What to wear to smart casual party at beachside venue?

The birthday girl is wearing dark wash jeans, draped blue "tidal print" Helmut tee, silver shoes, and a jeweled necklace. Her BF is wearing brown jeans, taupe tee, light blue sport coat.

Oh, and I have to wear it to work, because I have to go straight from one to the other. Oh, and this is the first event I'll attend where someone is likely to introduce me as "my stylist" (I dressed the hostess, her bf, and her mother).

Easiest would be a dress, but I don't want to over-dress the hostess, and I'm afraid I'll be cold.

I have this purple dress, could wear with new boots?

Or I could build around my rose gold jacket? Would that literally outshine the hostess?

Or maybe my new Haute Hippie jacket over jeans with a little bling?

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Haute Hippie Print Silk Anorak

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9 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I wouldn't wear the rose jacket - it is a show-stealer for sure! What about a skirt, sandals, and a drapey top? Or the green boots? By beachside venue, do you mean sandy or just near a beach/outside? How cool to have dressed the hosts.

Archer

I think haute hippie of these three. As long as u are in a very different, but chic, style to your client friend there is no space to compare. She and they will expect you to be wearing whatever, with confidence- just do that. You always look great so go with your usual confident style. Good luck.

rae

(website)

Not on the beach or sandy; just an indoor/outdoor patio type situation.

Hm, skirt might work...

Agree with Archer, you definitely want to project 'stylist" for possible clients, without outshining the host. You also need to look unique yet, er, relatable. Whatever you come up with, this is your expertise!

I know; that's why I'm feeling the pressure! lol

rabbit

It sounds fun! and a challenge. I might pick an outfit you have worn before and photographed that has a high happiness/chic factor and has been road tested if in doubt.

Although I think the dress casualized could be good. Also the Haute Hippie jacket is awesome and could work with very simple accompaniments and could be taken off if it got to hot or the party was super casual.

LACeleste

Hi Rae (Stylist Extraordinaire!)

I am sure you will look amazing! I am a big fan of your new boots but would go with sandals or lighter looking footwear.
Have a super great time!

UmmLila (Lisa)

I lean toward the Haute Hippie jacket. Go for unique, but not over the top bling.

karymk

If you will be introduced as your friends stylist, go lowkey so that she stands out.

Vicki

I also like the idea of your Haute Hippie jacket, with jeans or a skirt, and am in agreement with Archer and Una in that you'll be dressed differently enough from your client and still uniquely you.

CocoLion

I think since you are the stylist you are supposed to look the part. So I think you have a lot of leeway.

Of these pieces, the dress would be my favorite. Just because it's a dress does not mean it will upstage the hostess. The dress says in-the-know chic while the color is muted.

Sal

Exciting! I think the dress or Haute Hippie jacket would work perfectly with an edgy shoe or boot. Enjoy the night.

I like the Haute Hippie option but can't say for sure what is 'right' in such a situation - maybe think like Angie? She's a stylist and I'm sure goes to some of her client/friend's events.

Laura

Active Member

What did you end up wearing to the party?

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