Occasionwear

Weddings, christenings, race days, work parties: this is the rail for the events that need something more than everyday clothes. Every piece here is one of a kind, checked over by hand, graded on our five-step scale and photographed as it actually looks. Sizes typically run from UK 8 to 30, with plenty of maxi shapes, lace detail and florals, so you can find one outfit nobody else at the party will be wearing.

42 products

Buying preloved occasionwear

What turns up on the rail

Occasionwear here leans towards the high street names people actually buy for events: New Look, ROMAN, Lipsy, Next, Dorothy Perkins, Everbelle, Shein Curve and Primark all appear regularly. Patterns usually run to floral, animal print, polka dot and abstract prints, with lace trims and panels showing up often. Shapes cover maxi and midi lengths, sleeveless styles for summer weddings and long sleeve pieces for cooler venues. Condition is mostly Very good, with a steady trickle of New with tags pieces that were bought for an event and never worn.

What to check before you buy

Occasionwear tends to have been worn once or twice, then hung up, so wear is usually light. Even so, it pays to look at the details that take the strain on a long day.

  • Zips and hook-and-eye fastenings. Back zips on fitted dresses get the most use. Our listings note any stiffness or missing hooks.
  • Linings. Lace and chiffon pieces are often lined. Check the lining length matches the outer layer and sits where you want it.
  • Underarms and hems. Party wear can pick up deodorant marks or a caught hem. Anything we find is described and photographed.
  • Beading, sequins and appliqué. Look for gaps in the pattern where a bead has gone. We grade with missing trims in mind.
  • Fit through the bust and hips. Occasion cuts are less forgiving than everyday clothes. Ask us for measurements before you buy and compare them to something you already own.

Why buy occasionwear preloved

Event clothes are the least worn things most of us own. A dress bought for one wedding often has years of life left, which makes this the easiest category to buy secondhand without compromise. You also get variety the shops cannot match: several seasons of prints and cuts side by side, rather than whatever is hanging up this month. Because each piece is a single item, you are not going to walk into a reception and meet your outfit twin. And if it does not work, there is a 14-day return for any reason, so trying something a bit braver than usual carries less risk.

Common questions

How quickly will my order arrive for an event?

We dispatch within 2 working days and all UK orders go tracked, so you can see where the parcel is. Standard delivery is free when you spend over £50. If you have a firm date in mind, message us before ordering and we will tell you what is realistic.

Do you list the exact measurements?

Measurements of any item are available on request before you buy, and we are happy to take extra ones such as shoulder to hem or across the widest part of the skirt. Occasionwear sizing varies a lot between brands, so this is worth doing. Just ask through the contact form with the item name.

Are sequinned and lace pieces easy to care for?

Honestly, no. Sequins, beading and delicate lace usually need hand washing in cool water and drying flat, and some pieces are dry clean only. If you would rather have something you can put through a machine, stick to the plainer jersey and cotton occasion pieces on the rail.

What does the condition grading actually mean here?

We use five grades: New with tags, Like new, Very good, Good and Fair. Most occasionwear falls into Very good because it has been worn only a handful of times. Anything below that is described in detail, and the photos show the piece as it is rather than styled to hide flaws.

Can I return something if it does not suit me?

Yes. You have 14 days to return an item for any reason, and 30 days if it turns out to be faulty or not as described. Keep the packaging where you can, as it makes sending things back simpler. Returns are handled by post.

Nothing here is right for my event. What now?

New pieces go live most days, so it is worth checking back or looking again nearer the date. You can also send us a note through the contact form with your size, colour and the type of event, and we will keep an eye out as stock comes in.