fashion
dress to impress
By Abby Hepworth
•
Published Oct 6, 2023
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Your birthday comes but once a year, so you’re going to want to make that ‘fit count. Whether you plan to celebrate with a cozy dinner for your nearest and dearest, dancing the night away at a Beyoncé concert or casually chilling at a bar with friends, we’ve got plenty of birthday outfit ideas that will make you feel fabulously festive.
What Should I Wear on My Birthday?
Unless you have plans for the full day on your actual birthday, we say wear whatever makes you most comfortable. Maybe that means treating yourself to a full day in pajamas, maybe that means dressing up in an LBD and silver booties—whatever is going to make you feel like your best self on your big day. And if you do have specific plans set up, perhaps the following birthday outfit ideas can help guide you to that perfect ensemble with which to ring in another year of you.
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1. A Mix of Casual and Festive
If You’re Going Out for Drinks
Hitting up happy hour in a full sequin ensemble feels a bit extra, but sporting casual basics doesn’t feel festive enough the later you stay out. Solution? Casual on top, party on bottom. Or vice versa! Play around with mixing your party-ready wardrobe with more toned down pieces, like tucking a cotton cardigan into a fringe midi skirt or layering a sheer lace top over wide-leg pants.
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2. Sleek Basics You Can Toss in the Wash
If You’re Hosting an Intimate Dinner Party
Of course you didn’t intend to splash a little sauce on your blouse while cooking or drop a piece of pasta into your lap during dinner, but these things happen. This is why darker colors in washable fabrics might be a better option than a white sequin top if you’re preparing your own b-day dinner. That doesn’t mean you need to go for basics, however—textured and sheer fabrics help shake things up, even in classic neutral hues.
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3. Fringe, Ruffles or Anything with Movement
If You’re Going Dancing
What better way to show off your moves than with a dress or top that’s just as lively? It doesn’t much matter whether you prefer an LBD or a trendy kohlrabi green number, so long as your clothing can move along with you on the dance floor.
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4. Floral Dress and Comfortable Shoes
If You’re Having a Picnic in the Park
Embrace the nature theme with a floaty, floral frock and shoes you won’t have to feel precious about as you stroll across the grass. We suggest opting for a midi or maxi length to make lounging on a picnic blanket more comfortable (an minimize the risk of an accidental flashing).
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5. Jeans and a Cute Top
If You’re Hanging at the Bar
The Millennial woman’s bread and butter. There may be TikToks aplenty poking fun at this combo, but the truth is that it’s a staple for a reason—it’s easy, cute and guaranteed to look great for any number or activities. To ensure your friends can spot you from across the room, opt for a top that really pops—either a bright color, a bold pattern or some shimmering sequins.
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6. Silky Trousers and Statement Jewelry
If You’re Playing Board Games at Home
Keep things comfy but luxe for board game night by sporting silk trousers and a simple tee or a slip dress and oversize knit. Don’t forget to finish the look with some standout jewelry—bold drop earrings, a crystal necklace, bracelet stacks up to your elbows—to really amp up the festive vibes.
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7. Bomber Jacket and Flared Leggings
If You’re Catching the Big Game
If your birthday plans involve taking your pals out to the ball game, why not lean into a sporty look that’s a bit more Carrie Bradshaw and crew and less Ryan Evans from High School Musical. A bomber or varsity jacket over flared leggings feels sporty without being too on the nose, while a colorful handbag or shoes (heels or sneakers) can help make everything feel a bit more party-ready.
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8. A Formal Gown in Any Color but Black
If You’re Hosting a Black-Tie Affair
The color most guests are likely to gravitate toward with a black-tie dress code is black, so to ensure you stand out as the birthday honoree we suggest opting for a contrasting hue. Of course, if you’re the type who just can’t give up on an LBD, try to play a bit with your accessories by opting for something perhaps a bit larger, more sparkly or brightly colored than you typically might.
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9. Classic Blouse and Trousers with Festive Accessories
If You’re Doing Boozy Brunch
For a daytime event, we find it’s best to stick with more casual clothing pieces, like a white button-up or floral-print crops, rather than going all in on a sequin minidress. That said, accessories can do a lot to zhuzh up an outfit. Swap a leather belt for a gold chain version and your usual brown crossbody bag for a clutch in a vibrant color.
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10. Chic Layers and Walkable Shoes
If You’re Touring a Vineyard
Spending the day outdoors strolling through a vineyard? You’re going to want comfortable footwear and an ensemble that can keep you feeling fresh in the afternoon but warm enough come evening. Lightweight layers are our top suggestion, like a silk or knit midi skirt and matching cardigan (either worn on its own or over a cute tee). And who can resist throwing a cheeky fruit or wine theme accessory into the mix for an added dose of fun?
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11. Outerwear That Pops
If You’ve Booked a Booze Cruise
It can get surprisingly chilly out on the water, even in the middle of summer, so for your booze cruise adventure you’re going to want to layer on a birthday-worthy jacket. Opt for a bright color or outwear with interesting detailing, like ruffles or colorblocked materials, rather than a boring black windbreaker.
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12. The Boldest Party Pieces in Your Wardrobe
If You Want to Go All Out
It’s your party and you can go full Barbie if you want to. In fact, we highly recommend it. Regardless of your celebration plans, we love the idea of embracing your special day by wearing anything and everything that makes you smile, be it sky-high platforms and a sparkly mini dress or a super-sexy black gown and shoulder-grazing diamond earrings. Seriously, have fun rocking all the most “look at me!” pieces you own knowing the spotlight should very much be on you today.
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Abby Hepworth
Editor
Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...
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