Whether you’re shopping for your first prom, or you’re in search of a versatile, formal black tie-appropriate dress, dress shopping might be intimidating.
If you need a dress but aren’t sure how to tell what style dress is best for you, we’ve got you covered with our guide!
Keep the Event in Mind
This is going to be the most important step when it comes to figuring out what style of dress is best for you. If you know there’s going to be a theme, you can incorporate that into the styles and accessories you look at.
There aren’t many times when you get to dress to the nines dance the night away, so if you’re looking for a black-tie look (like a prom dress) you can take the opportunity to be dramatic.If you’re looking for a dress with versatility that you can wear to multiple occasions, you can’t go wrong with a chic cocktail dress.
Just remember to adhere to school (or other) dress codes, especially if you’re looking at shorter dresses.
Think About Your Favorite Dresses
When you’re digging into your dress research, start with silhouettes that mirror dresses or outfits you already have that make you feel confident and powerful.
Maybe you have a sundress with a sweetheart neckline that makes you feel like royalty, or you love how cobalt blue looks on your skin–whatever it is, let yourself be inspired.
Consider Your Favorite Physical Features
This usually goes hand in hand with thinking about outfits that make you feel powerful. Thinking about your favorite physical features and what you’d like to show off greatly narrows down dress silhouettes and styles. For example, if you love your legs, a short dress or a dress with a high slit will accentuate them.
During this step, you can also think about looks that don’t usually work for you and filter accordingly. You want the dress to make you feel happy wearing it, so there’s no sense trying to make a style work that you already know you don’t like.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
The most important aspect of a dress is that it makes you feel good, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look to others for inspiration and experiment!
If there’s a red carpet look you’ve always wanted to emulate, why not give it a try? If your friends think you’d look stunning in a neon color you don’t normally wear, why not try it on? The worst that can happen is that you don’t like it, but then you know for sure that dress style doesn’t work for you.
Finding the best dress style for you can sometimes be a bit of trial and error, but you never know unless you try! Experimenting with silhouettes, colors, and dress alternatives like two-piece sets and rompers can guide you to your new favorite dress style!
Searching for Your Perfect Dress Style
Finding the perfect dress (or dress alternative) can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.
By keeping the event in mind, focusing on dress aspects that you already know you like, plus experimenting a little, you can figure out which dress style is best for you in no time!
If you're looking for a color that mixes elegance with a bit of mystery, silver is always the one that grabs attention.
Since the prevailing fashion of the Space Age era in the 1960s, going full silver or adding metallic touches to any outfit has become pretty common. These days, you’ll see everyone dressed in shimmering gowns at formal dinners or dance-floor-ready outfits in shiny, reflective fabrics.
This article will explore different silver outfit ideas you can try, from black-tie events to casual wear, and from everyday chic to party looks.
Silver in Formal Wear
Wearing silver to formal events is an ideal choice if you want to stand out from the crowd while adhering to the formal dress code. The metallic sheen of these outfits captures the lights beautifully, especially if worn at a gala or a luxurious romantic dinner. There are several bold and understated looks that you can try out:
Silver Suits
A tailored silver pantsuit or a metallic blazer is an excellent option for both men and women who want to be bold without being overly flashy.
This can work as a modern look for weddings, cocktail parties, and formal dinners. Women can pair the silver blazer with matching trousers or a contrasting black skirt, while men can pair their silver suit jacket with black trousers and a simple white shirt.
You can wear a pair of tailored silver pumps or loafers but if you’re looking for a more casual vibe, we recommend wearing stylish ankle boots or chic mules. Structured accessories and minimalistic jewelry like geometric earrings will be the perfect addition to this ensemble.
Silver Evening Gowns
Silver gowns are the epitome of class and glamour and are wonderful for events like the ballet or symphony. The material of these gowns creates an ethereal glow, whether it’s a sleek satin dress, a sequined mermaid gown like the one above, or flowy metallic chiffon.
Pair these looks with delicate pearl earrings or simple metallic studs. The more minimalistic your jewelry is, the more your outfit will stand out. You can tie the whole look together by adding a neutral makeup palette with a pop of shimmer on the eyelids.
Statement Accessories
If you’re not a fan of the all-silver look, you can always make a bold statement with your accessory choices instead. Delicate silver chains and rings can be an excellent addition since they won’t make the look feel too heavy. You can also opt for a metallic clutch or a structured silver tote if you’re going for a more corporate-style event.
Silver in Casual Wear
It’s true that silver is often associated with high fashion and black-tie events, but there’s no rule against using it in everyday wear. Changing up things by introducing this color into your wardrobe can give even the most casual outfit a stylish twist. Here are some looks we recommend:
Silver Tops and Blouses
Silver can be an excellent contrasting color with dark blue or black denim jeans. You can tuck in a metallic blouse into high-waisted jeans and immediately step up your look from relaxed to effortlessly chic within minutes. If you want a more business-formal look, you can replace the denim with tailored trousers and statement heels.
You can even add a silver crossbody bag with this look as long as it doesn’t overwhelm the overall outfit. Keep your makeup light and dewy for a bit of a youthful look, and you’re good to go!
Silver Pants and Skirts
It’s a bold choice for sure, but if you’re trying to capture the essence of the disco era back in the ‘70s, silver pants and skirts are what you should try out. You can pair these with a plain black or white top and add some visual interest by playing with different textures, like wool, cotton, or denim.
If you layer delicate silver necklaces or stack silver bracelets along with this attire, you’ll create a boho vibe that’s full of personality. You can pay homage to the past and also allow a modern interpretation that showcases your unique fashion sense.
Casual Silver Dresses
A silver dress is the perfect statement piece for a casual day out. It stands out on its own, so you can keep it simple. Pair a strapless metallic cocktail dress with a denim jacket or white sneakers, and grab a neutral bag to finish the look.
Silver in Party Wear
Silver dresses instantly bring to mind flashing disco balls, colorful dance floors, and a vibrant nightlife. This will be your go-to shade if you want to bring fun and excitement with you wherever you go:
Shimmery Silver Mini Dresses
A lace mikado cocktail gown or a strapless dress with cut outs and a bow embellishment is all you need to dazzle the crowd at any club. This is your opportunity to go bold with strappy strappy stilettos or metallic platforms to elongate your legs and complement the dress.
We also recommend choosing a bold red lipstick or smokey eyeshadow to add to the drama in your party look.
Silver Jumpsuits and Rompers
A more trendy alternative to those who want to move past wearing dresses is to wear a silver jumpsuit or romper. Sequined jumpsuits that are cinched at the waist can create an hourglass figure that is hard to resist. High heels or ankle boots both do wonders to flatter your silhouette when wearing such outfits.
Silver in Street Wear
Incorporating silver in your street style looks can give you a more edgy, futuristic look. If you’re inspired by icons like Lady Gaga or Kanye West, these pieces will allow you to have a more expressive take on everyday fashion:
Silver Outerwear
A silver bomber jacket, trench coat, or metallic parka is an excellent addition to your closet. You can pair this with distressed jeans and chunky sneakers or boots to balance out the metallic shine. Neutral tones like black, white, and gray look the best with silver outerwear.
Athleisure
Athleisure is all about comfort and versatility, but who says you can’t add your personal touch of silver to every comfortable outfit? This can mean anything from silver leggings or metallic sneakers to a silver sports bra peeking out from under a loose-fitting tee.
If you don’t want to go too over-the-top, add neutral tones wherever you can to maintain a chic and sporty look.
Coordinating Your Colors
Silver can work with many shades and tones, but you need to know the right color combinations for your outfits. The wrong mix can overshadow the silver and clash visually to create a rather disjointed look.
An easy and safe way to style silver is by pairing it with neutral tones, such as whites, creams, and blacks. These create a fresh and clean aesthetic that you can experiment with in terms of textures and layers to make the outfit more interesting.
If you want to go the adventurous route, try bold shades like red, emerald green, and royal blue that will enhance the silver’s brilliance. The red can be a striking outfit for date nights that exudes power and passion. On the other hand, the green and blue lean more towards the luxurious and elegant side.
When playing with such bold colors, aim for balance wherever you can. If your outfit features a bold color, let silver play a supporting role, such as through accessories, shoes, or a bag, and vice versa.
A final fan favorite is opting for an all-silver monochrome outfit. This can be hard to get right for most people because there are several factors you need to consider. For one, try mixing different shades of silver and various textures to keep the outfit exciting.
We’re talking shiny silver skirts with matte silver tops and silver jackets layered on top. Try using various materials such as satin, sequins, and metallics as well. This will also help prevent the outfit from appearing flat and create a multi-dimensional look.
Don’t Hesitate to Experiment
As you can tell by now, using silver in your wardrobe can be a statement that encapsulates anything from elegant to more futuristic styles. We’ve shared various outfit choices you can pick from, whether you’re dressing for a formal event, a casual outing, a business convention, or simply to stand out from the crowd on the daily.
Experimentation is key. The more looks you try out, you’ll figure out over time what works and doesn’t work for you. With practice, you can master the art of color coordination with silver and play around with different fabrics and textures to find your style.
Ultimately, silver is a timeless choice that doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon. Don’t shy away from experimenting and transforming your outfits into something truly special!
Dressing for spring is exciting, as it gives us a chance to wear bright, airy, and light clothes after months of dressing warmly for summer. The spring season can be both hot and cool at times, and it’s important to embrace lots of layers and floral fun clothing into your spring wardrobe to fully embrace this season.
Our article gives you more details on the best spring outfit ideas to incorporate into your style rotation this season.
What to Consider When Dressing for Spring
When dressing for spring, there are several things you should consider that can influence your wardrobe and the styles you choose to wear outside of your home. We recommend keeping the following factors in mind as you choose your perfect spring outfits.
Weather
The weather on a spring day can change quite a bit, depending on where we are in the spring season. It’s important to check the weather for the day when considering your spring outfits, since spring can be unpredictable.
Be prepared with a jacket or a raincoat in the event of a quick spring shower or weather that starts off cool, warms up, and cools down again in the evening.
Event
Events like tea parties and outdoor gatherings like winery tours are popular during spring. The event you are attending is especially important to keep in mind while choosing your spring outfit. You will need to make sure your outfit is as casual or formal as necessary for your event.
Examples of formal spring outfits include midi and maxi dresses, while casual outfits may be more like sun dresses and shorts.
Venue
The venue you are attending is equally important to pay attention to when going out on a spring day or attending an event during spring, as the venue may have certain dress code requirements. This is especially true if you are attending a hotel or other upscale venue that may have a formal dress code requirement.
Time of Day
In general, spring outfits that are meant for a morning, a brunch, or an afternoon outing will be more casual than those intended for a spring evening out on the town or attending a formal event. It’s important to keep the time of day in mind as you choose your spring outfit, as this can influence the color, style, and formality of your clothing choices.
Comfort Level
Your comfort level is always essential to keep in mind when choosing a spring outfit. You don’t want to spend what should be a nice day or evening out fidgeting with your outfit or feeling too exposed.
Try your spring outfits on before debuting them in public and make sure you enjoy the fit of the clothing and the way your chosen outfit looks on you. After all, confidence is the most beautiful thing you can wear, and comfort in your clothing helps you achieve this confidence.
Spring Outfit Ideas for Women
These spring outfit ideas for women are a great place to start if you need inspiration for your spring wardrobe:
Sundresses, including both maxi and midi dresses
Slip dresses, which are great for more semi-formal or formal events
Long, flowy skirts and a crop top or blouse
Mini skirts and a blouse or tank top
Shorts and a crop top or blouse
Jeans and a blouse, T-shirt, or crop top
A light jacket or a leather jacket to layer over your outfit, depending on the weather
You can complete any of these outfits with high heels, sandals, or fun spring accessories like a light scarf. We recommend brighter colors, pastels like pink, floral patterns, and other spring-inspired prints to capture the joy of the spring season with your outfits.
Spring Outfit Ideas for Men
The following spring outfit ideas are great for the men in your life, as they are both stylish and suited to the warmer weather of spring:
Shorts and a casual T-shirt or a collared shirt
Jeans and a collared shirt or a button-down top; we recommend linen as a spring-friendly and light fabric
Dress pants and a dress shirt for more formal events
Jeans or a pair of khaki pants with a T-shirt and an unbuttoned polo for layering
Additionally, if you are feeling more like a gender-neutral option suits you, you can mix and match from our recommendations of spring outfits to find the clothing you feel the most comfortable in. Just don’t forget that pastel colors, florals, and light clothing are all great choices for your spring look.
Where Can I Buy Spring Outfits?
Purchasing your spring outfits is one of the most enjoyable parts of changing up your wardrobe for the new season, and you can find fun spring clothing choices at any local mall or department store.
You can visit a thrift shop if you are on a budget to see the fun spring clothing options available, or you can do your spring outfit shopping online. However, if you are shopping online for a spring outfit to wear to an event, it’s important that you leave enough time for shipping and potential alterations to ensure it’s ready in time for the event.
Where Do I Wear My Spring Outfit?
The best thing about spring outfits is that they are often casual, but classy, and they look great in a variety of different venues. You can wear your spring outfits out on dates, to tea parties or gatherings with friends, or out to a coffee shop.
For more formal spring outfits, the best places to debut them include bars, upscale restaurants, and any formal or semi-formal spring event you have been invited to attend.
How Do I Accessorize My Spring Outfit?
Accessorizing outfits in spring typically includes using layers, high heels, or another pair of nice shoes, and jewelry. Depending on the formality level of the outfit you are creating, you may need to use more upscale accessories and jewelry.
Casual spring outfits can benefit from headbands, sunglasses, and hats. You can also add a clutch purse or a springy tote bag to your outfit, depending on where you are going.
Looking Stylish for Spring
Looking stylish for spring may seem confusing at first, but you don’t need to worry too much about your spring outfits. Simply keep in mind our considerations for choosing your best spring outfits and wear the clothing that you most feel comfortable in.
As long as your outfit meets any dress code requirements and you are feeling your best, you will be sure to bring your own unique sparkle to your spring style.
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.
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