You know the feeling. One minute you're deep in winter, loving the layers, your cosy knits, boots, faux furs and your oversized coat game is strong. And the next? You're rotating the same three knits, your Oodie's become a little too familiar, and you're starting to wonder if the sun's ever coming back. Yeah, same.

And while you've been hibernating like I have been? Spring has been quietly sneaking up in the background. Suddenly, your calendar's about to fill up with weddings, long lunches, race days, birthdays … basically every excuse to ditch the loungewear and get dressed up again. Which means… you're going to need outfits. Plural.

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A fashion editor breaks down Phoebe Philo's enduring influence.

Sure, we still have events in winter. But let's be honest, there's something about that first warm day that makes people want to celebrate everything. Outdoor seating appears, the layers start to peel back and, well, dress codes suddenly matter again.

And with every RSVP comes that little wave of panic. What am I even going to wear?

So I'm putting my personal stylist's hat on to help you get ahead of it. Because the minute spring and summer show up, the top question I get is, "Emelia, where can I find a killer event dress?"

I've pulled together 21 dresses that cover just about every invite. We've got black-tie numbers, floaty garden party options, cocktail hour (yes, please!), and budget-friendly finds that still bring the wow. And my curvy sisters, I've got you too, with some extended sizing options too. We've got full-length, mini, sequins, bold prints, or go with everything neutrals. There's a lot to love in this edit.

I always say good fashion advice should be practical and stylish, so here's your stylist-approved tip before you check out. Make sure you pay attention to the dress code and setting. Stilettos on grass? Been there, not ideal. And nothing throws your confidence like showing up either underdressed or way too overdressed.

Repeat after me: "Get clear on the dress code".

A little pre-planning upfront will save you the stress of that last-minute 11pm express postage checkout with something that doesn't make you feel fabulous. 

Top 21 dresses for every occasion.

Sheike Sophia Maxi Dress, $189.99.

Sheike Sophia Maxi Dress in Pink. Image: Sheike.

Billy J Lucia Long Sleeve Mini Dress, $109.95.

Billy J Lucia Long Sleeve Mini Dress in Cream Zayna. Image: Billy J.

By Amica Martisha Long Sleeve Dress, $119.

By Amica Martisha Long Sleeve Dress in Green Peach Multi-print. Image: By Amica.

Shona Joy Olympia High Neck Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $360.

Shona Joy Olympia High Neck Sleeveless Maxi Dress in Seaweed. Image: Shona Joy.

Commonry Sophia Dress, $329.95.

Commonry Sophia Dress in Navy. Image: Commonry.

Forever New Lune Layered Mesh Maxi Dress, $159.99.

Forever New Lune Layered Mesh Maxi Dress in Black. Image: Forever New.

Sonya Moda Aspen Dress, $580.

Sonya Moda Aspen Dress in French Vanilla. Image: Sonya Moda.

VERGE GIRL Robbie Sequin Maxi Dress, $159.

VERGE GIRL Robbie Sequin Maxi Dress in Black/White Silver. Image: VERGE GIRL.

Sacha Drake Vivienne Wrap Dress, $449.

Sacha Drake Vivienne Wrap Dress in Navy Sparkle. Image: Sacha Drake.

Decjuba Annika Ruffle Dress, $189.95.

By Johnny Oceana Strapless Dress, $390.

By Johnny Oceana Strapless Dress in Blue Black. Image: The Iconic.

Cable Francesca Dress, $399.

Cable Francesca Dress in Animal Spot. Image: Cable.

Husk Isara Dress, $599.

Husk Isara Dress in Print. Image: Husk.

Gingham and Heels Nevaeh Maxi Dress, $99.

Gingham and Heels Nevaeh Maxi Dress in Navy. Image: Gingham and Heels.

TOJHÀ Harlynne Dress, $370.

TOJHÀ Harlynne Dress in Merlot Sequin. Image: TOJHÀ.

zoe kratzmann Beguile Dress, $355.

zoe kratzmann Beguile Dress in Fire. Image: zoe kratzmann.

Showpo Courtney Midi Dress, $129.95.

Showpo Courtney Midi Dress in Black. Image: Showpo.

Antipodean Homecoming Long Sleeve Column Dress, $750.

Antipodean Homecoming Long Sleeve Column Dress in Butter. Image: Antipodean.

St. Frock Opulence Midi Dress, $139.90.

St. Frock Opulence Midi Dress in Pink Floral Organza Burnout. Image: St. Frock.

Elliat Buttercup Embroidered Maxi Dress, $370.

Elliat Buttercup Embroidered Maxi Dress in Red. Image: Elliat.

Lendrop Yuna Dress, $345.

Lendrop Yuna Dress in Teal. Image: Lendrop.

Read more from Emelia Morris:

• The real reason your outfit feels off and the instant styling hacks to fix it.

• 'I style women every week. These are the gaps I see in every wardrobe.'

• The best suede pieces to add to your wardrobe now, according to a personal stylist.

Feature image: Supplied.

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