Party Outfits
Hey guys!
If you’re hosting a party, or if you’re just a guest, planning your outfit can feel like the most stressful part. Especially when it seems like we need a fancy frock or suit handy for just about every occasion. Unless you’ve been invited to a themed party, or have been explicitly told what to wear, chances are you are going to have to decipher a dress code. Dress codes are probably one of the most confusing codes known to man. What does smart casual mean? What does formal mean? Do I wear a suit and bow tie or a fancy dress and pumps, or do I stick to jeans and a blazer so you don’t look like you’ve tried to hard? A great deal of dilemmas come to mind while choosing an outfit. Don’t get overwhelmed! Stock up your inventory, and read on for some handy style advice.
I headed to a few of sw’s hottest party spots with some of my best dressed friends to provide you the best looks for any (and every) occasion. What to wear to a formal party...
These days, a cocktail party can be anything from a swanky society affair, to a low-key group of friends gathered around a platter of crudites. For the most part, these are dressy casual, so you can’t go wrong if you wear them. One thing to avoid are fabrics that are too casual, like denim. My first favorite formal look is pairing a Fringe Rose Dress with some Coast Platform Sandals. For guys, put on some Coast Dessert Boots, Fringe Worn Jeans with a Moda Tuxedo Jacket.
The word ‘formal’ might seem intimidating, but don’t sweat it! In a sense, dressing for formal parties is easier than dressing for casual events as there are clear expectations on what you should wear. Weddings can be difficult to dress for as they come in so many shapes and sizes, however, I like to stick to two rules when it comes to wedding attire:
1. Don’t upstage the bride and groom and distract from their nuptials for the wrong reasons. It’s better to be overdressed than under-dressed.
2. Take a clue to how formal the dress code would be from the venue. If it’s in a wedding hall or a mansion, chances are it’s on the more sophisticated side of the spectrum. If it’s on a beach, the vibe is likely less formal. Unless a casual dress code is explicitly stated, you should still wear a suit.
What to wear to a casual party?
The key to cracking a casual dress code is deciphering what kind of ‘casual’ it is. The good news is that casual party clothes do not include a tux or a fancy dress, so leave your formal finery at home. Ladies, a few great casual looks would be to pair matching off set colored tops and bottoms. For instance, a Short Sleeved Fringe Denim Jacket, Platform Sandals, Smoky Midriff Top and Smoky Skirt. Or, a Striped Midriff Top, Coast Striped Pin Skirt, Scottish Socks and Platform Sandals. For guys try a Cat T-Shirt, Fringe Worn Jeans, Army Tied Waist Shirt and Dunk High Tops.
Just because the function might be relaxed, doesn’t mean you should let your style slide. Sure, a casual dress code generally means anything goes, but, since you’re attending a party, you still need to put in some effort with your outfit and appearance. Guys, pair a Shiny Jacket over your favorite T-Shirt with Ripped Jeans, and Dunk High Tops Ladies, go for a Halter Top, Tied Waist Shirt, Skinny Leather Pants, and Platform Sandals. Or, a Fur Coat, Printed Trousers and Jelly Sandals.
When the weekend rolls around, you probably mean business. Party business. But it can be pretty tricky knowing what to wear to a dance party when you want to dress to impress without looking like you made an effort. The key here is not to step out of your comfort zone. Go for something that is a little more fitted, and slightly more special than your ordinary everyday wear. A Floral Top, High Waist Skirt, and Platform Sandals. Or, a Denim Vest, Sleeveless Blouse, Leather Skirt, and Dainty Shoes.
Your quick guide to party dressing First and foremost, understand the occasion. Go through your inventory and buy the essentials. Be comfortable! There’s nothing worse than not feeling yourself at a party.
On that note…. Being invited to a party is a privilege and should not be spoiled by the headache of deciphering a dress code. With a little bit of know how, your next social soiree should be less panic at the disco, more dapper at the disco.
Party on.
