From date nights to company parties and everything in between, dressing for the special events in your life has never been easier.

It’s an all-too-familiar feeling: You’re looking forward to attending a family friend’s wedding but you have no idea what to wear. Why is it so difficult to find something that’s flattering and right for the occasion? Maybe you’re dreading having to purchase a single-use dress just for it to end up collecting dust in your closet—the last thing you want is to have to stretch your budget to solve an urgent what-to-wear problem.

The events that shape our lives—marriage, birthdays, professional milestones—are opportunities to feel our best and share experiences with those who matter most. So instead of feeling stressed by having to dress up, think of it as a chance to invest in feel-good clothing that will rise to any occasion. At EILEEN FISHER, we believe in investing in clothes that will pay dividends over time, meaning you can wear them again and again with the staples you already own. With just a few simple pieces, you can create timeless, elegant looks that will work in your wardrobe for years to come.

In a time when remote work and athleisure are the norm, you might need a refresher course in how to create occasion-worthy looks—many of us are simply out of practice. That’s why we put together a few tips to dressing for those big events that require a little more polish.

Feeling anxious about finding a dress for that upcoming wedding? Simple silhouettes in luxurious fabrics like Crushed Silk take the guesswork out of getting ready while helping you meet the dress code. Many of our elevated fabrics come in a variety of shapes, so you can opt for a full-length dress or a matching top and pant, depending on your preference. And since our dressier pieces come in a range of colors, you can experiment with bolder shades that make a statement on par with the occasion (and the next one you have coming up).

Don’t forget the accessories—we design layers to coordinate with our dresses and tops, so consider a matching poncho, scarf or cardigan to finish off your outfit. A cropped silk poncho layered over a square neck dress, for example, creates an elegant, flattering look and a playful take on proportion.

Whether you want to dress up or keep it low-key, a date night look is all about feeling your best. A cami (like this version in Hammered Silk Cotton) paired with a drapey skirt creates a refined look, but you can easily pair each piece with everyday staples when you feel like dressing down. Complete your look with an extra layer of sophistication—the Sequin Sparkle Cardigan or Washed Silk Parachute Scarf adds a finishing touch with minimal effort.  

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort and style to feel professional for a conference or big presentation. The right pieces can bolster your confidence and help you strike the right balance between office and after-party. Nothing works a room like a statement jacket in a refined fabric—think a long silk trench or notch collar blazer. Wear it over a streamlined silhouette—say a slim dress or even a jumpsuit—and you’re ready to go.  

When you think of cocktail parties, you probably think of the little black dress. Enter our interpretation of the LBD—an elegant sheer dress with a ballet neck and cap sleeves. It’s a simple silhouette with a built-in cami dress for effortless layering.

Prefer pants? A funnel neck top is an elegant option, especially in Crushed Silk. Pair it with a wide-leg pant and a floaty silk wrap and you’ve created an effortless, refined look from head to toe.  

Catching up over a meal is always the perfect excuse to dress up. At EILEEN FISHER, we’ve always celebrated the idea of the “restaurant top”—a sophisticated silhouette on top paired with a relaxed pant or jean (since only your top half is in view anyway). Look for simple tops with special details (a flattering neckline, dramatic side slits) in refined fabrics like silk or linen that you can wear from the office to a big night out without changing up your look. The only thing left to decide is where to meet your friends for dinner.