Ascot, Henley, Wimbledon and a garden party or three… there’s nothing quite like a Great British summer for a dressy event. But if you want to stand out from the crowd (for the right reasons!), you need more than just a cute frock and a pair of heels. The S/S ’12 catwalks have dictated that, this season, the trend is ultra-feminine, with soft pastels, delicate lace and ladylike silhouettes reigning supreme. So, where’s a girl to get her fashion-forward fix?

Step forward French Connection’s summer collection, featuring dresses from the new luxury range designed with special occasions in mind – think super-elegant, super-pretty designs in sumptuous fabrics with the sort of detailing and embellishment you’d expect from a designer label. The Eden Sequin Dress strikes the perfect balance for a garden party or day at the races, being fabulously sparkly yet loose enough so you won’t look overdone.

Just keep your accessories to a pared-down minimum and let the dress do all the talking – nude heels and a simple clutch and it’s job done. For a day-to-night event, you can’t go wrong if you rock a glam maxi, and the delicate neutral shade of the Spell On You Maxi Dress nails two trends in one go – pastels and a romantic, ladylike silhouette. Once the sun goes down, slip on a softly tailored jacket (anything too structured will kill the look).

The Mini Sequin Jacket from French Connection’s S/S ’12 main range is ideal. So, that’s summer (stylishly) wrapped up! Check out the full collection, including all our favourites, online at frenchconnection.com.