Helping Your Daughter Choose What Dress to Wear to Graduation

Semi casual attire is a popular choice for nearly any occasion, and for good reason—it strikes the perfect balance between formality and comfort. Ideal for everyday social gatherings, it also transitions seamlessly into the workplace. However, not everyone really makes the most of this attire. In this article, we’re going to look at what exactly semi casual dressing looks like, for both men and women. We’ll take you through all of the best clothing options and provide styling tips and advice on accessorizing the outfit you choose. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to put together stylish outfits that easily transition from work to party. Semi Casual Attire for Women You might already have a lot of options in your wardrobe, but it can be tricky getting the right combination for a truly versatile semi casual outfit. In this section, we’ll outline our favorite options. Tops Semi casual outfits are all about being stylish and comfortable at the same time, and there are a lot of tops that can accomplish this for you. Blouses and shirts are classic options here, and these can be paired with your choice of skirts, pants, or jeans. Cardigans and pullovers are a practical choice if the season is a bit chilly, and they always bring a touch of sophistication along with them. If you’re going for t-shirts, keep in mind that your attire will lean more towards the casual side. These can be dressed up or down as well, but may not be the best option if you have to clock in to work at 9:00 before a brunch with friends at 12:30. Bottoms Like tops, you have plenty of options in bottoms as well, each one for a different style and occasion. Skirts are a popular option; we recommend pairing these with a blouse or sweater of choice. If you’re more of a pants and jeans person, you’ll have a lot more to choose from — dress up or down as needed. Go with wide-leg pants and culottes if you’re looking for a trendy vibe. Dresses Semi casual attire doesn’t have to be a pair of tops or bottoms, dresses are a good alternative in a lot of cases too. For a simple and classic look, try a shift dress, or wrap dresses if you want something more flattering and feminine. A-line dresses are also a classic choice and can be dressed up or down kind of like pants and jeans. Footwear Like the rest of your outfit, your footwear should match your style and occasion as well. Flats are comfortable and fairly versatile, but they’re not quite as formal as any pair of heels. Neutral ankle boots bring the best of both worlds; you can pair them with skirts, pants, or dresses for a more elevated look. With footwear, we always emphasize comfort along with style – you should not have to compromise on either of these factors in your choice. Accessories Accessories are always a good idea to personalize your outfit, whether it’s casual, semi casual, or a black tie ensemble. Necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are all good options for semi casual outfits. Besides jewelry, handbags can be that one practical and stylish accessory that can really complete your outfit. If the weather allows it, you can never go wrong with a fashionable scarf or hat. They’re practical, and they’ll make you look that much nicer too. Semi Casual Attire for Men If you’re new to semi casual attire, you might be pleasantly surprised by just how many options are available for men. Tops Semi casual tops have a lot of both comfortable and stylish options. For the classic choice, go with button-down shirts. These are always available in a range of fabrics and patterns, so you can pick what you like. You can also go with polo shirts for a more relaxed look and feel or flannel shirts if the weather is a bit cooler. For winter, sweaters like cardigans and pullovers are the perfect choice. Bottoms As far as semi casual bottoms go, chinos are some of the most versatile options you can go with. They can be dressed up or down to suit your style. Jeans are also a timeless classic that you can pair with almost any top. If you want to go for a more formal look, try slacks worn with a button-down shirt or sweater. Though almost every semi casual outfit is versatile, we still recommend considering the occasion before picking out your bottoms. Footwear Footwear is subtle but nonetheless a hugely important part of any outfit. For semi casual outfits, we recommend loafers. Like jeans and button-downs, these are a classic in their category and can easily be dressed up or down as preferred. If you’re leaning on the casual side, go for sneakers. While most people keep them reserved for formal outfits, you can also put on a pair of dress boots with a semi casual outfit if you’re looking for a bit of sophistication. If you haven’t done so yet, remember to select the most comfortable pair of shoes, no matter which style you choose. Accessories Accessories with any outfit are your chance to add a personal touch to the look. Start with belts – they’re practical and can be a stylish addition as they cinch your waist. In colder weather, look at your choice of hats and scarves to get both warmth and style in one go. Lastly, pick an everyday beater watch to go with the outfit. Something like a Tissot or Seiko can make for an excellent addition. Tips for Styling Semi Casual Outfits With your clothing options sorted, how do you choose the right colors? Should you layer your outfits? We’ll cover these questions (and more) in detail here: Color Coordination Color coordination is an often underrated part of any outfit, and this goes for semi casual attire as well. As a general rule of thumb, you should choose colors that complement each other. This helps you create an outfit that doesn’t just look good but well put together, too. For instance, while blue and orange or green and purple might not be your go-to combinations, they can work well for many outfits. If you’re more of a monochromatic outfit person, where you wear different shades of the same color, you’ll be fine with more or less any combination. Still, try experimenting with different shades and maybe throw in a bit of color to see if you can’t add something unique to your everyday wardrobe. Layering People often forget just how much better layering can make an outfit. It adds a ton of depth and dimension and lets you increase your styling options by multitudes. Essentially, you’ll be combining different pieces of clothing to create a look that, well, has layers to it (at least two). The best time for layering is the changing of the season; it’ll help you adapt easily to the changing weather conditions. For instance, try a button-down shirt over a t-shirt on a cool day, and maybe even add a sweater or jacket for extra warmth. It’s practical and if done right, can make for a fantastic outfit at the same time. Fit How your clothing fits is important in every type of attire. It’s non-negotiable, your clothes have to fit well. Unless you’re going for a completely casual look with oversized clothing, you’ll want the polished and stylish impression that only comes with well-fitting clothes. Pay attention to the fit of your tops, bottoms, and outerwear to get the most out of your look. The general guidelines here are to make sure your garments fit without being too tight or too loose. If anything is loose and drooping where it shouldn’t, it’s too loose. If it feels like it might tear at the slightest of awkward movements, it’s probably too tight. The best way to get well-fitting clothes is to get them properly tailored. It’ll accentuate your silhouette and make you look and feel your absolute best. Experiment With Semi Casual Attire Semi casual attire is a wonderfully versatile and stylish option for pretty much any occasion. Once you understand what it’s all about and follow the tips we outlined in this article, you’ll be able to put together outfits from your current wardrobe that keep you comfortable, look good, and fit right into any theme. Remember to experiment with all the different colors you have in your wardrobe (if it’s only monochromatic, it might be time for something new). With a little effort, you’ll be an absolute master of the semi casual style and create countless timeless looks for your personality. Tags:  Trending

Unless you’re a self-proclaimed fashion guru, navigating a summer cocktail attire dress code can be incredibly challenging. Not only do you have to strike the right balance between casual and formal, but you also have to ensure the outfit is equipped for the heat (aka won’t leave you drenched in sweat). Fortunately, you won’t have to decipher summer cocktail attire alone. We’re here to help you find the perfect outfit, whether that’s for your best friend’s beach wedding or a romantic picnic with your beau. Summer Cocktail Attire Dress Code Explained Generally, the summer cocktail attire dress code can be loosely translated to semi-formal with a lil’ more “chic” thrown into the mix. When you pull this style off successfully, you’ll come across as effortlessly classy and draw the eyes of everyone around you. Unlike traditional cocktail attire, which has more emphasis on sophistication, a summer cocktail style embraces a more playful feel, allowing for light, airy materials, vibrant colors, and looser fits. Open-toed wedge heels are also welcome here, provided they complement the outfit and color palette. Examples of Summer Cocktail Attire Dress Wear Getting a feel of this dress code from its definition alone can be tricky, so we’ve gathered some staple summer cocktail looks here: A knee-length rust dress with a matching black clutch A blouse with a relaxed fit blazer Pleated trousers with a black or brown belt A tea-length chiffon dress with a clean, minimalist updo and heels A camp collar shirt paired with a lightweight linen blazer You should also be mindful of the colors you wear. Black is a sophisticated and timeless shade, but it may not be the best choice for an outdoor summer event, where light, lively colors are often preferred. Dressing for the Summer Weather Since you’ll likely be battling the heat, it’s important to opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics that will help you stay cool. Some great materials for the summer weather include: Satin: A smooth material with a glossy, sophisticated appearance. Great for cocktail dresses. Cotton: A soft-to-the-touch, fluffy material. Despite its texture, cotton remains comfortable to wear in the heat since it’s still lightweight. Linen: A flax-based material that’s durable and absorbent. Due to its absorbent properties, it dries quickly and is a particularly ideal material for people who tend to sweat. Silk: A famously luxurious material that’s lightweight and breathable with a shiny appearance. Well-suited to more sophisticated events (think weddings and exclusive dinner parties). Chambray: A plain-weave fabric typically made from cotton or linen. Resembles denim in appearance, but provides a softer feel. Rayon: A semi-synthetic fiber that has a silk-like, luxurious sheen. Breathable and often used in drapey attire (such as athletic wear and flowy dresses). Chiffon: A sheer, lightweight fabric. Rough-to-the-touch, but has a gorgeous flowy appearance. Avoid wool, cashmere, and synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. You should also keep layers to a minimum — less is more when it comes to staying stylish (and cool!) Summer Cocktail Attire Ideas for Women: Top Picks This Season Below, we’ll share some of our top summer cocktail outfit ideas for this season to inspire you. However, remember that you should always focus on choosing attire that you feel confident and comfortable in, regardless of whether it’s on trend. Don’t forget to factor in the type of event you’re attending too. A beach wedding will require a more laid back summer cocktail outfit, while a dinner party at a 5-star hotel will call for luxurious materials, like silk and satin. Keep It Classic With a Knee-Length Cocktail Dress A knee-length cocktail dress is a staple look, and it’s not hard to understand why; it’s universally flattering and offers the perfect mix of sophistication and comfort. This dress style is also incredibly versatile since you can dress it up or down effortlessly with accessories. For example, you can pair a cream cocktail dress with sandals for a casual look, or transform the dress into a sophisticated showstopper with a sleek clutch bag and pair of black stilettos. Just be mindful of the heat when picking out your dress. Avoid tight-fitting, constricting bodycon styles and instead opt for looser, more breathable silhouettes, like A-line or fit and flare. Ruffles and Pleats Combo Combining different textures adds dimension to your outfit and helps to capture the more playful, lively side of the summer season. While we always recommend experimenting with various materials in your wardrobe to find flattering combos, you can’t go wrong with ruffles and pleats. These textures are both strongly associated with summer and bring a light, airy, yet elegant feel to your attire. Pair a cream ruffle blouse with dark pleated, smart trousers for a striking look that will suit any occasion. You can also opt for a midi-length pleated dress with a ruffled clutch bag. Stun the Crowd With a Daring Jumpsuit A jumpsuit provides a sophisticated yet bold look that’s sure to make you feel empowered and beautiful. Plus, it comes with the bonus of being incredibly comfortable to wear! You don’t have to worry about the fabric feeling too tight in places or the material riding up your legs while you move; you can dance freely, relax, and focus on the day itself. A jumpsuit is a statement in itself, but if you do want to take things up a notch, consider accessorizing with a blazer, gold belt, and matching chunky earrings. Be aware that a jumpsuit is going to make you the center of attention, particularly if you opt for a vibrant color like red. Due to this, a jumpsuit may not be the best choice if you’re attending a wedding as a guest. Trendy Summer Cocktail Attire Outfit Ideas for Men Now it’s time to shine a spotlight on some trendy summer cocktail outfit ideas for men! Keep It Sleek and Casual In the summer heat, you can forgo a traditional blazer and create a sleek and casual look with a tucked-in cream dress shirt, chinos, and black or brown loafers. You’re sure to come across as effortlessly polished, and this outfit is particularly well-suited to summer cocktail events that lean more casual than formal — think boho weddings and beach parties. Add Sophistication With a Sports Jacket A sports jacket, or sports coat, is the definition of summer cocktail attire. As a more laidback, breathable blazer, it offers a fantastic blend between formal and casual while managing to be comfortable in hot weather. Sports jackets come in an array of designs, so you’re sure to find one that suits your preferences, physique, and the style of event. With that said, try to avoid overly bright, harsh colors. Soft hues like cream, light grey, and pastel blue will help introduce that summer vibe. Make a Statement With a Checked Blazer A checked blazer may not fly at a formal, traditional cocktail event, but it works wonderfully for a summer cocktail vibe! Pair this look with tailored trousers and a matching pocket square, and you’re sure to draw all eyes on you. Since checked can lean into the more casual territory, stick to sophisticated neutral hues like dark grey, brown, and navy blue. Where Can I Buy Summer Cocktail Attire? Summer cocktail attire isn’t hard to find; the dress code is trending this season and becoming more popular than ever. You can find suitable outfits from a variety of online fashion shops, each catering to different budgets, events, and tastes. You can also take a trip to the mall or hunt for hidden gems at vintage boutiques. “Summering” Up Your Attire Summer cocktail attire is a timeless, versatile style that allows for plenty of creativity, self-expression, and comfort. While this dress code can be hard to wrap your head around, we hope our tips and ideas above have helped you put together an outfit that fits the vibe perfectly. Don’t forget to factor in comfort when styling your outfit. Layering with a blazer and accessories to bring in texture and dimension may look gorgeous, but it’ll be intolerable to wear under the hot summer sun! Tags:  Trending

We are all in our Taylor Swift Eras era at the moment. She is the queen of reinvention, constantly experimenting with different styles of music and different fashion aesthetics, from her preppy looks for 1989 to her more dreamy, 70s-inspired looks for Midnights. If you’ve been feeling like you need a shake-up, she’s a great source of inspiration. Red is a color full of symbolism in culture at large, but also in Swift’s music. So, if you’re looking to choose a show-stopping red look for an event, or you’re trying to find an outfit inspired by Swift’s Red album for your Eras look, we have you covered. You can be a show-stopper in these Taylor Swift-inspired red outfits. Swift’s Most Iconic Red Outfits Taylor Swift has worn a variety of red dresses and even released an album entitled Red, released in 2012. It’s clearly an important color she’s used many times over the years. Red is also a great color to wear for formal events. “I Bet You Think About Me” Music Video In 2021 Swift released a new music video for her vault track, “I Bet You Think About Me” with Chris Stapleton. The video took place at a wedding where all of the guests are in white, but Swift appears like a specter in red, haunting the groom. She changes outfits a few times throughout the video, representing different people at the wedding, from a staff uniform to a flower girl’s dress, to a huge blood-red bridal gown, with a few others in between. Recreate the Look There is a lot of inspiration you can mine in this music video. You could do a bold monochrome look in a red suit and red shirt, as Swift wears in one scene where she fills the role of a groomsman. Her wedding guest outfit is also a long, sleek red gown with huge flower details on the shoulders. Choose a dress with a similar silhouette, and you could potentially add a jacket or DIY flowered shoulders if you can’t find an exact match. For the wedding dress look, however, you’ll want a ball gown with layers of tulle. While red wedding dresses may still be hard to find in parts of America, a floor-length red formal gown with the same vibes can get you pretty close. A sleeveless gown with some corsetted support will help hold up the weight of the skirt without adding straps. The Red Tour When touring her album Red, it should be no surprise that the color made an appearance several times in her costumes. During the Red tour, she performed some classic favorites from earlier albums, such as “You Belong With Me.” In concert, she spiced up the song with a jazzy retro vibe, reminiscent of a World War 2 USO show. Her short and sparkling red dress adds to the vintage vibe with a sweetheart neckline, flouncy skirt, and matching red elbow-length gloves. During the same tour, she sported another vintage-inspired red dress for her performance of “Lucky Ones.” The bodice of her dress has a plunging v-neck, with an attached full-length swishy skirt, a la Marilyn Monroe, but with a twist. The front part of the skirt is left open, revealing shimmering red tap pants. The look is paired with red gloves again and heeled red booties. For the performance of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and some of the promotional photos for the tour, Swift wore a circus ringleader costume with a sparking crimson jacket and heeled boots with red details. Recreate the Look Out of all the looks from the Red tour, most people are looking to recreate her “You Belong With Me” or “Lucky Ones” outfits. However, we won’t judge if you want to have a Swift-inspired circus look for a night out. For her retro look from “You Belong With Me,” a red mini dress with sequins and glitter will capture that sweet vintage style, particularly if the dress has an A-line shape and a sweetheart neckline. The “Lucky Ones dress brings a very elegant and classic formalwear look. A sleeveless dress with a plunging neckline is daring, but the floor-length, full skirt makes it a more mature style. If you want to recreate the look exactly, you may need to partner with a seamstress or tailor to open up the front of the dress to reveal red shorts. Or you could simply leave it as-is, just a nod to the look, rather than an exact replica. The most iconic element is definitely adding some red satin elbow-length gloves. For both outfits, it ties the looks together. For the “You Belong With Me” look, it adds an element of retro costuming that makes it look more like something a singer in the 1940s would wear. For “Lucky Ones,” it pulls together an elegant and dramatic style. At Award Shows Swift makes frequent appearances at award shows and has memorably won a few as well. Sometimes she brings out a red look for those nights. During her Red era, she wore a red gown to the 2012 Billboard Music Awards. The dress was an edgier, sexier style, though it didn’t show a ton of skin. Made of layers of light, sheer material, the gathered skirt hung to the ground. The top portion of the dress was made from panels of sheer lace intersected with solid straps. The style felt like a piece of lingerie with its contrasting panels and the light sheer skirt. 2009 is probably the most well-known appearance Swift made at an award show. In 2009 Swift was transitioning from her early days as a country artist to being a mainstream pop singer. She won Best Video by a Female Artist at the MTV Music Awards and was famously interrupted by Kanye during her acceptance speech. At the time, she was wearing a silver one-shoulder gown covered in sequins. However, after that infamous event, Swift performed at the show, wearing a strapless vintage red dress. With a full skirt and a ruched bodice, complete with a sweetheart neckline, that dress got its time to shine during her performance, and when Beyonce graciously invited her back onstage to finish her speech later. Recreate the Look To channel the understated sexiness of Swift’s lingerie dress, look for a dress that has similar sheer paneling. A dress that is lined with flesh-tone fabric will hint at sheerness without actually being sheer, keeping any undergarments a secret. Lightweight, floaty, gauzy fabric and lace details are also commonly seen on lingerie and hint at feminine sexiness. A classic early Swift look, the MTV Music Awards dress featured spaghetti straps, but it would work just as well strapless. Choose something with a fit and flair shape, and look for a dress that has a few layers of fabric. The dress she wore was simple, but the ruched gauzed fabric across the bodice gave it more visual detail and the skirt also featured a layer of sheer gauze. Red Era Inspiration Of course, if you’re trying to put together an iconic look from the Red era for your Eras tour party, you don’t have to literally wear a red dress. There are other fun looks you can play with as inspiration. Short Shorts Swift perfectly encapsulated the early 2010s mania for quirky fashion. Her penchant for short shorts reflected the styles of the time, and she even opened her Red tour in a pair of black pleather shorts and a white blouse. This mix of tiny pleather shorts and a more professional-looking blouse (not to mention a fedora) just screams 2012. She brings back a shorts look later in the concert, but red and sparkling. First, under her “Lucky Ones” gown, and then later with a tee shirt and red sneakers. This is an easy look to recreate. Choose a pair of shorts with a high waist to really capture that vintage-inspired silhouette that defined this era of fashion for Swift. “I Knew You Were Trouble” During performances of “I Knew You Were Trouble” on the Red tour, Swift starts in a puffy white wedding dress, but mid-way through the song, she is stripped of it, revealing a black bodysuit. This also pairs with a transition into a dubstep arrangement of the tune. The body suit has gold embroidery up the legs, lace sleeves, and lace cut-outs on the abdomen. You could find a black sleeveless romper or a sleeveless black dress and add a lace shirt underneath to give a similar effect. Depending on your DIY skills, you could even add the gold embroidery and cut-outs if you have trouble finding an option that has those features. Skinny Jeans and Stripes If you aren’t looking to recreate a particular outfit, but would rather just capture Taylor Swift’s general fashion vibe from this era, you can’t go wrong with skinny jeans, a striped blouse, and Oxford flats. Swift was frequently seen in variations of this combo in performance and on the street. You could even do the skinny jeans in red, as she was seen sporting a few times. Add some sparkle to the shoes, and you have a classic 2010s Swift outfit. Loving Dressing in Red Taylor Swift is iconic for experimenting with music and style aesthetics, which can be a huge inspiration. You can channel some of her most iconic red dresses for your next formal event. Or you can have fun with a more casual look for your Eras tour viewing outfit if Red is the era you want to represent. Tags:  Trending