The Occasion Dress Edit: Sunset & Reservations – Julia Berolzheimer

Alemais Dress, Le Sundial Belt, Valentino Bag, Irene Neuwirth Earrings, Arielle Ratner Necklace

The best part about vacation is having an excuse to dress up, especially after getting a glow from being in the sun all day. Evenings feel like a reset. You shower, get ready slowly, and choose something that feels a little more elevated than what you wore to the beach.

These aren’t casual vacation dresses. They’re the ones that immediately read as an occasion. Strapless silhouettes that show the shoulders, sculpted halters that define the neckline, fringed maxis with texture, and saturated color that stands out against sand and sea.

For romantic dinners by the water, I always gravitate toward a fluid maxi in silk or chiffon. Something strapless or halter with a defined waist so the shape feels flattering and balanced. I prefer fabric that skims the body and moves when you walk. Deep brown, coral, strong red, and ocean blue, shades that look rich at sunset and hold their depth in photos.

For terrace drinks or a destination evening out, I lean into clean lines and confident color. An elongated midi or full maxi, a sharp neckline, a silhouette that feels clear the second you put it on. This is where a bold red, bright yellow, or graphic print works beautifully. The dress should carry the look on its own.

I keep the styling refined because these pieces already make a statement — flat leather sandals or a sleek heel, a compact clutch, gold earrings with weight, hair pulled back to highlight the neckline. When the cut, fabric, and color are right, you don’t need to overthink the rest.