight body types. If you’re a pear, an apple, an hourglass, or anything like that, leave them alone.
• The peplum is back, but wear it carefully. A top with a thin shelving that hides the midriff is current, but skirts with a stiff fabric lampshade in the middle should be left in the 2000s.