By Shelby Comroe July 03, 2020It's that time of year again: YOUR BIRTHDAY!! Too much? Well, real talk—the best part about celebrating your birthday is your birthday outfit. You can go as over the top as you want, and no one can say a word. Of course, maybe sparkles and feathers aren't for you, which is totally fine as well—again, nobody can say a freakin' word about it, plus you can still look special without all the frills. Whether you're hitting a bar, throwing a dinner party, enjoying a tropical getaway, or toasting your special day at brunch, one thing remains the same: It’s your day, dress like it. No more stressing about what to wear, though—these birthday outfits are worth celebrating in (not to mention, you'll get a gorgeous Instagram shot out of them).
1. 80's Lady
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Your birthday is about being over the top, so why not pay homage to an over-the-top decade? That’s right, we’re talking the '80s, baby, but with a modern twist. Pay homage to '80s fashion with this shimmery bustier top paired with some fun crystal heart earrings. Modernize your look with dark wash straight leg jeans and strappy sandals.
1. Attico bustier, $375; 2. Danijo earrings, $195; 3. RE/DONE jeans, $106; 4. By Far bag, $369; 5. The Row sandals, $534.
2. Out of This World
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
A sexy birthday dresses with a side of fashion history, Paco Rabanne’s modern-day chainmail dresses are inspired by his iconic 1966 collection, "Twelve Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials.” The famous chainmail dresses exist in the space between art and fashion, and who wouldn’t want to wear a piece of art on their birthday? This dress is made up of PVC flower paillettes, so you can add a bandeau and a pair of briefs for some coverage while still looking sexy. Top off your out-of-this-world look with a celestial silk pouch bag.
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1. Paco Rabanne dress, $500; 2. Jenny Bird Nova hoops, $95; 3. Chantelle bandeau, $48; 4. Eres briefs, $205; 5. Les Petits Joueurs bag, $475; 6. Schutz sandals, $175.
3. Grown Up Girly
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Your princess-pink party dress just got a grown-up update. This structured satin mini is the perfect way to channel your inner girly-girl in a mature way. Give your dress the birthday treatment by adding big crystal heart earrings; offset your feminine look with a pair of studded sling-back sandals; and tie it all together with a structured top handle bag and a chic black headband.
1. Gauge81 dress, $299; 2. ASOS headband, $8; 3. Alessandra Rich earrings, $192; 4. Bulgari bag, $2,600; 5. Alexander Wang slingback pumps, $355.
4. Add Some Edge
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Take an edgy approach when it comes to your birthday look this year. All eyes will be on you in these vinyl pants and puff sleeve top. Accessorize with cool pave safety-pin earrings and sexy lace up sandals. Finish things off with a ladylike bag that features pearls and spikes. This look can take you from dinner to a crazy night out on the town.
1. Khaite top, $768; 2. Adina's Jewels earrings, $68; 3. Maison Margiela pants, $381; 4. Simone Rocha bag, $436; 5. Zara sandals, $89.90.
5. Birthday Brunch
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Sometimes a laidback birthday brunch with the girls is all you need, but you can still look special even if your celebration is low-key. Pleated midi skirts have become a wardrobe staple; for your birthday, step it up a notch with a metallic midi. Pair the statement piece with a neutral knit, gold accessories, a classic bag, and some chic snake print boots. The look isn’t too over the top, but the metallic skirt adds that extra something—it is your birthday, after all!
1. Sandro Top, $132; 2. Vanessa Mooney earrings, $58; 3. Mejuri chain necklace, $260; 4. Topshop skirt, $68; 5. Louis Vuitton bag, $1,820; 6. Paris Texas boots, $421.
6. Birthday Boss
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Boss lady alert! If sparkles and fancy frocks aren’t for you, that’s fine, you don't need 'em! You can still be the star of the show in a super sleek suit. Rock this tuxedo jacket closed with nothing underneath. Add a gold chain lariat necklace and tuck it into your jacket for a sexy edge. Top it off with a pair of Brother Vellies feather sandals, some cool yin/yang earrings, and a mini bag.
1. Zara tuxedo jacket, $89.90; 2. Notte earrings, $78; 3. Jennifer Zeuner lariat necklace, $185; 4. Zara tuxedo pants, $49.90; 5. Gelareh Mizrahi bag, $595; 6. Brother Vellies sandals, $795.
7. A Touch of Sparkle
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
A little sparkle can make a whole lot of difference, especially when it comes to your birthday look. Rock relaxed fit jeans and still look fab with the help of a touch of sparkle. Dress up your denim with this sequined vine bustier top and some gold accessories. Throw on a pair of chic black mules, and that exclusive lounge is calling your name.
1. Halpern bustier top, $425; 2. Jennifer Zeuner hoops, $198; 3. AGOLDE jeans, $188; 4. Agmes ring, $150; 5. Roop bag, $73; 6. Balenciaga Knife mules, $375.
8. Lamè Lady
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
It’s your birthday, so it’s time to shine—and the Norma Kamali Diana dress in gunmetal is the perfect way to do just that. Not only is this dress fabulous to look at, it fits to perfection. The Diana dress is ruched, and there’s a built-in bodysuit that sculpts your figure. In keeping with the metallic theme, add some gunmetal accessories with Lucite accents. Pull your hair into a slick back ponytail and you’re ready for the night.
1. Norma Kamali Diana dress, $235; 2. Alexis Bittar hoops, $195; 3. Edie Parker clutch, $696; 4. Alias Mae sandals, $160.
9. You Can't Beat The Classics
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
When you’ve graduated from the slinky crop tops and barely-there dresses it’s time to move on to something a bit more classic: A LBD. With dramatic puff sleeves, this LBD is the perfect birthday number. Complement your look with baroque pearl earrings, gold rings, and a fun little shell shaped bag. Finish things off with a pair of sky-high stilettos that will make your legs look a mile long.
1. Solace London dress, $303; 2. Agmes earrings, $450; 3. BaubleBar rings, $48; 4. Les Petits Joueurs bag, $659; 5. Jimmy Choo sandals, $950.
10. Downtown Girl: Birthday Edition
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
The perfect look for your birthday dinner at a trendy restaurant. Start with a sequin mini skirt with lace details, and pair it with a loose-fitting muscle t-shirt for that cool girl vibe. Add an oversized embellished tuxedo jacket and some pavé chain link earrings for that extra bit of sparkle. Finish off with some strappy sandals and a black clutch. When you’re ready to hit the club, swap out the t-shirt and blazer for a sexy bodysuit and you’re ready to go.
1. Everlane muscle t-shirt, $26; 2. A.L.C. embellished tuxedo jacket, $238; 3. Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini skirt, $238; 4. Fallon hoops, $164; 5. Nordstrom clutch , $99; 6. Stuart Weirzman Merinda sandals, $276.
11. A Feathered Frock
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
An outdoor summer celebration is always fun, but it's hot. You want to look chic and not overheat, which requires a dress as light as a feather...so this feathered frock is perfect! The bold hue will be sure to make a statement. Don't be afraid to add more color, too. I love this mint and orange combination; it's such a fresh look.
1. Cult Gaia dress, $838; 2. Lizzie Fortunato earrings, $175; 3. Monica Vinader ring, $57; 4. Aesther Ekme bag, $203; 5. Villa Rouge sandals, $150.
12. Punk Princess
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Dressing up for your birthday doesn’t always require feathered dresses and sky-high heels. If your special day is being spent walking around bar-hopping, comfortable footwear is key. Channel your inner punk princess with a pleated gold leather skirt, bold gold statement ace of spades earrings, platform Converse, and a '90s-inspired nylon bag.
1. Celeste Starre Ace of Spades earrings, $98; 2. SKIMS bodysuit, $78; 3. Wolford sheer tights, $54; 4. MSGM skirt, $142; 5. Prada bag, $775; 6. Converse flatform sneakers, $68.
13. A Last-Minute Look
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Sometimes you just don't want to do anything for your birthday. Then the day comes around, and your friends drag you out to dinner to celebrate—so you find yourself scrambling for a last-minute birthday look. Have no fear, because slip dresses are here! A basic black slip dress is effortless, sexy, and always looks great. Grab your trusty black slip and pile on the accessories. Voilà—you have a look!
1. Timeless Pearly choker, $118; 2. Wilfred slip dress, $128; 3. Jenny Bird earrings, $115; 4. Vanina bag, $345; 5. Gucci mules, $980.
14. Birthday Getaway
(Image credit: Design by Morgan McMullen)
Look fabulous on your birthday trip in this striped metallic knit dress. Give your look that vacation feel with these shell earrings by Serendipitous-Project. Double-down on the natural theme by adding a pair of rope sandals (in gold, gotta keep things somewhat flashy for the bday) and a pink bag with a bamboo top handle. Oh, and don't forget your sunnies!
1. M Missoni dress, $379; 2. Crap Eyewear sunglasses, 3. Serendipitous-Project Drip earrings, $80; 4. Hai bag, $112; 5. Valentino sandals, $795.
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