Which outfit to a friend's birthday soon? + Insight

I'm off to a friend's birthday party this evening. She's fun, relaxed and loves to wear a dress or a flared skirt as often as possible. There will be light food and drinks at her home.

I don't know the other guests well and that's making it harder to dress for the occation. I want to look authentic, edgy and summery (16 C and sunny now!).

I pulled out three dresses, three different pumps, two handbags and pants in red, white and black. Toppers are a lavender cardi, floral bomber and white cropped blazer.

#1 two floral dresses, 1 graphic, tomato and teal shoes

#2 floral dresses + different pumps. Imagine sheer black hose.

Graphic dress and ...
#3 ...tomato cropped pants + red bag, different toppers and shoes

#4 ...white jeans + blue/silver clutch + different toppers and shoes

#5 ...black pants + blue/silver clutch + different toppers and shoes
This section is maybe too dark for summer?

Thanks for looking and helping me out!

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.

6 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

I like #4 without the white topper, although if you had to wear one, go with white. I like the white bottoms and colored shoes best. You look perfect for a party at home.

Momo

I like 3 or 4 with no topper or 4 with white topper and black shoes best !

Jenni NZ

I prefer #4, with white jacket ( take off if warm enough) and first choice teal shoes, second choice black shoes. The clutch and the white pants look so fresh and party-ready/happy with it. Your friend will be happy to see you! Have fun x

Anonymous

I like the more graphic dress and pants outfits but think they might be better for really going out than going to a friends house. I really like the floral dresses for this evening, they look easy to sit or stand in without having to adjust your clothes and they're both very cute and flattering. My favorites renditions are the flowing one with the black shoes and the ruched one with the red shoes.

Well, I can't be of help - because I like ALL of them! You have an enviable closet!
Looking forward to a report on what you chose.

harmonica

Thank you, Aquamarine, Momo, Jenni NZ, Isabel and Ryce!

I decided to go out of my comfort zone and test drive the dress/pant combination. I wore #4 the graphic dress + white jeans + teal shoes + blue/silver clutch. I added a cream cardi and a checked black/white duster for warmth. All went well. My friend was delighted that so many of her friends could come. I was perfectly dressed for the occasion in terms of weather and social norms.

We were about 15 women + my friend's DH and one of his friends. We wore quite different outfits, something I really liked because it just showed a kind of relaxed, yet dressed-up-in-your-own-way, atmosphere:

causal jeans + nice top
short body-con dress with cap sleeves and revealed back
black pants + heels + navy lace top + tailored drapey topper
sporty maxi-skirt + crop hoodie
strapless body-con denim dress
soft tulle midi skirt + knit sweater
vintage dress + pearls + graphic hose
black palazzo pants + white fitted tee + cut out sandal heels
flowy floral maxi dress

As for how I felt in the pants/dress outfit:
I felt comfortable, fresh and on trend. However, I did not get the dress feeling, which make me feel super happy and festive. I felt like wearing jeans / pants under a dress --- which was very accurate! lol

Lesson learned: I'll probably wear dress/pants again for smart casual happenings or everyday wear but will choose a dress for party/festive events.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOOOHOOOO. I love what you eventually chose to wear. KILLER, and fun that you test drove a new look. Thanks for accepting the challenge of my suggestion.

And now it's time to rock your festive frocks. I like the red foral dress with the black shoes best. Matches the cami.

Thank you, Angie! It *is* fun to go outside of the box and get new experience! Very happy about the K-rating and will wear the floral blouson dress + black pumps + skinny belt + sheer hose for an upcoming celebration of two wonderful coworkers. From mid May to mid June I have a dressy event every week and I must admit that it is super fun!!

Sounds wonderful, Monica. Be sure to show us your wonderful outfits.

Mirjana

So nice outfits I like red floral dress with black shoes and #4 with white jacket. You look fabulous.

Jaime

So many great pieces and choices. I like the tunic with white pants and blue shoes/bag. The dresses are great and l love the red shoes too. Have fun!

lyn67

Dresses are very pretty, but the tunic with the red or white pants, without topper or with the short white one is just KILLER! Depends on what you want to achieve classic flattery or a bold modern (feels even a bit avante garde for me!) feel.

Ok, just got to this, thanks for telling us what you went with.Great that you felt just right in it too. I might have to ask for opinions too some time for events!
Now if you have social events every week I want you to beam me up even more!

I love that you come back with insight and lesson learned. Such a great post.

Sara L.

I love the outfit you went with and it was one of my favorites of the photos you posted. I'm glad you had a nice time at the party.

Lisa

Oh these are all great options. I like 3 and 4 best because the white and red pants scream spring/summer to me.

Category