When you’re invited to a birthday party, there’s no doubt in your mind that you’ll be expected to wear something special. You don’t want to show up in jeans and a t-shirt—but what can you do?
Well, we’re here to help with some great suggestions for what to wear on someone’s birthday party:
Your birthday is a special day, and you deserve to celebrate it in style.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide for what to wear on someone’s birthday party. Whether you’re heading out with your friends or just celebrating with a small group at home, these tips will help ensure that your outfit is perfect for the occasion.
What to wear on someone’s birthday party
A birthday party is one of the most important days of the year. It’s a time to celebrate your loved ones, and it’s also an opportunity to dress up and have some fun!
The perfect outfit can make or break an event—and luckily for you, we’ve got all the tips you need to nail your look. Whether you’re looking for something casual or fancy, [company name] has a great selection of outfits in all sizes, so everyone can feel their best on their big day!
Whether you’re attending a birthday party at home, or going to the club to celebrate with friends, there are some basics that are generally considered to be appropriate attire for such an occasion.
Wear fitted jeans and a playful top for daytime parties.Or, wear an interesting neckline (like a henley shirt) with fitted jeans and patterned sneakers. Add a cropped jacket or patterned scarf to look great in cool weather. If the birthday party is outside, you’re going to dress more casual.
CLOTHES BY TYPE
How to Dress for a Birthday Party
Download Article
METHODS
1Crafting a Casual Look
2Dressing to Impress
3Matching a Theme
OTHER SECTIONS
Expert Q&A
Tips and Warnings
Related Articles
References
Co-authored by Paul Julch, MA
Last Updated: May 29, 2022 References
Staring at a closet full of options can be intimidating, especially when you’re going to a special event like a birthday party. The host will probably give you some idea of what to expect, but you still want to make a good impression and be comfortable. You can dress relaxed, fancy, or festive depending on the type of party. No matter what you wear, be comfy and true to your style!
Method
1
Crafting a Casual LookDownload Article
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 11
Wear fitted jeans and a playful top for daytime parties. You want to be comfortable and wear a style that’s true to you, but you also want to show that it’s a special occasion. So take your everyday wear and add a special touch to bring it up a notch. For example, spruce up your casual jeans with a sequined tank top and a fluorescent clutch.[1] Or, wear an interesting neckline (like a henley shirt) with fitted jeans and patterned sneakers.[2]
Add a cropped jacket or patterned scarf to look great in cool weather.[3]
If the birthday party is outside, you’re going to dress more casual.[4]
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 22
Wear a maxi or midi dress with sandals for outdoor daytime parties. If the party is going to be mostly outdoors, flowy dresses with playful patterns are perfect for daytime fun. If the print is bold, accessorize with minimalist pieces. For solid-color dresses, feel free to wear a few minimal pieces of jewelry or a single statement piece.
A chunky necklace is a great way to show off your décolletage.
Pair a single-colored maxi or midi dress with colorful shoes or a patterned jacket.
Transition the outfit to nighttime by belting the waist, putting on heels, and donning a long, fitted cardigan for cool nights.
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 33
Add drama at night with dark wash jeans and an off-the-shoulder top. Nighttime parties call for more drama, mystery, and allure.[5] Show off your shoulders with a fun off-the-shoulder top, and top it off with a small statement clutch and some booties.
Choose appropriate clothing that isn’t too flashy or sexy. Remember, the party isn’t about you and how good you look, it’s about the person whose birthday it is!
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 44
Wear a blazer over a button-down with tailored shorts or jeans. A nice, fitted blazer will make any pair of shorts or jeans look sophisticated, especially if you do a “French tuck.”[6] Finish the look with a pair of nice loafers, sneakers, or flats.
For women, transition the look to nighttime with a pair of low to mid heels or wedges.
For men, turn it into a nighttime look by changing into a pair of slacks, chinos, or dark wash denim.[7]
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 55
Pair a cardigan with a graphic tee and fitted jeans for day or night. Layering a cardigan or blazer over a comfy tee looks more polished than the t-shirt alone. Just make sure the t-shirt isn’t too loose or long to avoid looking unkempt. Leave the shirt untucked for an ultra-casual look and tuck it in slightly to show off a nice belt buckle.[8]
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 66
Wear a maxi or midi dress to pool parties. If you’re going to a pool party, you might want to wear something you can get in and out of easily (like a maxi dress or thin shirt and shorts that you don’t care about getting damp). Wear comfortable sandals or flip flops to match the laid-back poolside vibes.
If the party is both indoors and outdoors, dress for the weather and bring layers.
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 77
Wear a comfy shirt with shorts or simple jeans to children’s parties. Most children’s parties are ultra-casual, so your everyday wear will work just fine here. There’s probably going to be lots of activities going on, so you’ll want to be comfortable and able to move around quickly (especially with younger children in attendance).
Avoid wearing white jeans or a white shirt so you they won’t get stained from spills or grass.[9]
Wear cargo pants or shorts for pocket space if you might need to hide small objects that aren’t safe for younger children and toddlers.
If you’re a parent, bring a large bag for snacks, water, sunscreen, and anything else you or your child might need.
Method
2
Dressing to ImpressDownload Article
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 81
Wear a colorful wrap or cocktail dress for daytime festivities. Semi-formal parties during the day call for smart attire in playful colors and patterns.[10] Pair a knee-length (or just above the knee) dress with cork wedge heels or low heels for comfort and style.
Wedges are a good choice if you know that you’ll be walking on grass.
If the venue is a hotel, you’ll be wanting to dress up more with an outfit like this.[11]
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 92
Pair a flashy skirt with a simple fitted blouse and low heels. A flashy sequin skirt goes perfectly with a simple (tucked in) top will make a statement without looking overdone. Top it with a cropped denim or leather jacket for cooler weather.
The louder the outfit, the simpler your accessories should be. Let the sequins be the focal point and accessorize with a simple gold or silver necklace or bracelet.
Turn it into a nighttime look by wearing strappy heels and adding a small clutch.
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 103
Wear a cocktail dress or tailored suit for fancy nighttime parties. If the birthday party is at night and taking place in a fancy restaurant or upscale lounge, that’s the time to break out those cocktail dresses, tailored suits, and dress shoes! Aim to look sharp and sophisticated with a spoonful of glamour and drama.
Opt for a dress that sits right at the knee.[12] If you go shorter, make sure that it has a medium or high neckline so you’re not revealing too much skin. Go bold and dramatic with darker colors and structured, romantic shapes (like an off-the-shoulder neckline).
A tailored suit is always a great choice for men (lighter colors for daytime and darker for nighttime) with a nice pair of loafers or dress shoes.[13] A tie is optional so long as you wear a collared button-down. Steer clear of any loud patterns unless it’s just a pop here and there (like on a pocket square).
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 114
Accessorize to complement your outfit. Accessories can complement your style and highlight your best features. But too many accessories can look cluttered and distracting, so be tasteful and remember: less is more! A simple bangle or bracelet will call attention to your wrists, while an understated gold or silver necklace can highlight your décolletage. For men, a puffed pocket square and a nice watch can make any simple suit look posh.
If you’re wearing a solid color, accessorize with a single statement piece (like a necklace, bracelet, or earrings). With bold patterns, keep accessories small and to a minimum.
Keep your silver jewelry looking polished by soaking it in baking soda and hot water in a bowl lined with aluminum foil.[14]
Men should choose a pocket square that’s a shade lighter or darker than the main color of the suit to make it stand out. And don’t match it directly to your tie (if you’re wearing one). Instead, choose a secondary color from your shirt or blazer to match it to.
Method
3
Matching a ThemeDownload Article
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 121
Go thrift shopping for retro themes. If you have the time and don’t mind spending a little money on a themed outfit, thrift stores are a great resource to find clothes that could fit various decades. For 1950s, look for pastels and waist-high skirts with a little retro bell shape. If the theme is 1970s, opt for high-waisted jeans (with flared legs), paisley patterns, psychedelic prints, ponchos, and clunky platform shoes.[15]
Whether you’re familiar with the theme or not, doing some research will spark your creativity.
Look through your wardrobe for items that might fit the theme. Even if you don’t have clothing that directly matches, combining mismatched pieces and layering them can do wonders!
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 132
Wear pastels for an “Under the Sea” theme. Say the theme is “Under the Sea” but you don’t have any flowy looking garments. You can wear a pastel shirt, leggings of any color, and a pastel colored skirt over it with a colorful scarf tied around your waist. You won’t exactly look like a mermaid, but the color scheme will allude to that idea!
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 143
Wear denim-on-denim for a late 90s look. Take a tip from celebrity fashion, like wearing head-to-toe denim to channel a late 1990s celebrity-darling look.[16] Combine different washes of denim to make it look more fashionable and highlight your best assets.[17] Pair this look with statement heels or a long blazer to glam it up.[18]
A small headband can be worn as a 90s choker.[19]
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 154
Cut up an old skirt to make a cape or toga. Old clothes you don’t wear anymore are perfect for costumes because you can cut and shape them to fit various themes. For example, that old maxi skirt you no longer wear can be cut open down the side and fashioned into a cape or draped like a toga.
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 165
Use tin foil or bubble wrap for intergalactic or campy 80s glam themes. Tin foil and bubble wrap can be a creative way to make normal clothes look interstellar for an outer-space-themed party or 80s shin-dig! It won’t necessarily look fashionable, but it will show off your creativity and sense of humor.
Cut rounded triangular pieces of foil and safety pin them to an old jacket to make shiny shoulderpads.
Tape bubble wrap around your arms, legs, or torso for a spacesuit or alien look.
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 176
Rip the sleeves off of old shirts and sweaters for various themes. Simply tearing the sleeves off of sweaters and shirts can work with tons of themes. Look like a Breakfast Clubber by tearing long sleeves off of sweaters or jersey shirts at the shoulder seam. Rip some holes in the front and back in it to make it ultra-grunge or punk.
Save your ripped shirts and sweaters for a great zombie-apocalypse Halloween costume!
Drape a studded belt diagonally across your torso (like a messenger bag strap) to accessorize a punk or grunge theme.
Image titled Dress for a Birthday Party Step 187
Use jean scraps to make counterculture patches. Cut old jeans into shorts and then cut the pant legs into small squares to make patches you can safety-pin on a shirt or jacket for a counterculture look. To fray the edges of the shorts, comb and tease out the fibers from the freshly cut edges.
If you want to scuff up the jeans to look worn in, rub the outside of the jeans down the side of a cheese grater.
Make sure you don’t want to wear the clothing (as is) anymore before you cut into it!
Community Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article?
Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow
Question
What should I wear to an evening birthday party?
Paul Julch, MA
Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
Expert Answer
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.The most important thing when going to a birthday party is to respect the wishes of the host regarding any details they’ve shared about the dress code. Just make sure you don’t outshine the person being celebrated.
Not Helpful 5Helpful 2
Question
What should you wear to a birthday party?
Paul Julch, MA
Paul Julch, MA
Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Speaker
Expert Answer
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.If you know the person you’re celebrating, think of how they’re going to dress and be careful not to try to be more impressive than they are. You’re a guest celebrating them, so you shouldn’t steal their spotlight!
Not Helpful 2Helpful 1
Question
What should I wear to my friend’s birthday party?
Drew Hawkins1
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
You’ve got a ton of options here, but a safe play is to keep it casual. It’s also probably the easiest option. If it’s a daytime party, you can go with fitted jeans and a playful top. That way, you’ll be comfortable, but you can show that it’s a special occasion by adding a special touch with a nice top that isn’t part of your everyday wear. If the party is mostly outdoors, flowy dresses with playful patterns are perfect for daytime fun. For a nighttime party, add some drama with dark jeans and an off-the-shoulder top. But be careful not to try dress more fancy or flashy than the person you’re celebrating. You’re a guest celebrating them, so you shouldn’t steal their spotlight!
Not Helpful 3Helpful 3
Question
What do you wear to a birthday dinner party?
Drew Hawkins1
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
If there’s a specific dress code, stick to that. For instance, if the dress code is formal, then go with a crisp suit or a full-length gown. However, if there isn’t a specific code, you can still dress to impress. You could wear a colorful wrap or a cocktail dress with cork wedge heels or low heels for a nice balance of comfort and style. You could also go with a flashy sequin skirt and a simple top to make a statement without looking overdone. If the dinner party is in a fancy restaurant or upscale venue, break out those cocktail dresses, tailored suits, and dress shoes! Try to look sharp and sophisticated with a spoonful of glamour and drama. If you’re still super unsure of what to wear, try asking the host what the dress code is to make choosing an outfit easier.
Not Helpful 3Helpful 3
Question
Can you wear jeans to a birthday party?
Drew Hawkins1
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
Usually, yes, but it depends on the person and the party. If it’s a party at night at a super fancy restaurant or venue, stick with a well-tailored suit or a cocktail dress. But if the party is a little more casual, you can definitely get away with jeans. Choose a pair of fitted jeans and add a playful top that fancies your outfit up a bit so you don’t look like you’re wearing your normal, everyday clothes. If the weather is cooler you could add a cropped jacket or patterned scarf. If the party is at night, go with dark wash jeans. Pair them with a fun, off-the-shoulder top to add a little more drama and mystery to your look. But choose appropriate clothing that isn’t too flashy or sexy. Remember, the party isn’t about you and how good you look, it’s about the person whose birthday it is!
What to wear on south african safari
The South African safari is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. It’s also one of the most iconic, with its rolling grasslands and herds of wild animals roaming free.
If you’re planning a trip there, you’ll probably want to look your best. And while it’s easy to focus on what you’ll wear while you’re on safari itself, it’s important to consider what you’ll wear when you’re not in the wilderness too! This blog will help guide you through all stages of your trip, so that no matter where you go and what you do, your wardrobe will always be on point.
Are you planning a trip to South Africa? If so, you’ve probably got a lot of questions about what to bring and what to expect.
We’re here to help!
Wearing the right clothes is crucial to a successful safari. You don’t want to be hot and uncomfortable, but you also don’t want to be too cold or too exposed.
Look for casual, lightweight clothes made from breathable fabrics. Think T-shirts and a few long-sleeved shirts or blouses that protect your skin from the sun – collars will protect your neck. Evenings are also usually relaxed affairs, with women typically wearing dresses and men choosing a button-up shirt.
South African Safari Travel Tips: What to Wear and Pack
12th March, 2019
Planning a safari in South Africa? Read our guide on what to wear and pack on safari.
What to expect on a safari holiday – from the animals you’ll see to keeping safe.
Safari travel tips – how to snap great photos to vaccinations and travel insurance.
If you’re looking at South Africa holidays, then spending a few days on safari in a National Park such as Kruger is undoubtedly a highlight of any trip. Don’t worry about any concerns about what to wear on safari or what to expect, just read our South African safari travel tips.
What To Wear On Safari
Once you’ve booked your safari holiday, there’s no need to rush out and buy a new khaki wardrobe. If you’re wondering what to wear on safari, then clothes in shades of brown and green will help you blend in with your surroundings and so avoid disturbing wildlife. Avoid bright and day-glo colours as these may attract insects and, as the tsetse fly (which has a nasty bite) is fond of black and blue, ditch the denim too. Forget camouflage-style clothing – this is best left for the South African military.
As with any holiday, pack comfortable clothing and think about layers to deal with changes in temperature. Safaris often involve an early start, so a light jacket or fleece will keep you warm when it’s chilly. A good idea is to bring zip-off trousers that convert easily into shorts. Combat trousers or shorts with pockets are also handy.
What to Wear on Safari Relaxing on Safari
Relaxing on safari
Look for casual, lightweight clothes made from breathable fabrics. Think T-shirts and a few long-sleeved shirts or blouses that protect your skin from the sun – collars will protect your neck. Evenings are also usually relaxed affairs, with women typically wearing dresses and men choosing a button-up shirt. A light or medium-weight jumper or sweatshirt is also practical.
Pack comfortable trainers or lightweight sturdy shoes, ideally a pair you’ve already broken in – blisters are no fun on holiday. Hiking boots are not necessary and simply take up valuable space in your luggage.
What to wear on safari top tip: shake your shoes every morning before putting them on, you never know what’s lurking inside.
A hat is an essential item too when planning what to wear on safari. Choose one that has a brim all the way round to reduce glare and protect your nose, ears and neck from sunburn.
What To Wear On Safari – Additional Items To Pack
When heading to warmer climes, always take high-factor sunscreen, protective lip balm and a moisturiser with SPF. A first-aid kit is useful too – make sure you include any necessary prescription medicines. Insect repellent is also invaluable. Those containing DEET are usually best. Wet wipes are a handy way to freshen up and wipe dust from your hands and face.
Other essentials should include a pair of compact binoculars – ideally with image stabilisation – a small rucksack that closes tightly so dust won’t get inside, and sunglasses and spectacles – pack spare pairs too. A torch is useful when sleeping in a tented camp (it’s a recommended ‘glamping’ experience), as are earplugs. While it may be fun listening to wildlife howling outside on your first night, after several early rises and long days, you’ll just want to sleep.
What to Wear on Safari Group of Tourists on Safari
Using binoculars on safari
What To Expect On Safari
A safari usually involves being taken round a national park in a specially adapted 4×4 vehicle (or sometimes a boat) with an expert local guide. They have studied wild animals for years, know their behaviour and favourite wateringholes, and a footprint will alert them to what animals are in the vicinity. Remember though that each safari is unique. Don’t be disheartened if after a few hours you’ve still to see hippos in a setting similar to an award-winning documentary. Just enjoy the adventure.
What to Wear on Safari Tourists on safari
4×4 following elephants on safari
Experienced rangers are there for your safety, but they’ll also be happy to answer any questions, linger longer in a spot so you can take more photos and share their fascinating, and often amusing, stories. Your guide will also be in regular communication with others so will be notified if there’s a good sighting nearby.
Take note that safaris involve bumpy rides along dusty tracks, so it’s not wise to wear white, and ladies should pack a sports bra. It’s also worth bringing medication if you’re prone to car sickness.
What Animals May You See
Holidays to South Africa are always memorable, more so if you’ve had a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the Big Five. Kruger National Park is one of the best destinations in South Africa to see elephants, lions, rhinos, leopards and buffalo, but as the park is also home to an incredible 150 mammal and 500 bird species, there’s the chance you’ll also stumble upon a giraffe, antelope or hyena.
Guides will do their upmost to take you as close as safely possible to the animals. However, the welfare of wild creatures living in their natural habitat is considered too. A guide will recognise if a new mother is distressed or if an animal is acting unpredictably, so let the guide set the rules and obey them.
And while it’s difficult not to scream with excitement when you do spot something, try to remain quiet so it doesn’t run away. Also remember that you may witness wildlife hunting to survive, which can be equally fascinating and upsetting.
Safari Photography Tips
Photo opportunities abound in South Africa. There’s amazing wildlife and stunning landscapes, sunrises and sunsets – take plenty of memory sticks, extra batteries and a travel adaptor to recharge equipment (there’s no one standard adaptor, so you may need a type C, D, M or N adaptor).
If you’re a keen photographer, a safari accompanied by an expert local photographic guide may appeal. Regardless of your skill level though, know your camera inside out before your holiday, and practice taking images of moving animals, perhaps a pet. Remember lighting is key for a good photo. Take advantage of a low sun in the early morning and at dusk when animals are at their most active.
What to wear on safari woman photographing elephant
Photographing an elephant on safari
Safari Travel Essentials
Visit your GP before your safari holiday and make sure any necessary vaccinations are up to date. Most of South Africa is malaria-free, with Kruger National Park being a low risk area. Sort out comprehensive travel insurance too, ensuring it covers any pre-existing medical conditions. Tap water is usually okay to drink.
Rand is the currency in South Africa, and you will find some ATMs in the Park itself. As with any holiday, keep valuables safe at all times.