It’s a brand-new year, and that means one thing: a brand-new collection of occasionwear has arrived in store!
At McElhinneys, we’ve stocked the latest styles from top designers like Couture Club, Veni Infantino, and Giorgia Jo, so whether you’re dressing for a wedding, gala, or any special celebration, you can get styled from head to toe and look fabulous.
From striking dresses to statement accessories, our new arrivals have something for every taste and occasion.
With the new collection now arriving, let’s take a closer look at the top trends for mother of the bride and groom and wedding guest dresses for Spring/Summer 2026 as we talk you through some of the standout pieces for the season ahead!
Puffed Sleeves
A trend that we are now seeing move from everyday styling into occasionwear is puffed sleeves, which offer a fresh, elegant alternative to more classic mother-of-the-bride dress styles.
Although ivory can sometimes be controversial when it comes to weddings, many brides are opting for this hue to help their mothers feel that they are part of the bridal party, which is a lovely touch!
This Couture Club dress showcases the puff sleeve dress trend beautifully and comes with a gorgeous fitted bodice and contemporary square neckline that helps to flatter any frame.
Cape Perfection
A major trend we've seen in occasionwear over the past few seasons that is continuing strongly in Spring/Summer 2026 is the cape dress.
Whether attached to the dress or a separate piece, the cape adds a touch of elevated elegance to the outfit that helps make the dress look that little bit more unique and special.
This Veni Infantino cape dress is the perfect example of this trend that really brings the wow factor.
Intricate beaded floral detailing shimmers with every movement, while the coral hue brings a fresh, modern elegance.
Dotty for Polka Dots
Polka dots were a major trend last year, and they aren’t going anywhere.
This bardot dress from Gabriella Sanchez is a stunning example of how to wear this trend well, particularly if you're attending Ladies Day at the races or a wedding.
The elegant neckline is finished with a delicate bow detail, while the fit-and-flare silhouette enhances the shape for a flattering finish.
Matching the Bride
As we previously highlighted, wearing white or ivory is proving to be popular for mothers of the bride and a fabulous example of this trend can be seen with this stunning dress from Veni Infantino.
This sophisticated take on the trend is elevated with delicate light blue beaded embellishments that pop beautifully against the soft ivory, adding a subtle touch of colour that complements a wedding palette without upstaging the bride.
The flattering A-line silhouette skims the body gracefully, while luxurious crepe fabric drapes with effortless sophistication. A chic square neckline and elegant cape sleeves give a refined, fashion-forward finish.
Bright & Bold Colours
If you're looking to embrace colour this season, we have a wide variety of special occasionwear and wedding guest outfits in vibrant colours, which is proving to be another big trend for 2026.
Elevate your special occasion wardrobe with this stunning Couture Club dress in a serene cyan blue. This dress features a flattering V-neckline and an intricately pleated bodice, creating a refined silhouette that instantly exudes elegance.
Sheer long sleeves are adorned with delicate floral embroidery, adding a touch of romance, while the flowing skirt glides gracefully with every step.
Perfect for weddings, formal celebrations, or any unforgettable occasion, this dress is designed to make you look and feel absolutely radiant from every angle.
Dramatic Draping
Our final trend to watch out for this wedding season is the emergence of the dramatic drape effect on occasionwear.
Elegant draping, similar to the effect of wearing a cape, adds a touch of glamour to any dress, and a fabulous example of it can be seen in this Giorgia Jo pencil dress.
The asymmetric neckline features intricate embellishment that draws the eye, while a dramatic draped panel adds movement and sophistication.
Ideal for cocktail attire, weddings, or any special occasion, it’s a piece that ensures you feel confident and radiant at your next event.
Whether it’s a wedding, gala, or milestone event, the McElhinneys occasionwear and wedding guest dress collection ensures you will feel confident and glamorous at any occasion.
Visit us in store to explore the full range and find the perfect dress to make 2026 your most radiant year yet, or check out our dress collection online here, where new styles are arriving every week!
Until next time,
Leah x
