We all know the feeling. There’s a looming event on the horizon – an invite on the fridge, a calendar reminder on your phone – and the mounting question, ‘What am I going to wear?’. Navigating dress codes can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Dress codes offer the opportunity to have some fun with your wardrobe, mix reliable favourites (like the embellished slingbacks you bought last spring), with new-season investments from your favourite local and international brands. Our curated edit of the best spring/summer pieces will help you nail the dress code and find your light this party season.

Don’t be intimidated by a black tie dress code. It really means one thing: an excuse to go all out. For women, that can mean floor-length dresses, but doesn’t necessarily have to. Mid or mini hemlines work too, as long as the dress is finished in a beautiful fabric and cut, and dressed up with a great heel and jewellery. Look to brands like Swarovski for statement-making earrings with serious bling factor. Their ‘Matrix’ hoop earrings are an adorable heart shape, and finished with baguette-cut crystals. For dresses, Rebecca Vallance is a party season go-to for a reason. Their ‘Monroe’ midi dress is universally flattering, and with its chic silver sequin applique detailing is perfect for ‘black tie’. Dress the look up with a metallic clutch by Mimco and an elegant heel by Camilla and Marc, and you’re all set.

For the guys, black tie is all-important. You need to wear a black or dark blue tuxedo, with a white shirt and (as the name suggests) a black silk bow-tie. Intimidated? Don’t be, men never look better than when they’re in a sharp suit. We recommend visiting Hugo Bossi or M.J. Bale. At the former, the brand’s signature regular fit suit is available in black or navy. At M.J. Bale, the ‘Saunders’ offers a stylish, slim fit, with a sharp merino wool jacket with statement satin lapels.

The 'wedding guest' dress code isn’t a singular dress code, it’s several dress codes in one. Naturally, your first point of call is the invite – does it stipulate black tie or cocktail? Is there a concept or a theme? White tie is the most formal and least common, women are expected to wear floor-length gowns and men tuxedos with tails, and a bow-tie. Black-tie requires longer hemlines and lush fabrics for women (think silk, organza and chiffon), and for men to wear a tuxedo, bow-tie and patent leather shoes. A ‘formal’ dress code is more open to interpretation, men are expected to wear a suit and tie but not a tuxedo, and women can wear short or long hemlines, but are expected to dress up with heels, and jewellery. Cocktail is considered the least formal dress code, meaning you can play.

Other rules of thumb for weddings? Don’t wear white, naturally. Women should embrace a palette of pinks, greens, yellows, reds and blues, and experiment with prints like florals, abstract and geometric prints. Avoid anything too low-cut, short, or sheer, but do have fun with volume, and silhouette – and accessorise liberally, with great sunglasses, statement clutch-handbags and shoes that will allow you to dance all night. For menswear, nothing looks better on a wedding guest than a sharply tailored, perfectly-fitted suit. Navy is always a safe bet, as is a crisp white shirt, and a great pair of (freshly polished) black leather derbys.

Cocktail is the most relaxed, and open-to-interpretation dress code. For womenswear, cocktail is elevated and polished without straying into full-blown formality. What does that mean, exactly? Often it’s shorter hemlines, fitted mid-length dresses like bias-cut slip dresses, or elevated separates, like suiting or a matching set in silk or satin. This is where you can have more fun with cut-outs and sheer detailing, like Bec + Bridge’s sheer ‘Danica’ dress, and experiment with colour and texture, like Aje’s textural ruffled ‘Telma’ dress,  Zimmermann’s flouncy lace-and satin mini, and Sheike’s metallic draped ‘Voltage’ dress. Don’t forget to up the wattage with unapologetically bold jewellery, Swarovski and Mimco are offering great styles this season that go heavy on both colour and sparkle.

For men, don’t be fooled by the cocktail dress code’s ‘more casual’ reputation you’re still expected to wear a suit. You have more freedom to experiment with the details. Reach for an unconventional hue like cream or tan, or a lightweight fabric like linen – we love Politix's slim tailored suit in ‘natural check’. You can get away with no tie for a cocktail event, so use this as an example to go all-out on a great statement shirt. Experiment with print or texture, like Calibre’s Geo Lace shirt, made with cotton-blend lace and a stylish geometric motif (you’ll be able to wear it with jeans or chinos for the rest of the summer, too). Footwear can be more casual for cocktail events, like a loafer or a boat shoe. The woven detail of Calibre’s tan weave loafers will never go out of style.

Much like the wedding guest dress code, the ‘spring racing’ dress code can be multiple dress codes in one. Your outfit will be dependent on which race day you attend. Derby Day follows a strict black and white dress code (we love this polka dot dress by Oroton); Melbourne Cup is the opportunity to go all-out with colour (shimmer in emerald with Aje’s ‘Nova’ dress); Oaks Day or ‘Ladies Day’ is the best time to experiment with soft florals (who else but Zimmermann?); and Stakes Day is the most casual affair, so you can reach for a halter silhouette, like this soft printed midi by Sheike. Other dos and dont’s? Avoid strapless dresses, short hemlines, cut-out detailing and any midriff, instead, embrace the old-world glamour of the event with a voluminous silhouette. And don’t forget accessories – headwear aside, you’ll need a pragmatic-but-chic handbag to fit all your essentials, and a great pair of slingbacks that will last you all day.

For menswear, spring racing is a slightly simpler affair. A classic, well-tailored two-piece suit is your best bet, in black, navy, or – if you’re feeling experimental – a muted shade of cream or light grey. A tie and dress shoe are both recommended, though you could also get away with a great pair of loafers. Consider using a tie and cufflinks as the opportunity to experiment a little – a bold colour or print, perhaps matched to the shade of your partners’ ensemble.

Event dressing isn’t just about the outfit – you’ve got to nail the beauty look too. Here, we round-up six glamorous beauty buys to set you up for success this social season.