From black-tie events to the elusive wedding guest dress, we break down the best new season party looks, whatever the dress code.

The most formal of the dress codes, a black tie event calls for floor-skimming gowns, bold accessories, and sleek silhouettes. At Rebecca Vallance, the ‘Ella’ gown has a dramatic bodice and on-trend bubble hem, Camilla are offering unapologetic glamour with a Studio 54-style number with feather embellished trim, and Sheike’s ‘Sofia’ gown is statuesque and figure-hugging, with sheer cape detailing. Finish the look with sky-high pumps, a great clutch, and truly magnificent jewellery, like this rose gold, diamond ‘Divas Dream’ pendant necklace from Bulgari’s new collection. 

Racing season is officially upon us. Rebecca Vallance is a trusted go-to during spring racing –the new-season ‘Violetta’ gown works for Cup Day with its modest hemline, soft violet hue, and flattering statement sleeves. Review’s ‘Peony’ dress is perfect for Oaks Day, with its hyper-feminine floral print and understated halter neck shape. And for Derby Day, Oroton’s monochrome ‘Button Down’ dress blends minimalism and elegance, with a boatneck and statement pockets. The ultimate finishing touch? A serious dose of sparkle, courtesy of Graff’s bow-accent diamond ‘Tilda’s Now’ necklace, available at Kennedy. 

‘Cocktail’ is the most ambiguous dress code, meaning you can experiment with different hemlines, textures, and colours. We love the ‘90s-nostalgia of this corset-style slip dress by Camilla and Marc, finished in a delicate lace overlay. Scanlan Theodore’s sequin embellished skirt set is eye-catching for all the right reasons, while Acne Studios’ draped satin midi-dress looks fantastic with a stack of gold bangles and a slinky pair of slingbacks. Speaking of accessories, why not throw on a pair of Tiffany & Co.’s HardWear diamond pavé earrings? They’re the ultimate buy-now keep-forever investment. 

There’s nothing better than a spring wedding. While the specific dress code varies from event to event, warm weather nuptials present the perfect opportunity to wear soft, breezy dresses in a light, feminine colour palette. Aje’s ‘Gracie’ dress is a ruffle-tiered delight in a delicate floral print. Bec + Bridge’s ‘Susie’ Maxi Dress—a draped silhouette in figure-hugging jersey—is available in a variety of colours, we love the soft pink ‘Ballet’ shade. And Ganni’s voluminous ‘Habotai’ dress is pale yellow and covered in small tulip motifs, meaning it practically screams “spring wedding.” Finish with a great piece of gold jewellery, like Chaumet’s Bee de Chaumet bangel.

A great party dress is only as good as its accompanying beauty look. When preparing for bigger events, take advantage of Mecca’s popular ‘Mecca Glam’ service, where for $150 you’ll have your makeup professionally done, with the service cost redeemable on product in-store. While you’re at it, why not book a haircut at Oscar Oscar, or a ‘his and her’ blow dry and trim at Hairhouse and Double Edge Barber? If you’re doing your makeup at home, start with a strong base by moisturising your skin with Augustinus Bader’s ‘The Cream’, available at Mecca. Then add a full-coverage foundation that will last day and night, like Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation, available at Sephora. Tom Ford Beauty’s Eye Colour Squad in ‘Disco Dust’ is great for statement-making sparkly eyes, followed by lashings of mascara (Maybelline’s Great Lash is always a safe bet, available at Chemist Warehouse). We love a bold lip for black tie and cocktail dress codes, like the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté in 127 Rouge Studio. The finishing touch? A heady spritz of a truly fabulous fragrance, like Diptyque’s Orpheon Eau de Parfum, a touch of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer (available at Mecca) and a brush of Rare Beauty's Soft Pinch Luminous blush will tie everything together.