It’s My Party And I’ll Wear What I Want To

By Brian Maynor
August 9, 2013

‘Happy Birthday’ to all of my friends, colleagues and readers celebrating a birthday with me this week!  While the past few days have been chucked full of drink and dinner invitations, now that the weekend is here it is time to focus on the main event, the party.  Regardless of the theme, venue, number of guests or your age, everyone wants to look extra special at their birthday party.  

If the thought of an entire evening spent in the spotlight terrifies you or sends you scrambling on a mad hunt for the perfect outfit, breathe and relax.  Just because we are still in the middle of a southern summer does not mean you cannot look and feel like a million dollars as you battle the pressure of constant attention, mosquitos and humidity.  Here are my two party inspiration outfits guaranteed to have you feeling as glamorous as you look:

1.    Take a tip from a queen.  Queen Elizabeth II does not shy away from bold, vibrant color.  She embraces them because she knows people need to be able to pick her out in a crowd.  In your role as guest of honor I encourage you to adopt the same attitude, even if you tend to shy away from attention.  Let your outfit carry more of the focus because everyone loves to talk about a cute dress.   

Colors do not have to be obnoxious or neon to stand out in a crowd.  Deep, saturated hues work perfectly.
 
2.    Unless it’s a White Party, avoid white.  You are going to be embraced by a lot of people at your party, and that means tons of different foundations, blushes, lipsticks and glosses all coming in close contact with you and your outfit.  To avoid looking like a makeup swatch card, adopt the art of air hugs and kisses.  We’ve all seen enough reality TV shows to perfect the practice.  The goal is to be close enough to create intimacy while lightly touching the other person’s cheek, if at all.  It is a great tactic for acquaintances you don’t know that well and family members who can be a little too exuberant in their affections.

3.    Pick a focal point.  I am a fan of the statement shoe.  Since my outfits tend to consist of classic pieces in a traditional palette, a bold shoe works perfectly to showcase my personal style.  Pairing an over-the-top shoe like these loafers with a clean, crisp outfit will really make them pop.  Trying to introduce too many textures and patterns in the outfit will quickly take these shoes from terrific to tragic.

Note the women’s jewelry story is very simple and elegant to keep all the focus on the dress.  The subtle blue in the earrings emphasizes the colors in broach without competing and a tennis bracelet can always stand-alone.

Your birthday party is a special event where you are showered with love and attention, as you should.  Let the icing on the cake be photos you can’t wait to share.

Woman’s Birthday Outfit

Man’s Birthday Outfit

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com. 
 

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