Have many clothes in your wardrobe but still can’t decide what to wear? Most of us face this dilemma every once in a while. Picking an outfit can be tricky because what you wear speaks a lot about your personality. It also influences the kind of impression you make on those around you. If dressing up stresses you out, here are a few easy tips for picking dresses for every occasion.

Black-tie weddings and charity galas
These events call for dresses with shimmering fabrics and ornate detailing. Since the etiquette in dress length has relaxed for such occasions over the years, it’s safe to go with floor-length or tea-length gowns. Another great option is a column dress or an A-line dress. But avoid knee-length cocktail dresses unless the invite indicates “black tie optional.” Always try to keep the hemline a bit longer for these occasions. You can look more elegant by accessorizing with somber jewelry, wearing an elegant hairstyle, and stepping into attractive shoes. If the wedding or charity event is held during the colder months, pick chic winter dresses in heavier fabrics and with sleeves. Layer them with a woolen or faux fur wrap or a dressy blazer or coat for extra warmth.

Engagement parties, wedding parties, and cocktail events
Occasions like these are usually semi-formal and less fancy than black-tie events. You can experiment with a variety of silhouettes and colors. Shorter-length dresses, maxi dresses, and even simple separates work well for these events. But avoid super-short styles. Pick fashionable outfits with festive details, pastel tones, or jewel tones that stand out. Remember, most cocktails events are about wearing dressy yet casual outfits. So, you can even drape yourself in a knee-length shimmery and glittering dress. However, avoid going too casual with fabrics like chino, jersey, and denim.

Bridal shower or baby shower
When you have to attend casual events like these with family or close friends, let your taste shine through your outfit. Pick dresses that are flattering and have feminine vibes. You can go for bright colors and cheery patterns if the invite doesn’t specify following a particular shade or dressing according to a particular theme. But avoid whites for bridal showers since this color is usually reserved for the bride. It’s also advisable to avoid somber black styles unless the look is chic and gives off subtle party vibes.

Barbecues, family get-togethers, and birthday parties
These are fun casual events where you want to stay comfy yet dress up a bit. Most women usually choose outfits by taking a cue from the host. If your host is dressing down, you can wear something laid-back. If they’re going all out, you can too! Wear a dressy and casual LBD if you’re looking for safe options. You can also wear playful and colorful outfits, such as bright floral summer dresses. For silhouettes, pick anything from flirty minis to minimalist maxis or midis. But dress according to the weather. Lighter colors, pastel shades, and breezy fabrics like chiffon are great for summer. They’re stylish yet comfortable, so you can wear them for hours together.

Job interviews
The right outfit will help you make an excellent first impression at a job interview. Choosing can get tricky here as you must dress up for the job you’re applying for. If you have an interview with a fashion magazine, design firm, or social media marketing company, freely express your style through your attire. But don’t go too casual, as it could make you look disinterested. If unsure, wear a dress with clean lines, professional silhouettes, and appropriate colors and patterns. A simple navy or black dress with pumps is the perfect outfit that indicates elegance and professionalism. However, this can change depending on the industry and job profile.

Graduation ceremonies
Put on something simple and effortless when dressing up for a graduation ceremony. You don’t have to go super dressy and pick a neat and nice outfit. If it’s your own graduation ceremony, avoid anything you will be unhappy about in the photographs. Remember, the dress you choose must also be suitable enough for a celebratory lunch or dinner with your family. Some great options include knee-length dresses that are colorful, white, or with floral prints. Breezy and light A-line dresses are also perfect for these events. If you’re attending someone else’s graduation, you can wear these dresses and keep things fun and thoughtful without being too fancy.

Business dinners, work parties, and networking events
These are formal events but not as fancy as black-tie occasions. You can pick dresses that give polished, elegant vibes but keep in mind the culture of your workplace. For instance, if your office culture leans towards conservative, choose conservatively in terms of dress length, silhouettes, and colors. However, if your workplace culture is casual, amp up your outfit a little bit by experimenting with colors and patterns. It’s always best to tread cautiously since you will mostly interact with your clients and superiors at these events. You might also want to ask a few colleagues what they’re wearing to the dinner or party. It will ensure you choose something similar and don’t feel left out.

An essential aspect of dressing up is feeling youthful and vibrant. Dressing fashionably can enhance one’s mood and boost confidence. Moreover, staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends can enable one to shed their comfort zone and explore the intriguing world of fashion. However, some common mistakes can end up making the look feel contrived and overdone. Thus, here are some mistakes to avoid to achieve a young and trendy look:

Wearing ill-fitting clothes
Wearing properly fitting clothes is essential to accentuate one’s figure, which facilitates a young and modern look. For example, wearing well-fitting trousers can make one appear well-toned; hence, it is best to try out jeans and trousers of different sizes and purchase only those that fit well.

Pairing sneakers with casual wear
Wearing sneakers or running shoes is a good idea if one is engaging in athletic activities. However, pairing sneakers with casual wear like skirts and jeans, even for regular outings, can limit one’s options considerably. Footwear plays a significant role in enhancing one’s overall look. Although sneakers are typically comfortable, it helps to check out other types of comfortable yet fashionable footwear, including trendy flip-flops, slip-on loafers, huarache sandals, and strappy pumps.

Owning a wardrobe that represents a bygone era
Long beaded necklaces and bell bottoms may facilitate a great retro look, but wearing only such outfits can cause one to look old-fashioned. It is important to embrace changing trends and find a sweet spot that strikes the perfect balance between one’s personal dressing choices and preferences and the current fashion trends. While one may own a couple of outfits and accessories from a bygone decade, having a diverse and up-to-date wardrobe can ensure a young and happening look.

Using clothes to hide signs of aging
For example, trying to conceal wrinkles by wearing only high-neck and collared clothes can limit one’s choices. Furthermore, such clothes may not suit every occasion. It helps to opt for other subtle but effective ways to steer attention from certain parts of the body. For example, wearing longer necklaces like the opera-style and lariat-design necklaces, which fall below one’s chest and belly button, respectively, can act as excellent pieces of everyday jewelry and can subtly steer attention from the neck.

Wearing only black
While black has an indubitable charm of its own, wearing only black from head to toe can pass off a rather dull and boring look and take away from the radiance of one’s complexion. It helps to pair black with other colors, such as a black top with blue jeans or vice versa. Wearing a deep-neck black top can also ensure that the monotony is broken by the skin showing. Finally, one may pair black outfits with vibrant accessories.

Overlooking the importance of fashionable spectacles
If one wears eyeglasses, there is a lot that can be done with them to make or break an outfit. Wearing outdated spectacles can single-handedly bring down the appeal of one’s look. Conversely, certain basic tips for wearing eyeglasses can significantly elevate one’s style. For example, it is recommended to pick glasses with frames, as a variety of elegant frames is available today. Moreover, frames can help subtly conceal any wrinkles or dark circles around the eyes. The best bet is to look for trendy frames that match one’s outfit or opt for a classic style that matches most looks.

Not picking undergarments carefully
Panty lines are often overlooked, but they can spoil one’s look considerably. For example, thin-laced panties are good choices for light-colored trousers, as these can prevent panty lines from being seen. Visible bra straps, or bra straps contrasting the ensemble’s colors, can also work against an appealing look. Finally, wearing a bra of the wrong size can cause one’s breasts to appear saggy. Thus, it is important to purchase the right undergarments and coordinate them appropriately for each outfit.

Not going for the right make-up
Make-up is an essential aspect of one’s look. The color and brand of make-up one wears can determine whether a look is trendy or outdated. For instance, applying too much foundation or setting powder to hide wrinkles can cause one’s face and neck to appear cakey. Rather, it helps to master the various effective techniques of make-up application so that wrinkles and blemishes are not obvious, but one’s overall appearance is not affected. Moreover, choosing lipsticks of the right color and type is essential to stay trendy. Investing in lip primers and balms can prevent chapped lips and facilitate a smooth surface for the lipstick. Matte lipsticks may cause the lips to look thinner and flatter. Hence, it is advisable to opt for dewy lipsticks for a young and chic look.

Every aspect of one’s look, including accessories, make-up, footwear, and jewelry, is essential to complete the picture. Jumping onto trend bandwagons or sticking to an outdated wardrobe can prevent one from being fashionable. The best bet is to purchase outfits and accessories that are comfortable while being classy and trendy. Today, the online retail market has ensured easy access to various types of clothing, accessories, and footwear, opening up a world of opportunities for aspiring fashionistas. Exploring the latest trends and researching products by different brands can help broaden one’s horizons and can be a wonderful experience for personal growth too.