Hot new dress for a HS reunion
Here’s an email from our reader Ashlee B.:
“I was scrolling through your blog, and noticed you put an outfit together for another girl for her ten year reunion. I have mine coming up at the end of August. I’m not quite sure what to wear. I have some friends from California, and they say I need to go all out and buy a fancy cocktail dress. I am more casual then that, and my reunion will be held in Utah. I really don’t know what to wear. Are jeans too casual? I would kind of like to wear a more casual fitted dress. HELP!”
Hi Ashlee! We’ve gotten a lot of emails about high school reunions, and since mine is coming up next year (and I have to plan it, any tips for that? anyone?…) I think I understand the stress that people feel when trying to pick an outfit. It’s been a long time since you’ve seen everyone, and you want to look your best, but how do you find the balance between looking slammin’ and looking like you’re trying too hard? I don’t think you need to buy a “fancy” cocktail dress, but I think a dress is a great idea, and a cocktail-length dress is perfect for an event like this. If you’d rather wear pants, look through our posts to find lots of pants/blouse/cardigan ideas. We’re big fans of that look around here.
Right now Nordstrom is having a great sale, and all of these dresses were found from their site. Some of these dresses are more va-va-voomy than others, and my advice would be to pick one that gives you the “million bucks” feeling, but one that would also make sense for your regular life. I think that’s a good key to wearing an outfit well. If it’s something that you don’t think you’d ever wear again, then you’ll probably feel awkward wearing it that night. Pick a dress that’s special, but one that you could feel comfortable wearing on a date or to church or to a gallery opening, etc.
I wouldn’t go too far with accessories, maybe just one or two items. Or better yet, one really great statement piece. Like the amazing necklace on the girl in the gray satin dress. Just have fun with your look, don’t take yourself or the event too seriously, and enjoy your night!
Love, Emily
left to right:
Ruched Satin Dress, Nordstrom, $104.90 (also available in black, and you might need a pretty camisole with this one), bracelet
Calvin Klein Dress, Nordstrom, $78.90, earrings
Pleated Neck Jersey Dress, Nordstrom, $78.90 (also available in purple), necklace
Diane Von Furstenberg Ponte Knit Dress, $219.90 (pink in limited sizes, also available in black), necklace
Ruffled Front Dress, Nordstrom, $78.90 (also available in black), ring
Stretch Satin Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $104.90 (also available in fushia), necklace
Pleated Yoke Silk Dress, Nordstrom, $118.90, necklace
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Love these dresses — I was just shopping their sale and thought “Wow! They are all modest!” Somewhat — some may be a little short, but I was loving the style of sleeves and almost to the knees!
just found this site via taza’s – and i LOVE it! finally – great, wear-able pieces at actual great prices that i could find without driving an hour away all in one place! thank you!!!
i just thought i’d throw out that i happened to see ponte knit dresses at New York & Co. this weekend pretty close to that DVF version for $30 or less, since there’s a major sale going on.