EVENTS
Much of our fashion choice revolves around a specific event.
Below are a list of all the events that could prompt a much-needed fashion outfit. The events are listed below as well as a general explanation of what to wear to this event.
*All descriptions are personal interpretation.*
BIRTHDAY
BRIDAL (BRIDE)
CASUAL
CLUBBING
COCKTAIL PARTY
DATES
DINNER
EVENING WEAR
FORMAL
FRAT PARTY
FUNERAL
GAME DAY
GOING OUT
GRADUATION
HOMECOMING
PROFESSIONAL
PROM
RAVE
RELIGIOUS CEREMONY
SEMI FORMAL
SPECIAL EVENT
VACATION
WEDDING (GUESTS)
WORKOUTS/ACTIVE
KEYWORDS BELOW:
BIRTHDAY
You can choose your own level of extra, but when it comes to birthday outfits, it should be the best outfit of the year! Any style can be leveled up to reach maximum potential. A birthday outfit should almost be Met Gala-worthy (kidding, but not). Basically, just put your best foot forward and get ready to celebrate another trip around the sun.
BRIDAL (BRIDE)
Dress code is white! Pick out glamourous eveningwear options for all your bridal events. Whether it's your bachelorette party, bridesmaids' dresses, or anything else that a bride-to-be might need.
*Aimed at the bride, not the attendees.
CASUAL
My kind of casual differs from others, but generally, anything meant for everyday wear would fall under this category. It's supposed to emphasize comfort but can be dressed up or down as well.
CLUBBING
Think form-fitting..sexy....latex. Not really, but club attire caters to all things tight, bright, and extra. While some clubs have a more casual dress code, the most popular pieces include short evening wear ranging from sets to dresses. I typically avoid wearing long pants or jumpsuits because the floors of a nightclub can easily ruin your clothes.
COCKTAIL PARTY
The first thing that comes to mind for cocktail is a semi-formal midi dress. Cocktail bridges the gap between casual and elegant and provides a nice balance of both. But - generally, a good rule of thumb for a cocktail event, differing from other events, is that there's usually a bit more modesty to the outfit. Pro tip: Try something that you would feel comfortable wearing around your boss and grandparents.
DATES
Obviously, you want to impress, but whether it's more of a neutral date vibe or full-out glam, the items should have some "wow" factor. The best date outfit is one that makes you feel confident; look for whatever makes you embrace your best side.
DINNER
This obviously caters to whatever restaurant you'll be attending, but this can include anything from jeans and a cute top all the way up to an evening dress. My definition of "dinner" is a place that can serve a decent martini...and has an enticing ambiance for photos. The standard Chilis (my fave) is not what I'm referencing here.
EVENING WEAR
This covers a formal social occasion that includes having a sophisticated but glamorous outfit. It would generally be for a special event like a charity event or going to prom. You should dress to impress with a cocktail dress, gown, tailored suit, etc.
FORMAL
Here's where your prom outfit could come in handy. Usually, though, formals are more lowkey because you're on a tighter budget. Any nice, night outfit is generally a good choice. I usually went for a long dress or two-piece set!
FRAT PARTY
There's a specific style for college frat parties that are more elevated than your average high school party. As someone who attended college for four years and heavily noticed what people wore, it's all about being cute and affordable. You don't want to bring out the nice stuff because it will get trashed. Save those outfits for the real clubs.
FUNERAL
Unless stated otherwise, a black outfit is best. But - leave your club dress at home. You want a modest, basic style of clothing that's appropriate for the somber mood. Now isn't the time to test out funky fashion trends except, on the off chance, that's requested. I'm not adhering to the "Celebration of Life" folks; this is for the more traditional route of funerals.
GAME DAY
Each college is different with its expectations of what to wear, ranging from jean shorts to a nice romper. My best tip for searching for game day outfits is to filter the search options for your school's colors. It's how I found some of my best looks!
GOING OUT
Going out is a less intense version of clubbing. Usually, it's a nice top and jeans kind of vibe where there's heels involved but it's not quite as aggressive as a club outfit. This would be rooftop bar vibes, college town bars, your favorite spot with your friends, etc.
GRADUATION
On the more classic side to things, you can go with the traditional, semi-formal, white dress that can range from short to midi in length. Away from the norm, many have incorporated colorful dresses, jumpsuits and rompers, and suits. Some might even prepare for multiple outfits...like I did, for the ceremony, dinner, and party.
HOMECOMING
Less pressure than a prom outfit, but still more important than your average evening wear. I always aimed to go for something fun because events like these let you add more eclectic pieces to your wardrobe.
PROFESSIONAL
Each work environment will vary, some will be more casual, and others will be entirely corporate. For the most part, button-down shirts and dress pants are the holy grails of office attire. You really can't go wrong with either. A chic style works best with interviews and work environments. Some of my favorite staples include blazers, closed-toed kitten heels, or a statement blouse.
PROM
Similar to a wedding dress, this is a big moment to pick an outfit. Stick to your style of preference, but get something show-stopping enough that it can be remembered at your high school reunion. My advice is to go big or go home.
RAVE
To each their own with how hard you want to go. Some like to be head to toe in glitter, and others will wear a basic pair of jean shorts. Either is great; you just want to go for something that's easy to move around in and allows you to keep cool throughout the day.
RELIGIOUS CEREMONY
Each religion caters to its own rules, on top of rules among different families. In a general sense, modest, lengthy clothing would be ideal. Additionally, for a ceremony or gathering, the clothes can range anywhere from casual to formal.
SEMI FORMAL
*Not the same as "Semi-Formal." Please see the "Style" page.*
Like Homecoming, Semi Formal requires a nice outfit option, but instead of having length, shorter options can be expected. Since it was college, I never wore anything too nice simply because it had a high chance of getting stained. My general advice would be to opt for something cute and comfortable.
SPECIAL EVENT
This is a broad term to describe any event that would be out of the "norm" for experiences. This could be anything from baby showers to a charity event. Cater to the specific events dress code, but make the outfit memorable.
VACATION
Obviously, there are many different trips to take but when I envision vacation wear, it's for beachy, relaxing summer trips. Think bathing suit coverups, crochet tops, sandals, etc. You'll either want to be seaside or poolside for these kinds of outfits.
WEDDING (GUESTS)
Anywhere between a glamorous cocktail dress to a long formal dress would be my go-to. Of course, this can include skirts, blouses, suits, and other evening wear pieces. Generally, the vibe stays towards the modest side since full attention should be on the bride! Save your cleavage for another event. ;)
*Wedding is aimed at wedding attendees, not the bride.
WORKOUTS / ACTIVE
Workouts can either be loose and comfortable clothes or form-fitting, stretchy items. You can decide what's best for your exercise routine, but mine often includes leggings, sports bras, and a good pair of running shoes.