Ideas for birthday outfits: How to celebrate in style

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who start planning their birthday outfits six months before the actual date and those who shop online frantically the week before the event (even though it never changes).

It’s a reason to celebrate another year and an excuse to buy a new outfit. You deserve to feel your best, no matter if you are throwing a party (in that case why not go all out with a glittery outfit to match the sparklers on the cake), or enjoying a family meal or summer barbecue (look for printed midis or color-pop cords to brighten up your look). You don’t have to be the centre of attention at your birthday party.

It’s not only our birthdays that we celebrate with new outfits. But the pressure is on to look great when you toast to family and friends. You can also take the same inspiration for your special day if you are attending an event rather than hosting one. However, this will require a more minimalistic approach.

BIRTHDAY OUTFIT TIPS

You should first consider how you will celebrate the occasion when choosing birthday outfit ideas. You will want to make your party stand out, so you need to choose something stylishly appropriate. What you might wear to a casual dinner with friends or family is different from what you would wear to a dance floor party. Our expert walks you through how to dress for different kinds of birthday celebrations.

1. DINNER WITH FRIENDS

The classic pairing of jeans and a nice shirt is the perfect casual look for a birthday dinner. Pair your dark denim (black or indigo) with a pair of oversized shirts, a patterned blouse, a romantic blouse or subtle sequin cami. Your top is the most formal part of the ensemble, while your bottom is more casual.

Don’t worry if jeans aren’t your style. You can wear smart/casual in many ways, making it a great choice for birthday outfits. You can either wear wide-leg pants or an A-line midi for a party-ready look.

Styling tip

Separates are perfect for casual occasions. You can dress them up or down, and you can get more wear out of your pieces later.

2. BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH

Your outfit should be more appropriate for day than the after-dark party. However, you don’t have to wear your best clothes when going out to brunch. You can pull off a coordinated look with coordinating separates or a flattering jumpsuit that is both party-ready and dressy. To keep your outfit from looking too formal, stick to neutral colors like safari-inspired neutrals or on-trend pastels. This is not the time to wear black and jewel tones.

Style tip

You’re not looking for the best brunch outfits, but you should consider choosing pieces that can be styled separately. For example, wide-leg pants can be paired with a tee, or a blazer that you can wear over your favorite dresses for another occasion.

3. DATE NIGHT

Spending time with your loved one makes birthdays more meaningful. You might add romance to your outfit if your partner is inviting you out on a birthday date. Traditional fiery and feminine colors like red and pink are our favorites, as well tactile fabrics such as silk and velvet. You can dress up or down depending on the occasion with designer heels. Or you can keep it casual with a blazer and flats.

Style tip

Want to know how to style your blazer for a sophisticated finish? Wear your blazer slung over your shoulders for an effortless, borrowed-from-the-boys feel. This is a great way to balance out the proportions of slimmer-fitting pieces.

4. BIG PARTY

Birthday outfits are a great excuse to wear sparkles, and let’s face the truth: you don’t need a reason to wear them. A big party will make your day extra special, regardless of whether it’s a milestone or another year. This means you need to wear something extra special, so this is the perfect time to do it. Consider sequins and feathers as part of the Fall 2022 fashion trends. They should all be easily accessible, especially as we move towards the Holiday season. While midi dresses are the most popular, they’re not the only option. For a modern look, consider a statement suit or jumpsuit.

Style tip

Don’t wear too many accessories and let your clothes speak for themselves. You don’t want to ruin a striking outfit by wearing too many jewels.

5. PICNIC OR BARBECUE

Summer birthday? Lucky you. You’ll find picnic outfits that work for birthdays. Match the weather with bright colors and bold prints.

Natural fabrics such as linen and cotton are better than synthetics to keep you cool, confident, and comfortable. Comfortable shoes are best for lawn games and quick rounds of golf. If you’re not looking to get too sporty, a pair of trainers is a good option. But if you’re more relaxed, a pair of chic block-heeled mules will be a great choice.

Style tip

Sunglasses are an inexpensive way to inject personality into your look. For 2022, rectangular frames will be a big trend in sunglasses.

6. OVERNIGHT STAY/WEEKEND AWAY

You may be lucky enough to go on a short-haul trip to celebrate a loved one’s special day. Short-haul travel can often result in limited luggage so make sure you pack smart. You can dress it up or down with a floral midi dress, or with your favorite cowboy boots or white trainers for a day of walking. A crossbody bag is a great option for sightseeing and keeping your essentials safe.

Style tip

It’s a great idea to pay homage to the environment through your clothes. For a weekend away, you can choose from whimsical floral prints or a smart blazer.

7. COCKTAILS

The perfect cocktail is made with the right ingredients. Dressing for sipping these cocktails requires that you add a little more sparkle to your look. This is your chance to experiment with your style and expand your sartorial horizons. Bold animal prints such as leopard, zebra and tiger, Crayola vibrants and eye-catching shapes such as super-wide-leg trousers or voluminous sleeves are all options. Do you remember the Coco Chanel saying about removing one accessory before you leave the house? Try the opposite, and adopt a maximalist approach. Cheers!

Styling tip

Make brighter pieces feel more evening-appropriate by using black as your base.

8. FAMILY DINNER

Sometimes, the most memorable birthday celebrations are those that are more casual. Although a family lunch may not need the same level of glamour and glitz as a party, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t dress up. It’s a good idea to think about ways to make your everyday outfits more stylish without spending too much on things you won’t wear again. You can choose from a luxurious handbag, heels, statement blazer or big earrings. Whatever makes you feel special, it’s also a gift that could be used to commemorate the occasion.

Style tip

To create a cohesive look, choose one print and pair it with similar colors.

WHAT IS THE BEST OUTFIT FOR A BIRTHDAY?

It can be difficult to choose the right birthday outfit. The sheer number of options available online and in-store can make it difficult to choose the right outfit. It is best to organize your birthday plans before you start shopping for an outfit. It is much easier to imagine your birthday setting when you think about outfit ideas for your birthday. A nice top and jeans might be appropriate for dinner with friends, but they may feel too casual if you are throwing a party. The time of day can also impact the colors and embellishment that you choose. Bright, light colors will keep your daytime look fresh. Rich jewel tones and darker shades like black, grey, and charcoal are great for adding an elegant feel to evening looks.

You can start by thinking about the outfits that you have worn before. This will help you narrow down your options.

Do you always feel gorgeous in a midi dress? You look great in a suit. You might be thinking about the reason you like these outfits. Was it the nipped in waist? The sleeves that are flattering? The color that suits you best? These elements will help you pick the right birthday outfit. Hip hip, hooray!