Birthday outfit ideas: Here's how to celebrate in style
There are two types of people in the world, the ones that start planning their birthday outfit ideas six months ahead of time, and those who are frantically online shopping the week before (even though the date never changes).
Another year around the sun is a cause for celebration and a more than legitimate excuse to treat yourself to a new outfit. Whether you’re throwing a party (in which case why not dial up the glamour with a shimmering outfit glitzy enough to rival the sparklers on your cake) or are enjoying a more low-key family meal or summer BBQ (look to printed midis and color-pop coords to liven up your look), you deserve to feel your best. Because, if you can’t be the center of attention on your birthday, then when can you?
Of course, it’s not just our own birthdays we’re celebrating with a new outfit, and the pressure is still on to nail a great birthday outfit so that you look good when you’re toasting to friends and family too. And if you're attending a big bash rather than throwing one, you can take the same inspiration as for your own special day, just with a slightly more pared-back approach.
BIRTHDAY OUTFIT IDEAS - WHAT TO WEAR ACCORDING TO AN EXPERT
When it comes to birthday outfit ideas you want to first start with how the occasion will be celebrated. If it's your party, of course, you'll want your look to stand out from the crowd, but it's still important to pick something that is stylishly appropriate for the event itself, as what you'll need for a quiet pub dinner with family or friends, will be different to a full-blown, dancefloor party. Our expert runs through the different types of birthday celebrations and how to dress for them.
1. DINNER WITH FRIENDS

If your birthday celebration of choice is dinner with friends, then the classic combination of “jeans and a nice top” is the ideal smart casual outfit idea. Keep your denim dark (black or indigo) and pair with anything from an oversized shirt to a patterned kimono, a romantic blouse, or a subtle sequin cami - so your top half is the dressy part of the ensemble and your bottom half is a bit more subtle
If jeans aren't your thing, have no fear. Smart/casual can be executed in lots of ways and makes for great birthday outfit ideas. Investigate what to wear with wide-leg pants, or try an A-line midi to give you much the same party-ready aesthetic.
Styling tip: Separates are great for casual occasions, allowing you to dress them up or down and get additional wear out of pieces at a later date. Read More...