There is a nearly limitless supply of clothing ideas to add to your specific lookbook because celebration outfit ideas typically only come to mind and the setting of the event or dress code. Although getting ready to go out is a major part of what makes parties so enjoyable, it can be difficult to put together an costume from scratch. It’s a good idea to have a dozen clothes at hand since there are so many options to choose from.
Although the clothes you can wear to events are just as varied as the type of party you can attend, there are some party dress style guidelines to keep in mind. A late-night group feeling is a world apart from a nighttime garden party or breakfast affair, so timing is a major factor. Also, the guest list should advise your appearance. At an child birthday party or cocktail lounge, flirtatious ensembles with low-cut necklines and sky-high thigh slits may be slayable, but a more formal and traditional look is possible required for a family gathering or kid-friendly event.
Whatever your social calender requires, we’ve got the essentials for keeping on hands in your closet to imitate these 23 group clothing ideas.
Sequin Fixed
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Jane Lu, the founder and CEO of Showpo, swears by sequins two-piece models. ” If you’re a normal on the dance floors like myself, a corresponding rhinestone set is a must-have for a modern nightclub or an hour style function”, Lu says. If, as Lu says, “you can mix and match the top or bottom with other pieces in your wardrobe,” this party dress concept is also a smart and flexible investment.
Little Black Dress
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
” The flexibility of a little black dress or LBD is unparalleled”, Awet Woldegebriel, leader and Creative Director of Áwet New York, tells InStyle. Woldegebriel says that its understated but beautiful visual exudes sophistication while still maintaining a sense of ease.
Corset Best
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
” Recently, I’ve been combining masculine and feminine parts.” Rema Sweis, a former employee of fashion brand Akira, has a romantic bodice top worn with low-rise boyfriend jeans as her present contrasting pieces. ” As they say”, she adds, “opposites attract”.
Shift Dress
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
While getting prepared for a group can be a fun and relaxing knowledge, sometimes you need a search that’s easy to put up. For when you’re in a rush, Diana LoMonaco, founder of Classic Six, has the perfect party outfit for you. ” My easy-to-wear go-to for a party is a mini-shift dress”, she tells InStyle. ” Depending on the season, add knee-high snake boots or platform sandals, bold earrings, a clutch, and you’re golden”.
Leather Shirt
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Woldegebriel advises playing with tone and texture when planning your party outfit if you enjoy monochromatic looks. He advises using black pants and a contrasting leather top as the blueprint for a stylish and party-ready monochromatic look.” Choose one color and create an outfit with different shades and textures of that color,” he advises.
Sparkly Statement Top
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Sweis advises adding simple pumps and straight-leg jeans to a daytime event or casual night out because” a sparkly top is always a good idea.” ” With some matching eyeshadow, you’ll be good to go for girl’s night or a first date”, she adds.
Glitzy Mini Bag
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
A mini-bag is the ideal accessory” for more intimate and sophisticated events,” according to Lu. Find a mini-bag with a metallic finish that is both large enough to hold your necessities, such as lipstick and even your phone, and small enough to stand out from the way at a cocktail party or dinner party.
Metallic Bottoms
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Our experts concur that metallics are the best option when looking for a pair of party outfit bottoms. Depending on the setting, pants and skirts can be dressed up or down, so pay attention to footwear when putting together a metallic ensemble. Flats work best for daytime events, while heels are ideal for a dinner party or night out.
Dramatic Maxidress
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Although a floor-length maxidress might not seem like the best daytime outfit for parties, a fun print gives it a little lightness. Add a blazer to the top for a casual atmosphere and look for abstract prints and draped details that, in Lu’s opinion, “lead you feeling overdressed” and” channel your inner red carpet star”
Statement Necklace
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
When accessorizing a party outfit, Woldegebriel recommends you “always incorporate a statement necklace”, even if you’re wearing a more casual’ fit. ” These bold and eye-catching accessories have the power to transform an ordinary look into a show-stopping masterpiece”, he says, while also suggesting you not shy away from experimenting with dramatic, vintage, or unconventional pieces.
Showstopping Jumpsuit
Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
A well-fitted jumpsuit in a sequin fabric is a party-outfit game-changer, according to Lu. ” It’s a one-piece wonder that exudes sophistication without the hassle of coordinating separates”, she says.
Wide-Leg Pants
Streetstyleshooters/Getty Images for Seidensticker Group
When it comes to party outfits that are daytime-appropriate, but elegant—think morning events or fancy lunch occasions—silhouette is everything. Woldegebriel recommends a wide-leg pant:” Pairing them with a cozy sweater or crisp button-up shirt creates a casual vibe”, he says.
Blazer Dress
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images
A blazer dress is a great choice for a touch of sophistication, according to Lu, who prefers to style this party outfit with “ankle boots or strappy heels for an edgy yet polished vibe.” Lu also suggests this party outfit for post-work events. ” I wear this straight from the office to dinner with my friends”, says the expert.
Statement Boots
Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Sweis advises adding a pair of statement boots to your party outfit if you want to dress up casual separates or give a streetwear look a little edge. ” You’ll look trendy and fashion-forward, whether you’re headed to a work event or dinner party”, she adds.
Fringe-Forward Set
Getty Images
You’ll want to pick a fringe skirt set for your party outfit if you’re attending a glitzy nighttime event that demands dancing, especially one that has a little sparkle. You’ll be able to dance the night away in comfort and style because this look features two pieces rather than just one.
Fringe Jacket
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Similarly, you ca n’t go wrong with a single layer of fringe. ” Incorporating fringe through a dress, skirt, or jacket can create a playful and dynamic effect”, says Lu.
Statement Earrings
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Lu, who personally prefers statement earrings with a little movement, especially if you’re heading to the dance floor, says,” I absolutely love a pair of earrings that are the final touch to any party night look.” She continues,” My top advice is to always choose earrings that swing or sparkle to steal the spotlight.”
Rhinestone-Studded Jeans
Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Hennessy
What is one thing that Sweis firmly believes every party outfit could benefit from? ” Rhinestones. Always, every time”. An elegant embellished top or dress works best for formal affairs, but if you’re headed for a night out on the town, she suggests rhinestone-studded jeans as a more casual and unexpected alternative.
Statement Clutch
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Lu suggests adding a mid-sized statement shoulder bag or clutch to your party outfit for an elegant night out with eye-catching embellishments or a distinctive shape. When adorned to the nines, a bag of this size” strikes the ideal balance between style and practicality”, Lu adds.
Full-Length Sequin Gown
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
If you’re headed to a formal or late-night event, LoMonaco says floor-length sequins are fail-safe. You can dress this party outfit down with a tailored blazer or a button-down shirt fastened at the waist, or give it more sparkle with glittery accessories.
Tailored Varsity Jacket
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
You do n’t have to glitter or sparkle to slay a party look, especially if dresses or skirts are n’t in your repertoire. In fact,” when considering your outfit, remember that simplicity and quality often make a louder statement than going over the top”, says Woldegebriel. A tailored varsity jacket is a great way to give that understated-yet-fashionable vibe.
Crisp Button-Down
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
A crisp white or black dress shirt is a timeless and wearable option that can be styled up with a scarf around the neck and a blazer or down with rolled-up sleeves, according to Woldegebriel of this essential understated party outfit. A button-down looks fantastic with sequined statement pieces as well as full-length dresses that require a casual finishing touch.
Tulle Skirt
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
Sweis is a fan of creating contrast as much as possible when it comes to creating a distinctive party outfit. ” Take pieces that are complete opposites and pair them together”, she suggests. A flouncy tulle skirt stands out from a lot of other clothing that ranges from formal to casual. For a night out on the town, wear it with a graphic tee and combat boots, or blazer for a small dinner party.