What should you wear to your birthday party? The answer, of course, is whatever you d*mn well want. (It’s your day!) That said, the pressure to look good while celebrating another turn around the sun with friends and family is understandable—after all, all eyes and cameras will be on you. Choosing an outfit that is just right really goes a long way to enjoying all that extra attention.
Exactly what said look should include, of course, highly depends on your personal taste and what sort of festivities you have planned. But according to Elizabeth Tamkin, a stylist and voice behind The Corner Booth Substack, there are a few general guidelines that can help you narrow down all your choices. “Because a birthday is a celebration, I would lean toward a bit of color rather than all black,” she says. “This doesn’t mean you need to wear the color wheel: mix your neutrals—black included—with primary or secondary colors.”
From there, she advises paying close attention to a balance of silhouettes (for instance, something bulky up top and sleek on the bottom or a voluminous skirt or pants with a fitted shirt) and picking a party-worthy shoe. “Even if you’re going to go casual with your clothes, like jeans and a tee and a strand of pearls, add a little kitten heel mule to make your outfit more elevated and thoughtful,” she suggests. “A shoe with a little elevation will also mentally make you stand a little taller and feel special.”
It also helps, of course, to have a few inspiring references to get the creative juices flowing. Find 15 great ones below, all culled from the closets of InStyle’s favorite celebs.
You’ve Got (Chain)mail
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Dua Lipa looks chic in chainmail.
If you’re not one to wear a sparkly dress, look to Dua Lipa’s hardware-heavy top for inspiration: It has enough gleaming silver embellishment to signify you’re the guest of honor, but feels edgier than, say, a sequined mini or LBD. And while it would look amazing with dark wash jeans, consider teaming it with leather trousers like Lipa does here. It’s such a cool, streetwise combination.
Circle Circle, Dot Dot
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Lily James’s polkadot look hits the spot.
For a more ladylike take on birthday style, look to Lily James’ polka dot number (worn to celebrate her 35th, no less). Although the pattern itself is quite classic, it feels fresh here thanks to the way it’s printed on sheer fabric and delicately draped and layered to create visual depth.
Sweet Simplicity
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Emily Ratajkowski’s look is the definition of simple and chic.
Keeping your festivities low key? Emily Ratakowski’s understated (but still quite sexy) look here is just the thing to wear. All you need is a relaxed pair of black trousers, slightly asymmetrical top, and, of course, a minxy little shoulder bag—your best bet is something in bright cherry red.
Slip Up
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Olivia Rodrigo looks sleek in a sultry slip.
While a basic camisole top dress always works for a party, consider trading your go-to for something with an element of surprise. The cross-front neckline on this silhouette, as spotted on Olivia Rodrigo, instantly makes it seem interesting and special, even though the design itself is actually streamlined and simple. Sleek silver accessories only underscore the effect.
Set for Success
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Gabriella Karefa-Johnson sets the tone for a killer look.
Although stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson wore this matching knit striped shirt and skirt to celebrate someone else’s birthday (Gigi Hadid, NBD), the look would work just as well for her own big day. The key is to dress it up with towering heels and matching lipstick.
Tight Edit
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Hailey Bieber looks stylish in a cinch
Should you be the type who loves lots of attention on your birthday—and a massive blowout party to match—go for a shimmering corset-cut mini a la Hailey Bieber’s Met Gala after-party look. Because this sort of style is such a show stopper, you’ll want to keep it with minimal accessories (think slip-on mules and a teeny clutch) that don’t distract.
Skirting the Issue
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Keke Palmer’s shiny skirt sets the tone
Sequin mini skirts are de rigueur for going out in general, of course. But if you really want to set yours apart, take a cue from Keke Palmer and wear it with a bandeau top. (Hers has slouchy sleeves attached, but you can achieve the same vibe by way of a strapless bra and bolero shrug).
Cream of the Crop
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Bella Hadid makes look anything but basic.
Although tight black capris don’t sound like the most intuitive choice for a birthday look, Bella Hadid makes a strong case for them here. Her trick? By pairing the oft-maligned silhouette with a matching, elegantly draped halter top and stilettos, she’s made the lines of her figure look even longer and more sinuous than they already are.
Pretty in Pink
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Laura Harrier looks sweet in bubble gum pink.
Don’t discount the power of a flirty mini in blush, bubblegum, or fuchsia! As Laura Harrier deftly displays here, it doesn’t hurt if said party dress happens to have a hint of shimmer as well—just the thing to catch a bit of light in photos (or on the dance floor).
See It Through
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Alicia Vikander dares to bare.
Fashion nerds, this one’s for you: A totally sheer skirt layered with opaque black briefs and a belted knit reads like something straight from the runway—but still feels irreverent and carefree enough for a party. Depending on what the event entails, you could combine it with heels or a pair of dance floor-ready loafers.
Wild Things
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Zendaya’s look is the cat’s meow.
If you want to do suiting, pick something with a bold motif or less than traditional cut—or, as Zendaya displays here, both. It will feel polished, but more appropriate for a party environment.
Soft Touch
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Zoe Kravitz proves faux can be fabulous.
Want to instantly make your outfit feel about 1000 times more glamorous? Throw a faux-fur jacket on top. Bonus points if the thing you’re throwing it over already feels slinky and opulent, like Zoe Kravitz’s silk slip here.
Twinkle Twinkle
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Hunter Schafer makes black look bold.
A sequined mini dress is an obvious choice for a birthday party. However, if you want to make it feel slightly more singular, follow Hunter Schaffer’s lead and match it to a pair of sculptural pumps with the same twinkly texture.
A Long Story
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Rachel Zegler looks luxe in a long dress.
Unless you’re planning on a black tie affair, the best way to make a gown-length dress feel right for a party is to choose one that incorporates a few playful elements. Rachel Zegler has nailed this idea perfectly via a ruched maxi with a sweet blue lipstick motif.
Jeanious Idea
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Kiernan Shipka’s proves jeans can look gorgeous.
Denim is definitely doable for a more casual affair, although you’ll want to zhush it up with a shirt and shoes that feel fitting for the night’s activities. Kiernan Shipka has this formula down to a science via her baggy black jeans and lacy, barely-there bustier. And while she went for chunky platform loafers (a nice choice if there’ll be dancing), flirty little kitten heels would be an excellent footwear choice, too.
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