Clean, streamlined pieces work well as the foundation for your wardrobe, but when it comes to occasionwear, you can have all the fun you want!

I started this capsule with a statement blouse from Zara – its unusual cut and draped detail make it look like a designer piece.

The cut is quite complicated to layer with but throwing a midi-length dressy-ish coat or a dressy blazer over it will see you through the spring no problem.

When you start with cream, you can add any other colours you want because it co-ordinates with everything. I played around cream and black with strong pops of bright colours across all layers – top, bottom and accessories. 

When buying an occasion piece, don’t think of creating an outfit – focus on creating a capsule.

In this case I have 3 tops + 3 trousers + 1 blazer. This will give you a variety of options for numerous occasions.

It’s can be so tempting to shop for a dress when you have an occasion coming up – you throw it on and are ready to go, right?

That’s the advantage of dresses, but occasion dresses can be a one-trick pony. When you put together a cluster of dressy pieces, you can mix& match to create different look.

Trousers can be a really versatile option for an occasion capsule as they can be re-used for other purposes (for example, dressed down with jumpers).

Wide leg and palazzo styles are very in this season and are a safe investment to make as they won’t go out of fashion for a good while.

With wide trousers always make sure you have your waist on show and try to wear shoes with a pointy toe. Open-toe sandals don’t look right with palazzo trousers as all you can see are toes. Round toe looks too clunky with wide leg and lacks polish.

Cream blazer is one of the handiest pieces you can have in your wardrobe, not just for occasions but also for any looks where you need a touch of chic and polish. It styles effortlessly with pretty much everything in the wardrobe and can transform even a pair of jeans.

If you don’t have any statement tops in your occasion segment of the wardrobe, start looking for some. They can be a great starting point for your capsule.

Also, dig out any dressy pieces you have in your wardrobe (that are not dresses), and see how they can be co-ordinated with each other and what’s missing.

Try to create a similar cluster – 2 or 3 bottoms and 3 tops. If any of the tops require a cover up, look through the wardrobe to find something suitable and if you have nothing, carefully consider what 1 pieces could plug that gap.

Going forward don’t buy any dresses for occasions, but start building a mix&match capsule instead.