So, you’ve got a “thing” coming up–a wedding, an engagement party, a bachelorette, a bridal shower, an office party… maybe all the above?
I can vouch for someone on my team who is heading to her FOURTH wedding of the year next month. And likely unable–maybe unwilling as well–to replicate her look because of either a similar guest list or…why would you want to wear the same special dress again and again? With an invite always comes the age-old question–OK, WHAT DO I WEAR? When you factor in (generally unpredictable) weather, location, venue, time, and theme, this decision can become daunting at best.
Well, thank goodness we have many many stylish and experienced fellow teammates from whom we can cull some tried-and-true guidance on what dress is right for every where and when.
STYLING 101
What Dress to Wear for Every Occasion–Your Official Free People Guide
By: Free People Home Office
Dress for the (insert event here) you want.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A FORMAL EVENT
In a sea of formality, be the unicorn. As a general rule of thumb, formal events make for the perfect time to play with (subtle) embellishments that might set you apart in a sea of LBD’s (not that there’s anything wrong with a little black dress). Styles that come in a variety of colors might appeal.
You may also want to consider going a bit more shapeless, as that can add intrigue and subtle drama to your overall look–drop waists, especially.
You may also want to consider going a bit more shapeless, as that can add intrigue and subtle drama to your overall look–drop waists, especially.
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR BLACK TIE EVENT
WHAT TO WEAR: Black tie is just what the name implies–an event at which tuxedos and floor-length(ish) gowns are on the menu. More than anything, it’s dress length that we would subscribe sticking to when choosing your black tie event dress. Fabrics like satin, lace, flowy tiers to add flair to your every flutter. Sleeves of any kind (or none at all) are also welcome.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: We aren’t prudish, per se, but straying from body-hugging and too-revealing silhouettes may offer a politeness often necessary at anything deemed black tie. If splashy’s your thing, don’t deny yourself that. But here might we suggest taking things down just a notch. Because fun can still be elegant.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: We aren’t prudish, per se, but straying from body-hugging and too-revealing silhouettes may offer a politeness often necessary at anything deemed black tie. If splashy’s your thing, don’t deny yourself that. But here might we suggest taking things down just a notch. Because fun can still be elegant.
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR SEMI-FORMAL EVENT
WHAT TO WEAR: Not quite black tie, but not quite simple sundress, either. Semi-formal events require a modicum of prep and posture, but allow for more flair and breathability than their sister galas. It seems more and more weddings are leaning into the semi-formal category, so there isn’t a set color standard or length prescription, though longer, flowy (think chiffon) is still generally the way to go for semi-formal dresses. Though a smart set could work really well here, too.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Despite the “semi” in semi-formal, going too far with the mini silhouette could raise a few eyebrows, if you’re sensitive to that. Keep denim, leather, and other unique fabrications at home.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Despite the “semi” in semi-formal, going too far with the mini silhouette could raise a few eyebrows, if you’re sensitive to that. Keep denim, leather, and other unique fabrications at home.
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR COCKTAIL PARTY
WHAT TO WEAR: Call it a mixer, call it a happy hour, the cocktail party is a place to see and be seen. Dress to impress seems appropriate here, as this event serves as a place to strike up conversation… and even love in some cases. Let your cocktail dress
say who you are before you say it. We suggest sporting details that define your personality, in pattern, length, subtle details and embellishment.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Like other semi-formal events, the cocktail party, especially with drink (non-alcoholic, too!) in hand, should showcase some level of tradition. Anything super sheer or loud might be off-putting by sharing TOO much.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Like other semi-formal events, the cocktail party, especially with drink (non-alcoholic, too!) in hand, should showcase some level of tradition. Anything super sheer or loud might be off-putting by sharing TOO much.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A HOLIDAY PARTY
WHAT TO WEAR: If there’s ever a time to shine, this is it. Sequins, shimmer, sparkle–they’re yours for the donning. If you’re wondering what to wear to a Christmas party, specifically…well, reds, greens and whites are always in fashion (though we like to keep things monochromatic if so!).
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Your options are limitless, though considering the host or location of said party may help narrow your focus.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Your options are limitless, though considering the host or location of said party may help narrow your focus.
“When it’s all said and done, you should wear what makes you feel good. But our teams’ advice is reflective of their great style.”
WHAT TO WEAR TO A CASUAL EVENT
If you’re still here, it’s because you ARE that unicorn and want to reflex that in what you’re wearing. Because Free People aims to appease any number of personalities or tastes, our casual party styles really know no bounds.
There isn’t really a formula that one should consider abiding by–the rules are truly yours. Which can be a little overwhelming, we’ll admit. So here are a few of our picks for your next concert, barbecue, and so on.
There isn’t really a formula that one should consider abiding by–the rules are truly yours. Which can be a little overwhelming, we’ll admit. So here are a few of our picks for your next concert, barbecue, and so on.
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR NEXT BRIDAL OR BABY SHOWER
WHAT TO WEAR: The number one question we field about showers–”can I wear white?” Our answer–it depends. For bridal showers, the traditional mindset states that guests should allow the bride-to-be to “own” that look. However, you know your bride best. For baby showers, there’s rarely if ever a reason not to. Unless you’re prone to leaving evidence of an appetizer on your chest. Casual but polished is a good rule of thumb to follow.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Again, white may not be suitable depending on the attitude of your guest of honor. Here, too, though casual in nature, body-hugging silhouettes might best be reserved for the show you’re taking in later that night.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Again, white may not be suitable depending on the attitude of your guest of honor. Here, too, though casual in nature, body-hugging silhouettes might best be reserved for the show you’re taking in later that night.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A BARBECUE
WHAT TO WEAR: Barbecue, cookout, shindigs… These casual backyard events are driven by both food and fun. So your dress (or set!) should serve you to achieve happiness in both–where comfort meets personal and individualized style. Something airy, playful, and easy will let you focus on what’s cooking, literally.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Other than billowing sleeves that might compromise your plate or a post-food game, the world’s pretty much your oyster.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Other than billowing sleeves that might compromise your plate or a post-food game, the world’s pretty much your oyster.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A CONCERT/FESTIVAL
WHAT TO WEAR: You’ve come to the right place. An evening with a few hundred–or thousand–like-minded souls and a few who you will lose your voice for. Festival dresses
can be billowy, flowy, meadow-worthy dresses (paired with bags, hats, boots) that you might wholly subscribe to; or, there are more unique options for you to choose from, like sets. Fringe, pattern, embroidery, long, short–it’s all a +1. And remember–if you don’t mind toting a top layer, that’s always a good idea if the temp drops while things are heating up.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Unless your destination is a music hall or opera, there’s not much to shy away from. MAYBE? open-toed shoes are not your friend here.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Unless your destination is a music hall or opera, there’s not much to shy away from. MAYBE? open-toed shoes are not your friend here.
WHAT TO WEAR TO YOUR GRADUATION EVENT
WHAT TO WEAR: If you’re the one who is walking, congratulations!! If you’re celebrating a child/parent/friend/significant other/whoever, congratulations! You have the absolute privilege to wear what makes you feel good in this moment. Midis and maxis traditionally work best for a graduation ceremony or party. Structured or shapeless, airy or form-fitting, basic or embellished are all up to you. If you’re planning to go for an all-white look, there’s a whole assortment just for that.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Though we’re calling this a casual event, there may be some expectations to keep things a little more polished, depending on the location and attitude of the institution. Let instinct be your guide. Though if you’ll be outdoors for long periods of time, sitting in warm sunlight, you might want to reconsider wearing something heavy.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: Though we’re calling this a casual event, there may be some expectations to keep things a little more polished, depending on the location and attitude of the institution. Let instinct be your guide. Though if you’ll be outdoors for long periods of time, sitting in warm sunlight, you might want to reconsider wearing something heavy.
WHAT TO WEAR DURING YOUR PREGNANCY
WHAT TO WEAR: Congratulations, again! This is such an exciting time, and one in which comfort is queen. For any event you attend during your pregnancy, we suggest forgiving, more shapeless silhouettes. (Unless you’re Rihanna–you do you!) Maxi dresses and oversized styles are your friend. Not to mention sets or bottoms with pull-on waistbands.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: In most cases, tight-fitting dresses or synthetic fabrics may not serve you the breathability or ease you’ll likely desire.
WHAT NOT TO WEAR: In most cases, tight-fitting dresses or synthetic fabrics may not serve you the breathability or ease you’ll likely desire.
WHAT TO PAIR
FOR EVERY OCCASION
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