To me, Nookie's story is about friendship and hands-on work. Nikita Sernack and Brooke Coleman met again through a Sydney music festival in the early 2000s, then turned Coleman's mother's garage into a studio, and the name blends Niki and Brooke. I love that. Nothing says fun like a garage and a best friend.

Sernack did not study fashion formally. She was making clothes while working in hospitality when customers started asking where they came from, and the boutique collections grew into Nookie Beach and a spot at Australian Fashion Week. Today the label makes Australian-designed occasionwear in Sydney, with a precise fit and statement silhouettes. I went deeper on a related idea in Casona Dresses: Where to Start with the Best Pieces. I went deeper on a related idea in LIONESS Tops & Dresses: Where to Start.

I like that mix of polish and play, especially when a gown is made for an actual night out and not to sit quietly in a closet. It suits a label whose dresses so often lean into shape.

Nookie's event dressing starts with confident silhouettes, but the real draw is how many moods one dress can hold. I gravitate to the Boulevard Maxi Dress when I want color with a long line, and to the Harmony Mini Dress for a late dinner. The Lovers Nothings Sequin Gown and Oracle Sequin Gown bring the shine, Delphine Lace Halter Gown adds texture, and Chiara Strapless Gown, Alice Halter Maxi Dress and Estella Gown suit the more formal plans.

Picture her stepping into a summer wedding in the Boulevard Maxi Dress, then trading heels for flats when the dancing starts. In another scene she wears the Lovers Nothings Sequin Gown to a rooftop birthday and allows the sparkle to set the tone. Kayla Mini Dress, Monroe Mini, Dominque Mini, Enigma Midi Dress and Alessia Gown fill in the lengths between. If a gown needs constant tugging, I would pass.

The occasion section gets more choices in length and shape from here. Ever After Strapless Mini and Icon LS Mini are the shorter options, Tatum Cap Sleeve Midi sits in the middle, and Darling Maxi or Petra Ring Maxi carry the idea longer. Camilla Corset Maxi, Eva Maxi and Aaliyah Maxi keep the long dress in play without every pick turning into a gown.

When I want to be properly dressed up, Rhianna Halter Gown, Valentina OTS Gown, Palais Strapless Gown and Valerie Cowl Gown cover a few necklines. I would save Diva Plunge Gown, Dante Maxi and Therese Sequin Gown for nights that really call for an entrance, and the rest of the gowns give you more shapes to try.

The edit is more useful between events too. Caroline Maxi Skirt can work with a top I already own, and Brooklyn Wide Leg Pants are a trouser option for a dinner where a full gown would feel like too much. Brooklyn Mini Skirt and Brooklyn Blazer make a separate pairing, and Mystique Bodysuit and Viva Bodysuit are the foundations under either, with Bobbi Tee as the casual change of pace.

My tip is to think about the venue and the hem together, especially if the plan includes stairs or a long walk. What I would skip for an afternoon gathering with no dress code is the most formal gown. Choose a midi or separates.

An occasion dress should still feel like your own clothes, not a costume borrowed for one night. That is why I like Nookie's balance: a clear point of view about shape and polish, with room to choose a black mini, a lace halter or a bright sequin gown depending on the evening. The swimwear roots still show in the confidence. I would pick the piece that allows you to move, sit, hug and dance without thinking about it. Although I suspect the sequins will win the argument.