What To Wear To A 40th Birthday Party
9 Different Cocktail Party Looks
Four of our college friends decided to throw a combined 40th birthday party at Brick x Mortar, in downton Minneapolis, which Mike and I were both excited to attend. After reviewing the invite and calling up my girls- the verdict was in, the look would be cocktail attire. I love any chance I can get to trade in my leggings for a killer dress - it's not too often that this mountain mama gets to get dressed up!
So what does one wear to a 40th Birthday Cocktail Party? Well, there really isn't any strict rules about what makes something cocktail-appropriate, but you do want to keep a few things in mind when planning your outfit.
Tip One: Choose a dress in an elegant fabric. The trick is to choose fabrics that look refined- like silk, chiffon, leather, or velvet. Amp things up with details like lace, sequins, florals or prints. The good news is, length doesn't matter: rock a mini or floor skimming dress, you decide. I would recommend avoiding a cotton sundress- save those for the daytime.
Tip Two: It's not just about the dress, Jumpsuits are fun too. You don't have to wear a dress for a cocktail party when there are so many elegant jumpsuits to choose from. Again, same rules apply- no cotton or anything that looks too casual. Instead opt for a style that accentuates your body and has elevated details- like a bold color or sequins.
Tip Three: Go Big & Go Small with your Accessories. Here's where you can really zhuzh up your look- Go BIG with a statment necklace, cocktail ring or a pair of earings and Go small when choosing your handbag. A large slouchy tote is out of place for formal affairs. Downsize to a clutch, wristlet or a mini cross- body.
Here's 9 Different Cocktail Attire Dress Looks-
Courtesy of My Gorgeous Friends
1. The Pretty Peek-A-Boo Dress
Cleavage is always in style but why not show a "peek-a-boo" of another part of your body that's not so obvious? This style of dress is adventurous but can be for everyone. Pro tip- Whatever your favorite part of your body is (shoulders, waist, back, chest, or abs) find a dress that will accentuate it! I also, recommend keeping your accessories to a minimum when wearing this style of dress so you don't over do it. Let your skin do the talking.
SHOP PEEK-A-BOO DRESSES
2. The Sexy Sequin Jumpsuit
When attending a formal occasion, women often think dresses are the only option. But believe me when I say, Jumpuits are without a doubt, a statment style. Jumpsuits offer that out-of-the box WOW factor that will earn you some major style credit.
I love this black sequin jumpsuit that Sarah rocked. She looked ever so Sexy and Chic. Follow this beauty on her blog, www.basilandbalance.com.
SHOP SEQUIN JUMPSUITS
3. Get Wild With Animal Print
I am a major sucker for anything animal print- give me all of the cheetah, leopard and snake prints! And whomever said these prints aren't a neutral, I'm sorry, I strongly disagree.
Whether it's a dress, blouse, clutch or shoes- you will for sure turn heads when wearing these prints. Jen looks absolutely stunning in her leopard print blouse paired with black pants, heels and a gold sequin clutch. Can you say Boss Babe!
SHOP ANIMAL PRINTS
4. The Bold & The Beautiful Dress
Be Bold go Bright. While basic black will always be a wardrobe staple, choosing a bright colored dress will always be a show-stopper. Rachel's emerald green dress commanded attention and totally fits her personality - daring, bright and exciting! Totally beautiful. And, of course, I adore a good Moto, Over-the-Shoulder, drape.
SHOP BOLD DRESSES
5. The Flirty & Feminine Dress
Seek out cocktail dresses with interesting details. Pleats, ruffles and airy materials add a layer of dimension that demand attention. Britta's one-shoulder pleated dress was ultra feminine and flirty and moved so beautifully (as she danced the night away.) Loving her breezy & flirty vibe!
SHOP FLIRTY DRESSES
6. The Little Black Dress & Rockin' Red Heels
"One is never over or under dressed with a Little Black Dress." Karl Lagerfeld.
The LBD is a bit like a blank canvas. You can accessorize, add details, switch up your jewelry and style it in a million of different ways. Bonnie added a rockin' red heel to jazz up her LBD, perfect for a 40th Birthday Party. But I think we can all agree, her legs are really the best accessory!
SHOP LBD & RED HEELS
7. The Sassy Satin Bomber
Oh man, I sure do love a good bomber jacket. The versatility of a bomber is endless and will instantly add an element of "cool" to any look. I especially love this sassy satin bomber that Katie is sporting over her LBD, creating a chic and feminine vibe. I mean, come on, how effortlessly beautiful does she look.
SHOP SATIN BOMBERS
8. The Lovely Little White Dress
Lighten things up with a Little White Dress for a look that's chic, polished and sexy. The beauty of this crisp stable is that it goes with anything and works for pretty much any occasion. Jennifer is looking oh so fresh and fabulous at 40!
SHOP LWD
9. The Fabulous Floral Dress
Spring has sprung and has put us in the mood for something a little more feminine, like floral cocktail dresses. A floral dress is romance at it's best. Meaghan's dress combines sweet and sexy elements for a stylish result. Cheers to 40 years my gorgeous friend!
SHOP FLORAL DRESSES
Happy 40th to my fabulous friends! Thankfully, I'm finally recovering
from a wild weekend with you all in MN. I'd love to know what your favorite
style of cocktail dress is (comment below)?
xx, Brook