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Words: Daniël Geldenhuys | Styling: Kelly Fung | Images: Rudi Geyser

The anxiety that is occasion shopping ends here. Hunting down the perfect look for an occasion with a specific dress code does not need to involve a seemingly endless search party. Meet Milla, Velvet, and Blake: three brand new Superbalist-exclusive brands that are here to give you considered options for dressing up without sacrificing your fashion sensibility. And here’s the clincher: they’re also budget friendly.

TABLE FOR TWO

Be it a first date or fifty-first, the unofficial date night dress code is all about enhancing your best features. Velvet’s cowl midi body con dress in simple Cuban sand is a modern classic that serves as a canvas for a strong beauty look (did someone say KKW?). If this particular date night calls for something a little more high-stakes, the brand’s asymmetric metallic maxi is draped and ready to stun. In the mood for something a little more romantic and playful? The ruffled sleeves on the Velvet body con mini (in red or black) are a certain winner.

BABY LOVE

Shall we coin the phrase ‘selfless dressing?’ That baby shower is really not about you, so dressing appropriately means not stealing the spotlight, but still letting your personality beam through. The answer here is minimalism. There’s something romantically maternal about Milla’s sheer pleated sleeve bodysuit in rose. Like the event, this piece is a celebration of femininity that makes a sophisticated statement without overpowering. If you like this idea but need a full look, try the rose tiered midi dress from Velvet: the dreamy romantic cut and spot-pattern texture adds a welcome dose of fun to the equation. Blake’s mustard floral tiered midi dress brings with it an infectious optimism – what could be better suited?

MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING

The pressure is on: you need to look fantastic (these photos will live forever!) without upstaging the bride. Assuming you haven’t been coerced into some cringey bridesmaids dress, here are some solid options. Milla’s metallic cowl neck maxi has a demure beauty and simplicity that will stand the test of time. That said, if you’re looking to make a statement, the way to to that without upstaging is to make sure there’s a sense of humour involved in your look. The Milla puff sleeve mini brings all the fun and will give your legs free rein on the dance floor. Velvet’s Bardot off-the-shoulder body con brings the drama with below-the-knee-length sleeves – its navy hue ensures the overall effect is not too much but just enough.

GROOVE IS IN THE HEART

What makes the idea of a night out so exciting? That feeling of endless possibility. Blake captures this effervescent vibe by offering you a spread of options, starting with separates. From grungy checks to precision pleats, the new-season mini skirt is ready to see you now. Either option pairs easily with with the turtleneck bodysuit or organza sleeve top. Speaking of tops, add a little sparkle to your life by pairing your favourite jeans with a Blake sequin cami (in silver or champagne – to match your phone) or gold shimmer crop top. If you’re looking for a night-out dress that’s as much statement as it is fun, the boldly sleeved pleather mini is an absolute must.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

No holding back. When there’s a red carpet involved, it’s your time to shine. Consider Milla your one-stop-shop. The satin skater dress creates a fun, feminine silhouette that’s utterly charming. Channel your inner film star with Milla’s off-the-shoulder sequin Bardot dress – it’s also a perfect option if you’re looking to show off a spellbinding necklace. Not to be confused with the Airtech Bardot dress: complete with an almost weightless circle skirt, this piece literally pumps up the volume while perfectly fusing vintage and modern design sensibilities. This is the kind of dress that has the power to transform the wearer to an elevated version of themselves, ready to walk a red carpet but also to ignite a mood they can tap into again any time regardless of dress or occasion.