Special occasion outfits

We love any excuse to dress up, so naturally we love event season. The more reasons, the merrier. Saying that, we know dress codes can be a bit confusing – cocktail attire, anyone? – so we’ve put together a lil’ guide to special occasion outfits. From bridal and baby showers to charity galas and graduations, we’ve got you covered (with both occasion outfit ideas *and* big deals!)


Women’s occasion dresses

Deciding on special occasion dresses can depend on a few factors: the venue, the formality of the invite, the weather and, let’s face it, what everyone else is planning to wear. From sequin, slip and sundresses to midi, maxi and metallic styles, we've got every kind of occasion dress you can dream of for up to 60% less than the RRP (and let’s not forget about off-shoulder, A-line and wrap silhouettes!) With so many types of occasion dresses, it can be tricky to know which frock to rock. Never fear, help is near! Read on for our top advice…

  • Black-tie weddings & charity galas

    Your best bet is something floor-length... think a stunning long dress in a shimmery fabric or featuring ornate details. If that's not up your street, look to other types of occasionwear. Perhaps a well-tailored suit or chic jumpsuit with elegant shoes.

  • Engagement parties & most weddings

    This is where good old 'cocktail attire' comes in. Cocktail dresses are that perfect middle ground where elegance meets ease (and they're perfect for these events). You can't go wrong with a LBD, a fancy silhouette or a sleek dress in statement colour.

  • Bridal showers & baby showers

    For this kinda thing, don't feel tied to traditional occasionwear. Feminine dresses – think flowy silhouettes, floral prints, frill detailing – work beautifully for bridal and baby showers. Pair with pretty flats or heels (whatever you're comfortable in).

  • Graduations & business dinners

    Although you'll wanna feel put-together, these kind of events don't demand super dressy outfits. Look to polished dresses that reflect your personality or simply opt for a nice, neat dress. And for footwear? Choose comfy heels, flats or sandals.


Choose your dress colour wisely

Ever heard of colour theory? Well, colour theory is an essential aspect of fashion that helps you choose outfits that not only look good but also convey the right mood and personality. Although it sounds a lil' fancy, it's pretty straightforward... in short, it's the idea that wearing certain colours can make us feel a certain way. While some shades can energise us and make us feel powerful, others can do the opposite. When shopping for an occasion dress, understanding colour theory can help you to make stylish and flattering choice. To guide you, below we've broken down one of the key concepts in colour theory, the colour wheel.

The colour wheel

A simple foundational tool, the colour wheel displays the relationships between colours. It consists of primary colours (red, blue and yellow), secondary colours (green, orange and purple), and tertiary colours (combinations of primary and secondary). Here are three colour harmonies that create pleasing contrasts and consonances...

  • 1. Complementary colours

    - Colours opposite each other on the wheel (e.g. red and green, blue and orange)
    - Create high contrast and vibrant looks
    - TK top tip: Look for an occasion dress in one colour and accessorise with its complement for a striking 'fit

  • 2. Analogous colours

    - Colours next to each other on the wheel (e.g. blue, blue-green, and green)
    - Create harmonious and serene outfits
    - TK top tip: Choose an occasion dress in one of these colours and layer with similar hues for a cohesive look

  • 3. Triadic colours

    - Three colours evenly spaced around the wheel (e.g. red, yellow, and blue)
    - Create balanced and vibrant outfits
    - TK top tip: Incorporate these colours through your occasion dress and accessories to achieve an even yet bright ensemble

We recommend trying on occasion dresses in different colours to see which ones enhance your features best. And remember to consider the type of occasion! Let the event guide your colour choices – think vibrant for festive parties and muted tones for formal occasions. Keep scrolling to see why you should consider picking an occasion dress in a primary colour.

Jumpsuits for special occasions

Not really into dresses or just fancy a change? Introducing (drumroll, please)… jumpsuits for special occasions. They pair brilliantly with wedges and statement earrings. For a more sophisticated take, wear a fitted one with pointed stilettos.


Occasion shoes & handbags

Make sure you've got a well-rounded special occasion outfit with the right finishing touches.


Men’s occasionwear

However dressy the event, we've got all you need to put together slick outfits for special occasions. Black tie? The second most formal dress code for men – it's just behind white tie – calls for top-notch men's formalwear. Think a tuxedo jacket and matching trousers paired with a crisp, white shirt. Beach formal? Bag yourself light-coloured cotton or linen men's formalwear. Smart casual? This doesn't require traditional formal dress for men so feel free to flex your style. Wear a button-up dress shirt, a suit jacket, blazer, or a sports jacket, and fitted trousers such as chinos, cords or jeans.


Occasion hair

It’s not all about special occasion outfits, occasion hair is important too – and you don’t need to snag a spot at the salon to smash it out of the park! Whether you’re going to a gala, graduation or golden anniversary, here are five tips for nailing special occasion hair…

1. Choose your outfit first
Whatever you do, resist looking at possible occasion hairstyles 'til you've made your decision. It'll only distract you!

2. Aim for balance
If there's a lot going on outfit-wise, your hairstyle should be simple. And if your outfit's simple, you should consider a more complex style.

3. When bouncy is best
Wearing something body-fitting? Then a bouncy, curly look is a great idea. In our eyes, you can't beat this combination.

4. When sleek is superior
Slicked-back hair looks incredible with floor-sweeping dresses and suits. Remember to apply serum to your strands for extra shine.

5. Don't overspend
Snap up salon-worthy hair products and tools for a snip of the price at TK Maxx. You can save up to 60%*, right hair!


Men’s grooming

Suits look slick and all, but men's grooming is essential to maintaining a polished appearance. Look and feel your best with our self-care steals. From cor-blimey creams or a close shave to beard oils and balms for soft, healthy hair – you'll find all the men's grooming products you could need in our selection. Styling products? We've got plenty. Soaps and body washes? In the bag. Signature scents? Find yours for up to 60% less than the RRP! Trust us, bagging the biggest brands at bargain prices never gets old. Just see for yourself.