So you’ve got a special occasion coming up. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting dressed up and going all out to make you feel alive. The anticipation of glamming yourself up for a special occasion can be an exhilarating way to showcase your style and give yourself that extra boost of confidence. There are some tried-and-true actions you can take when choosing the perfect special occasion outfit. However, you need to educate yourself before you shop for anything. These tips can help you narrow your choices and find something that makes you fit the occasion and look and feel good.
What Is the Occasion?
What is the event for? The reason for the occasion can help you put together an outfit with style. Is it a wedding or a formal sit-down event? Are you attending a garden party, networking event, christening, or other religious ceremony? The reason for the invite can be a great indicator of the type of attire that will be deemed suitable.
Consider the Dress Code
First, understand if there is a dress code and how strict the event is concerning the specific event. Is it a black tie, and do you need something akin to Derby Day dresses that exude elegance and style in black? What’s the main theme for this type of event? Is there an era theme, i.e. style from the Roaring 20s, steampunk, etc.? Understanding the dress code can empower you to make informed decisions about your outfit.
Do also check the invitation for information about the event’s formality. Even if it does not explicitly state what the host might expect in terms of dress code and suitable attire for their event, there might be some clues about it.
Season/Weather
Do you hate it when you get decked out in your finest and step outside in the middle of a storm? No one wants everything to be ruined before you even leave home. The weather has a way of putting a literal damper on social events. Play it by ear until you get a firm forecast for the event date. Knowing what to expect will help you when choosing a perfect special occasion outfit. You can also have additional pieces ready if you expect temperature changes.
The Venue
The fancier the venue, the more upmarket your choices should be, meaning you need to aim to dress for the venue and the event. If it’s something more casual, take this lead and tone it down. For instance, if the event is a casual outdoor picnic, you might opt for a sundress and sandals instead of a formal gown and heels. Coupled with the above points, the venue can help you form a better idea of what is going on and what you might expect from the event so you can tailor your outfit, shoes, and accessories accordingly.