Best Party Wear Outfit Ideas
1. 90s Themed Party
If you look closely at the 90s fashion trends, they were all about those big hoops, mom jeans, dad sneakers, dungarees, colorful knit sweaters and windbreakers, cut-up band T-shirts, matching sets with fun prints, small glasses, chokers, and not to forget our current favorite – crop tops. If you are headed to a 90s themed party, this is what is usually expected of you. You can easily incorporate a combination of these, or try to recreate looks from 90s’ shows and movies like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Clueless. I’d suggest also looking to red carpet moments for inspiration. Plus, most of these are making a comeback, so, I’m sure they are already a part of your closet. You don’t have to do much here, just dress up, show up, and groove to some retro music.
2. Christmas Party
Christmas is around the corner, and I’m guessing that you are already flooded with invitations, or you have a vague list of the parties you have to attend. It’s that time of the year we all want to unwind, party, and forget the stress of the whole year. So, go all out, look your best. The obvious choices are a little black dress, a red dress, or a blue lace dress – or anything on those lines. However, this time around, try forest green pantsuits, a dark red cropped sweater with a matching midi skirt, a black off-the-shoulder mini dress, or a festive sequined slip dress. Accessorize with delicate gold or silver (depending on your warm or cool skin tone) to complete the look.
3. House Party
If you are looking for house party ideas, it either means that the party is moving indoors because ‘Winter is coming’ (see what I did there?), or it is a house party in the most real sense. It implies that there will be beer pong, charades, sticker stalker, and other activities. So unless there is a theme mentioned in the invite, you can wear just about anything – like a casual long sleeve dress or a white knit sweater with black leather pants. Keep your makeup low key because it is an indoor setup, but let that one accessory or lipstick pop to look effortless and chic.
4. Masquerade Party
Are you attending a masquerade party or a ball? While the former is a more relaxed event at an informal environment, a masquerade ball is quite a serious affair, so you need to know what it is going to be like. The next thing to take into account would be your mask – choose that first, it makes your life so much easier. Choose a dress that complements your mask, meaning, it can either be in the same color or in a contrasting one, but overall makes a complete outfit. Pick out a jewel-tone from your mask to match with, like ruby red, emerald green, or sapphire blue, and stick with it. Limit the number of colors you introduce to your outfit, because they otherwise can easily end up looking loud and gaudy. Make sure you wear heels or a pair of dressy pointed mules because they look elegant and lift your entire look almost instantly.
5. Birthday Party
Honestly, birthday parties are the easiest to dress up for, because more often than not there is a theme. The only thing you probably have to remember is that it is not your birthday and so you don’t have to steal the thunder. A crop top and skirt, ripped jeans and shirt, one piece boho dress, hot pants or skinny jeans with a leather jacket, etc. are interesting choices.
6. Cocktail Party
If you have to follow the norms of a cocktail party to the ‘T”, then it is a formal setup, and so, you are expected to show up in dresses that are formal, yet celebratory. You would have heard this before, but we will say it anyway – if you don’t want your boss to see you in a dress, simply don’t wear that to a cocktail party. There’s always a thin line between being stylish and sleazy, and a pretty slim one, so tread carefully. A-line or mock-neck dresses are your best bet, or anything long and defining is good too. Pantsuits, sleek trousers or palazzo sets are also okay if you can pull them off. Carry a clutch, wear elevated footwear like heeled boots if you can’t manage stilettos, wear a statement accessory that stands out and is elegant – and you are well on your way to rocking the party in elegance and style.
7. Pool Party
There are a couple of ways to approach this look, and no right way to do. Even if the party is by the pool and not in the pool, or you decide to stay dry and outside the wet zone, it’s good to be dressed to match the party theme. Wear a floral one piece, a floppy hat, shades, and platform heels or flats; or shorts with a cold-shoulder top, bohemian style maxi, etc. However, if the party is all about music, drinks, and the guests decide to take a deep dive, you need to be more functional. Choose a bikini or a swimsuit of your choice that is both stylish and comfortable. Top it up with a pair of terry shorts, a strapless playsuit, a halter cover up dress, etc. that you can yank off just before you jump in. Choose clothes made of materials that quickly dry off, like polyester or nylon. You might want to always carry an extra outfit because you never know when you get pushed. So, talk to the host or your friends so that you know what to expect. As for me, I can’t wait to jump right in.
8. College Party
College parties are more often than not going to be about drinking, dancing, fun activities, etc., so wear something comfortable, chic, and well put together – it does not have to be couture. You are just students, and anything is acceptable. Layering up and adding leather jackets and accessories like a choker, body bag, and white converse shoes is a smart approach. Work your way through your existing wardrobe and be smart about it.
9. Bachelorette Party
Bachelorette parties are one of the easiest to dress up for because if you are invited to one, I’m assuming you are in the innermost friends’ circle of the bride, and you guys have a solid plan. Even otherwise, just wear something fun, casual, yet decent without stealing the attention from the bride-to-be. You can wear that LBD, a lace dress, jumpsuit, or a satin dress as long as you go with the flow. Bachelorette parties will invariably have a lot of props, so show your best side, and get some groupfies to reminisce later (and stories you definitely don’t want to).
10. Dinner Party
Dinner parties are not like cocktail parties or ceremonies, but they need you to be dressed in something elegant while being casual. So, even if it is an in-house party, it’s never really a good idea to wear your grunge 90s attire. Let the shades of whatever it is that you choose to wear be subdued and subtle, or at least not as flashy as it would be on a summer afternoon. Powdered colors, pastels, sequins, etc. are exciting choices you can play around with.
11. Beach Party
Flowy, floral, and fun is your answer. Pull out all the airy outfits in your closet like those maxis, playsuits, kaftan one-piece dresses, ponchos, shorts, crop tops, and cowl pants. Whatever makes you happy, girl! Skip those stilettos for obvious reasons and resort to wearing gladiators, pom-pom sandals, platform flip-flops, or slide-on mules. Go all out with funky accessories and get those beach curls that will never fail you – thank us later. Remember that it’s always a good idea to choose colors that complement the sea like corals, teal, turquoise, yellow, grey, etc.
12. Foam Party
Just wear clothes that you do not mind getting spoiled. There is going to be a lot of foam, and you are going to get wet. So, for obvious reasons, you should wear a bikini, swimsuit, basketball or running shorts with a quick-drying tank or a jersey. For a chic look, tie a silk scarf around your waist to wear as a skirt over your bikini bottoms. Keep your makeup minimal, and most importantly, waterproof. Tie up your hair in a bandana and revamp your look instantly.
13. Boat Party
Whether it is a private yacht party you are attending, a party on a cruise vacation, or dinner on the cruise ship in your city, keep the outfit on-point and polished. If you are tired of wearing formal and one-piece dresses, you can also wear denim with a chiffon, off-shoulder top; a side slit maxi with pumps; a striped dress; a pantsuit, etc. Just keep in mind that it could get windy, so tight-fitting clothes would prevent wardrobe malfunctions and unintentional peep-shows from happening. Classy is the way to go!
14. Party In Winter
Winters are gloomy, cold, and dark, but that does not mean you stop partying or dressing up for them. Since it is all about layers, add definition to your outfit. Wear a woolen dress with stockings, cinch it at the waist with a broad belt, and put on a long jacket; or wear white jeans and knee length boots with a trench coat. You could also go for a monochrome look with a pashmina and a fur coat, and break the color with a statement neckpiece. Tie the scarf in a sleek way and even that can amp up your look. You will be surprised at how much fun winter dressing can be! What do you wear to a casual party? Check out the infographic below to find out what to wear to create an appropriate casual look for various parties. Jeans and a lovely top are a great outfit choice for a casual party. Wear a top with a unique neckline or sleeves, accessorize with a big necklace or statement earrings, and put on a pair of heels to finish off the look. What is smart casual for a party? Smart casual is a pretty ambiguous dress code that requires both sophisticated and informal attire. As a result, balance is necessary to pull off this look. The best way to ace this look is to wear black slacks or formal trousers with an off-the-shoulder top in a bold color.
