High School Reunion - styling advice needed!

I'm packing a capsule for my forthcoming High School Reunion this weekend. I've no intention of buying anything new and anyway, the infamous '80s Bad Boyfriend Blazer is the obvious choice. What else could I possibly wear to meet up with the Class of '86?

The question is how to style it. I'm expecting the occasion to be casual with a very strong dose of dressy rather than particularly formal. We're planning a small champagne wake for a deceased member, and as her closest friend from the group I'll be called upon to say a few words. I'll be in the spotlight for a few moments and I'd like to strike the right tone.

This is a standard springtime weekend-away capsule which I've travelled with before. It's all going in the bag and I won't need to decide until Saturday morning. Styling options are:

Sober chic: b/w striped shirt. tailored pants, Trippen booties. Respectful and grown up, but maybe too formal for a Saturday afternoon?
80's retro: creepers, slouchy skinnies, printed tee. Honours the rebellious spirit of our teenage years and shows off the commemorative body art, but reads very literally as something we'd have worn back then. Could be spot-on, could be a massive faux-pas.
Dressy pop-art: Striped Sonia sweater dress layered over a column of black, Trippens again. This is an excellent outfit, one of my all-time faves, but maybe a bit too glam for a moment of respect?

Which of these three looks do you think would work best? Looking forward to your wise advice!

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

9 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES. LOVE that blazer.

I vote #1 with the tailored pants. Can you leave off the studded belt?

rachylou

Veteran

What Angie says

(Greg is class of '86 and is also going to his 30th High School Reunion in Cape Town this year).

catgirl

Class of '84 checking in! Although #2 speaks to my heart, #1 is the way to go for a reunion. Maybe the second one can go to brunch the next day?

Greenjeans

Terrific. Another vote for #1 here. Totes honors the eighties but with a contemporary twist.

(I'm class of '87, but class of '88 has a nicer ring to it).

Firecracker (Sharan)

I actually like 2 a lot. I love the playful stripes under the awesome, chic blazer. You can't go wrong with 1 or 2, I'd say. I guess, given the tribute to your friend, I might go with the more subdued look of 1. The last outfit would be great for a party, maybe more of an evening event. And I think 3 is a great outfit (and I love the creepers!) but I prefer 1 or 2 for this occasion, because of the dressier vibe with the jacket.

skylurker

High school reunion? I didn't know they existed outside US TV shows.
Anyway, follow Angie's advice blindly and you will be good.
(I also love #3, not for the occasion, but in general).
Hope the wake will be therapeutic.

Anonymous

Yes, they exist. I haven't gone to any of mine.

Ledonna N.

Dang it 80s you better work! In my Rupal voice can I say I love your fits. I vote 1 also. Can I just say gimme those creepers. My favorite is 3 to be honest.

JAileen

I agree with Angie - the outfit with the coat is really great. Have a fun time.

I went to my first three and then skipped the fourth. I doubt I'll go to another one. The people I care about I see anyway.

The most remarkable characteristic about these looks isn't that one is dressier or better than another but that your look is so distinctive and complete, the clothes, the hair, every detail just so.
You look great to me in all of these, I would love to be where someone dressed like this is, and every reunion needs someone just like you.

bj1111

#1--the black and pink combo echo the 80s subtly.

RoseandJoan

which outfit do you think your friend would choose? I would opt for the outfit which represents your friendship, they all look suitable for the occasion.

lisaflex

love the tee in #3

fellow 86 HS grad here also. lol

#1 is a fab outfit

MsMaven

Love the blazer.

This brings me up short--my younger son graduated in '86. I think he may have gone to one class reunion, but I've not heard of any plans for him to travel back to California. 30 years--I can't believe it.

You look great in all the outfits, but I love that blazer outfit the most.

Style Fan

#1. That Bad Boyfriend does me in. And I love those Trippen boots. I would consider what Angie said about the belt.
I am Class of 73. The last reunion was 36 years. Lovely to see everyone.

#1 and what Angie said. Enjoy your reunion.

Jaime

Mind blowing. I have never attended a reunion, although there was some murmuring from distant classmates around our 30th (class of '84). Anyway I love all the versions but the first seems like the best bet for the occasion.

Bijou

I love #3 - it is such a great look! I hope you enjoy your reunion, #1 seems most appropriate for the occasion and definitely looks fab.

Carla

Wowsa! That is one incredible occaision capsule. Love all the ensembles, but first and last are my faves.

Sara L.

I like them all, but agree with others that #1 seems most suited to the occasion. I hope you enjoy the reunion.

Deb

Such cool style! I love all of these looks and each speaks volumes of the woman you are today. #3 is my pick. Some may think it is a little extravagant for the occasion, but I'd wear it anyway as you look sensational and it has a strong dressy and classy tone. Enjoy!

approprio

Thanks so much for your generous feedback ladies!

I'm heeding your advice and leaning towards the plain black sans belt. I have a lovely black tee with a very subtle black print on it, just the right shape and not too dull when I slip the jacket off.

Weather calls for the summer weight pants. These used to be part of the business capsule but the fabric has softened and now they look more like chinos. I think the whole thing strikes the right tone of dressy casual.

I may nix the sweater dress. I think it's going to be a bit warm for it over the weekend.

And yeah, high school reunions are surreal. This is the first time we've had a Facebook page though. I'm looking forward to it.

RobinF

Class of '80 here. Love #3, those pants are great and it's really flattering. I agree though, may be a little informal for the occasion.

lyn67

Class of 86 here, too:-). I vote nr 3, with the (or another) coat layered on! Smashing!

Category