The Birthday Outfit

As you may or may not have guessed by the title, today’s blog post will discuss the birthday outfit. For 364 days of the year (excluding the leap year) your wardrobe consists of different themes and styles. You wear clothing that’s appropriate for your work environment, on other days you decide to spice it up with cocktail attire to attend nightlife parties and in between those days, you dress down in your casual clothing. While all of these modes of dressing are distinctly varied by the time of day and one’s comfort, they all share the purpose of pronouncing your identity. What you wear describes who you are. But do any of these truly compare to how THE birthday outfit vividly highlights who you are and how fabulous you are. I think not! Let me explain what I mean….. 

When it’s your birthday, most people would like for the day to be memorable. They achieve this by planning unforgettable, enjoyable activities, taking a trip somewhere new, going out to dinner with some pals, or throwing a lavish party! Any how you slice it, the birthday moments create fond memories. But in all these sketches of birthday celebrations, you have the outfit. Everyone dresses for their birthday regardless of what the plans are, where they’re going and who’s attending. The birthday outfit is the staple that binds the celebrations together to create a wholesome book of fond memories. Here’s to the outfit because it truly is undefeated! #westannnnn

Let me take you down memory lane to humbly hint at the process of picking out my birthday outfit to properly ring in my 23rd year! Now before you begin to question (and slightly judge) the existence of a process for picking out a single attire- let me just say, if the theme of your birthday is making sure it’s unforgettable then the outfit must follow that same purpose. 

I would like to ensure that you look your best for your birthday and that I don’t fall short on my end either. Choosing your birthday outfit can be one of the most time consuming activities I’ve ever participated in. Many times, we become flustered by the countless options e-commerce stores throw at us that we become disenchanted with the celebration altogether. No need to do that- I have the perfect solution to making sure you have high hopes and expectations around this time of the year! Let’s start off with a bit of inspiration, shall we? 

E-commerce stores are known for the inspiration and influence they have over the shopper(s): Us! Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming and all too exhausting but take it in increments. Start with each piece of the outfit and build from there, especially if you’re like me and you don’t want to entirely mimic the outfits they routinely email you once you’ve reluctantly subscribed to their mailing list. Instead, play it by ear and see what you get. Obviously do this in advance of your birthday, giving yourself ample time to decide, review and party on! 

My birthday lands on the 24th of December and each year I always feel the need to be on trend with the festive attitude of the holidays. Glitz, sparkle and the whole shebang! Can’t get any crazier as from that description you’ve probably mentally constructed a picture of me wearing a Tinkerbell outfit holding a bedazzled wand. #PartyCitymuch? When I put it all together, not to my surprise- I didn’t end up looking like a ‘walking disco ball’, haha. To all the credit, I owe these few steps below that I followed. Check them out: 

1: Sift through different outfits, colors and patterns and garner some perspective. Ideally, you would like to know where you stand with the theme of your outfit by the end of this step. 

2: Mark your territory by choosing the shape of the outfit. Skirt, blouse, dress, shorts, pants… the list goes on. And make sure you’re keeping in mind your bday plans. For instance, if you’ve settled on the idea of throwing a party, make sure you’re able to be flexible in your outfit. 

3: Here’s where you’d like the theme of the outfit to marry the shape. Bring these two together, and you’ve created an outline. Take this outline with you on your way to Step four.

4: Shop! When you go into a store, make sure you are using your inspiration to find the perfect outfit and not the other way around. You’re in charge so take charge! 

5: Try on, try on and try on! Give yourself the opportunity to explore your self-curated look book. If you find something that matches the inspiration and shape you planned earlier… Cheers to you! If you come up short, don’t become overwhelmed with disappointment. Go back to the drawing board, consult the original painting and follow the steps.

6: Buy the outfit and style accordingly. I’m a proud fan of subtly because it leaves room for layering so naturally I would suggest this alternative. However- by all means do what makes you comfortable. It’s your birthday after all! 

7: Knock their socks off! Rock your outfit the day of your birthday PROUDLY. This is your creation, your style- this is who you are. And it’s absolutely fierce, might I add.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is how you create THE BIRTHDAY OUTFIT. Be sure to gather around loved ones, friends and/or trusted companions for your day. This is just one spec of the gifts you have to share with the rest of the world and your outfit totally matters!

Piece out, Cub Scout! Till next time loves! Siggy out… *drops mic