Best Outfit Options for Your Next Reunion With Family and Friends
Reunions have an odd way of simultaneously inciting anxiety and excitement. Are you feeling butterflies because you’re about to see old friends you haven’t talked to in years, or because you’re already panicking about what to wear? If it’s the latter, then you have no reason to fear. There are dozens of options that are sure to help you feel pulled together and stylish so that you can focus on reconnecting with those familiar faces from the past.
Part of your decision to wear either jeans and a T-shirt or a women’s dress depends on the type of reunion. Is it a holiday gathering with your entire extended family? Is it a last-minute meetup with the sorority sisters you haven’t seen in over a decade? Are you on the planning committee for your 25th high-school reunion? Here are a few outfit ideas that will help you feel your best at what’s destined to be a memorable event.
Dress Up Your Denim
Unless the reunion invite specifically states that it’s a formal affair, you can feel free to dress down a little bit. Just keep in mind that dressing down doesn’t mean wearing what you’d typically put on when you binge watch TV on a lazy weekend or run to the grocery store. But it does mean sticking with comfortable clothes.
Think about what you might wear when meeting up with girlfriends for dinner and drinks. That type of outfit is perfectly appropriate for a more relaxed, effortless reunion. You can take your cue from the environment, too. Is the event at an informal restaurant or a community center? A pair of women’s jeans paired with something sparkly on top, like a shimmery tunic, makes a great option. Add a pair of strappy heels or glossy ballet flats to add a dressy touch to your finished look.
Try Something Business Casual
If you aim for something just slightly more polished than the denim and dressy top combo, put together an outfit that’s more business casual. Swap the jeans for something sleeker and more tailored on the bottom, like a pair of women’s cropped pants or something with a tapered leg. Try a silky blouse or a shell instead of a looser-fitting top.
To make this look more festive and fun, try a jewel tone that adds a pop of brilliant color to your outfit. Something in a rich emerald, ruby, or aquamarine shade dazzles when paired with gray or black on the bottom. If you’re wearing cropped pants, elongate your legs in heels. Prefer flats? Those work, too, as do low-profile wedges that add just a little height without any discomfort.
Slip into a Dress
A reunion is the perfect excuse to break out that fit-and-flare dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion. These silhouettes are inherently a little dressier than other styles — and they also look great with everything from strappy metallic sandals to heels to wedge booties.
You can soften the look a little by throwing a cropped denim jacket on top to add a little bit of balance. Another option is a shirt dress, which is perfect if you’re going straight from the office to the reunion. Dress it up with a pair of statement earrings and a glamorous clutch to transform your ensemble to a party-worthy look. Even a maxi dress can be a practical choice for a spring or summer reunion. The right accessories make all the difference to your look. Add a bold necklace and slip on some metallic sandals to bring it all together perfectly.
Go for All Black
Is there anything more chic or sophisticated than an all-black outfit? It exudes a sense of timeless style, and it’s far easier to throw something on if you’re not sure what to wear or don’t have a lot of time to put together your outfit. It could be anything, from the reliable little black dress that sees you through every special occasion to a lacy skirt paired with a silky blouse.
Bring it all together with something structured on top that you can easily slip off, be it a tailored blazer or even a trench coat. Mixed textures introduce nuance and a bit of intrigue to the outfit, transforming it from merely all black into something more creative and insightful. If you want to add a pop of color to the mix, try an eye-catching accessory. A bold cocktail ring, a jewel-toned statement necklace, or a metallic clutch all work wonders in elevating your ensemble to the next level.
Now that you’re ready for your big entrance, it’s time to wow everyone — and make some new memories at the same time!