All dressed up and somewhere to go? Here's our style guide on how to make the most of your summer wardrobe

OCCASIONWEAR can be an expensive business, and seriously dent your summer finances. Weddings, race days, and smart parties all come with a dress code.

But it pays to buy smart, which is why we have teamed up with Angela Horner, of Fashion City York and Browns department store, and local photographer Mike Nowill, to offer this easy-to-follow guide on how to maximise your summer wardrobe.

Angela says: "If you are attending a wedding, going to the races or having a special occasion party this summer, you may be looking for some fashion inspiration – so here are a few ideas of what to wear and how to make sure the outfit you buy is versatile enough to be worn again."

1 Black magic: You can’t go wrong with the ever-faithful “little black dress” but go for a twist with a lace panel, or contrasting fabric panels to add a bit of interest. Why not add sequins for a real sparkle – they are not just for Christmas: sequins were all over the catwalk during London Fashion Week.

2 Blue for you: If you want a change from black, why not choose navy, which is chic, effortless and universally flattering. What’s more, it works well with any colour and is never out of style, which makes it extremely versatile. A smart navy dress can be dressed up with heels and a hat or dressed down with sandals and an over-the-shoulder bag for a more casual look.

3 Every cloud: Another great alternative for summer is silver – it is both bold yet elegant. Be careful to accessorise with subtlety though as you may look a bit too “bling” and end up being mistaken for an extra in a David Bowie music video! The other great advantage of a silver occasion dress is that it can be worn all year round, for a summer race meeting or a Christmas party, giving you great cost per wear.

4 Suit's you ma'am: If you are not a “dress person” the good news is that it is perfectly acceptable to wear trousers. A stylish, well-cut trouser suit is a wardrobe classic and can be worn to a range of occasions. The most important issue is to make sure it fits. This sounds obvious but is an all-too-common faux pas. Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns and fabrics to find out what suits you – you may be surprised.

5 All white now: For summer, white looks cool and sophisticated and although white is super on trend for spring/summer 2018, it never loses its style (just take care if you are drinking red wine and whatever you do – don’t order the spaghetti.) For the finishing touch, accessorise with black for a monochrome look – this trend is unfalteringly chic and comes back each fashion season.

6 Jump to it: Another alternative to a trouser suit is the jumpsuit – a real wardrobe essential. It seems nearly every fashion designer is offering a take on the trend that shows no sign of abating. The jumpsuit combines the classiness of a dress with the comfort of trousers. Again, this is a great choice for versatility and the jumpsuit can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. The top tip here is to plan plenty of time for a visit to the ladies when you are wearing it!

7 Finishing touches: To dress your outfit up for you special day/evening out, accessories are key. A hat, heels and a gorgeous bag will really add those essential finishing touches. A bright bag and/or hat can add a real pop of colour. Avoid matching the colour of your hat, shoes and bag to the colour of your outfit, as this can look drab and old fashioned! Go for a real contrast.

A hat, hatinator or fascinator? A lot depends on your outfit and your body type. If you are buying your accessories after you have already bought your outfit, make sure you take it with you, so you can try everything on together.

8 Men only: And for the chaps? The top tip is to invest in some top quality, stylish tailoring. A great fitting suit will stand the test of time, so it is worth investing in some top quality tailoring. Again, a pop of colour with a fabulous tie will really add that finishing touch. And don't forget that ultimate summer 2018 accessory – a waistcoat.

Photography: Mike Nowill

Models: Stephanie Barlow and Giacomo Piccini

Clothes: Browns, York