What to Wear for Headshots: Styling Made Easy

There was a time when baby showers were simple gatherings with finger sandwiches, cheesy games, and guests showing up in whatever they wore that day. Today, they have become social events complete with photos, stories, and tags, with at least one group picture destined to live on Instagram forever. Putting careful thought into what to wear to a baby shower as a guest will make sure you feel confident and perfectly dressed for the occasion, and avoid any sense of being out of place. This guide explains how to show up looking like you understood the assignment.  First Things First, Decode the Vibe Is it a backyard brunch with iced lattes and linen tablecloths, a laid-back gathering in a garden, a tea party inspired by soft pastels, or a cozy at-home shower with a relaxed, intimate vibe?   The location, time of day, and the invite design usually tell you everything you need to know. The host’s personality, taste, and energy can also influence how dressed up (or down) the event feels. Once you pick up on those signals, getting dressed becomes easier and way less stressful. Season also plays a huge role. Spring and summer showers call for breezy fabrics and fresh colors, while fall and winter allow you to play with richer textures and cozy layers. What to Wear to a Baby Shower as a Guest: Outfit Ideas by Baby Shower Venue and Dress Code When picking the right outfit, the goal is to look good without trying too hard. Below, we’ve put together some ideas on how to dress for different baby shower settings.      Casual Baby Shower (Backyard, Living Room, Low-Key Brunch) The biggest mistake people make here is assuming “casual” means zero effort. It doesn’t. Casual baby shower outfits should still look put together, just not overdone. Flowy sundresses, relaxed midi dresses, cute rompers, or wide-leg trousers paired with a pretty top work perfectly because they look effortlessly stylish. Go for light fabrics, simple prints, and breathable silhouettes that let you move, sit, eat, and laugh comfortably. When it comes to footwear, cute flats or low wedges are the practical choice. You want something you can actually stand in while chatting without secretly counting the minutes until you can sit down. Accessories should be minimal to complement the outfit, not compete with it. Think small hoops, a delicate necklace, or a casual crossbody bag that makes it look effortless, even if a lot of thought went into it.                     Dressy Casual Baby Shower (Café, Small Venue) This is the baby shower where everyone looks like they put some thought into their outfits, and you immediately know jeans were the wrong choice. It’s usually hosted at a café or an intimate venue with lighting and ambiance that make your outfit feel worth the extra effort. Midi or tea-length dresses are always a safe bet because they’re comfortable and flattering for literally every body type. If dresses aren’t your thing, a jumpsuit will make you look polished from head to toe without much effort. You could also go for a matching pants-and-blouse set for a chic look. If you want to look sharper, pair a high-waisted skirt with a fitted top and blazer. Regardless of your outfit, make sure you choose the right fabric. Satin, crepe, chiffon, structured cotton, and soft knits all photograph beautifully and elevate even simple silhouettes. Finish the look with block heels, wedges, or stylish sandals, a mini or shoulder bag, gold-toned jewelry, and a sleek hairstyle. Semi-Formal Baby Shower (Restaurant Private Room, Rooftop, Fancy Setting) You’ll know this vibe when you see it. Private dining rooms, rooftop views, statement décor, and a host who loves a moment require your outfit to rise to the occasion. You can’t go wrong with a cocktail-style dress with a halter neckline or empire waist. Just make sure it’s not too short or overly shiny. A dressy jumpsuit with a clean neckline also looks completely on-theme for a semi-formal setting. And of course, a tailored blazer-and-pants ensemble never fails to impress. A semi-formal event is basically your time to rock draped fabrics and subtle details like ruching or wrap styles with confidence. Match your outfit with a nice pair of heels, slingbacks, or fancy flats, along with statement earrings and a classic clutch, and you’re good to go.  Garden Party/Outdoor Baby Shower An outdoor setting, like a garden party, means you’re dressing for sunshine, shade, grass, and the very real possibility of wind. While flowy dresses are the obvious choice for such an event, make sure yours isn’t too flowy unless you’re okay fighting the breeze all afternoon. Anything shorter than a midi is also more trouble than it’s worth outdoors. If the weather is hot, choose lightweight fabrics like chiffon, cotton, or linen, so you can actually enjoy being outside. The tailoring also matters. The last thing you’ll want on a sunny day is for your outfit to feel restrictive. If the event stretches into the evening and the weather is pleasant, you’ll want to wear a long-sleeve dress or have a light cardigan or wrap on hand. When it comes to prints, florals, soft hues, and delicate patterns look beautiful in natural light. Any accessories you wear should stay secure (avoid fussy hairpieces or dangling items that might catch the wind). Skip the stilettos and go for wedges, block heels, or pretty flats that won’t sink into the grass and have you walking awkwardly on uneven ground.  What Not to Wear Sometimes knowing what not to wear to a baby shower as a guest is just as important as knowing what works.  Anything Too Extra A baby shower isn’t a girls’ night, a red-carpet moment, or a full-blown wedding guest situation, so dressing like it is will be your biggest mistake. Skip anything overly revealing, super tight, or nightclub-ready. This isn’t the right occasion for plunging necklines, super-short skirts, bodycon dresses, or sheer fabrics that leave little to the imagination.  Anything Uncomfortable If you can’t sit down, bend, eat, move around, or breathe in your outfit, what’s the point? Baby showers usually involve long periods of sitting, mingling, games, and gift-opening, which means overly stiff fabrics, tight corsets, and dresses that constantly need adjusting will only stress you out.   Anything That Competes With the Guest of Honor All-white outfits are tricky unless the invitation specifically calls for it, as many moms-to-be choose white or very light neutrals for their special day. Similarly, loud prints, neon colors, bold cutouts, heavy sequins, or statement looks that feel more suited for a party where you are the main event are best avoided.  Anything Too Casual Overly casual outfits like ripped jeans, graphic tees, athletic sneakers, or lounge sets also need to stay in your closet. They’ll come off as careless and perhaps even disrespectful, even if the event is laid-back.  Anything Too Dark Head-to-toe black, deep charcoal, or very dark jewel tones can feel heavy and too serious for a daytime celebratory event. These colors also tend to photograph more harshly in bright lighting, especially alongside floral décor and pastel details.  Now You Know What to Wear to a Baby Shower as a Guest A baby shower is a special, heartwarming occasion, and your outfit should reflect that energy. You’re there to show up for someone you care about, celebrate a new chapter with them, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime. Your outfit should make you feel confident, comfortable, and true to your personal style. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it shows in how you carry yourself, how you interact with others, and how much you actually enjoy the event.    

Have you been invited to the Kentucky Derby, or a viewing party for it, and you have no idea what to wear? Are you old hat at derbies, but you’re looking to refresh your derby wardrobe? Regardless, we have you covered. Derby attire may seem like an intimidating dress code or party theme, but luckily, there’s lots of room for fun. One of the hallmarks of derby fashion is that it matches timelessness with a modern twist and makes lots of room for whimsy, from the typical color schemes to the glamorous hats.  In our style guide, we break down the ins and outs of derby attire and give you a few outfit ideas to help you get started on your research. Let’s dive in!  Where Did Derby Attire Come From? Generally, when the phrase “derby attire” comes up, it’s in reference to the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Derby has had a specific aesthetic since its inception in the 1870s. Taking place in Louisville (Kentucky, obviously) in the spring, derby fashion is influenced heavily by timeless Southern styles and the season; think seersucker, pastels, and linen.  Derby attire can incorporate current trends with these influences, and attendees are encouraged to play with silhouettes for a whimsical vibe. As for a dress code, the Kentucky Derby doesn’t have one, but the general expectation is to dress to impress.  Other derbies may have different expectations for derby attire, ranging from a casual vibe to something closer to a cocktail dress code. Before attending your derby, you’ll want to consult the website to ensure you choose something appropriate.  Derby Attire Outfit Ideas  Looking for some inspiration for your derby attire outfit? Whether you’ve got a ticket to the Kentucky Derby or you’re headed to a derby-themed party, here are our top derby attire outfit ideas Short Solid-Color Dresses as Derby Attire A shorter cocktail-style dress can be perfect for the warm afternoon of the derby. If you’re planning on attending the Kentucky Derby, you may want to go for a dress that hits at least the knee for comfort. If you’re attending a viewing party, a shorter dress can definitely work.  Short Printed Dresses as Derby Attire When you’re going with a short printed dress as derby attire, you may want to consider sticking with the pastel color scheme. If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, incorporate a jewel tone or a darker color in your print.  Midi Dresses as Derby Attire The midi sheath dress is a classic choice for the Kentucky Derby, since the hemline offers springtime sophistication. Pastels balance the structured elegance of the sheath look, and a matching big hat adds a touch of whimsy. If you tend to get chilly, pair this look with a cardigan or cape.  Maxi Dresses as Derby Attire Longer dresses aren’t as common at the Kentucky Derby, but they can still fit right in, especially in a printed pastel. Be sure that your dress is the correct length with the shoes you plan on wearing so you avoid tripping over your gown.  Rompers as Derby Attire Rompers can be a great choice for any springtime or summertime derby. For a Kentucky Derby vibe, go with pastels; for a lower-key derby experience choose a neutral for easier accessorizing or a bold color to stand out.  Two Piece Sets as Derby Attire A two piece set with a cropped top may turn some heads at a Kentucky Derby party. This look can also be perfect for derbies with a less-elevated dress code, especially in the warmer-weather months. Suits as Derby Attire Pastel suits are a classic Kentucky Derby choice, especially in sky blue. Linen is a great choice for these suits (as long as you don’t mind the wrinkles you’ll get from sitting) since it’s light and breathable for the spring weather.  Accessorizing Your Derby Attire One of the cornerstones of Kentucky Derby attire is a big hat that goes with the rest of your outfit. This is in part to help attendees with the sun during the afternoon, but they’ve also become really iconic for their aesthetic alone. For an outfit that truly screams Kentucky Derby, definitely keep your headwear in mind.  Since derbies take place during the afternoon, even if you’re not attending the Kentucky Derby, consider a hat or another form of sun protection to keep yourself comfortable. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses can make or break your viewing experience.  You’ll also want to be careful about your shoe choice, since the event takes place outside and you may be sitting in bleachers. Cute flats that complement your look will be the most comfortable choice, but if you’d rather wear heels, you may want to choose wedges or a thick block heel to avoid any missteps.  What to Avoid Wearing to a Derby  When it comes to what to avoid wearing to a derby or derby party, you’ll generally want to avoid going way too formal or way too casual. For the Kentucky Derby (or a Kentucky Derby-influenced party), dressing whimsically but to impress is the name of the game.  Avoid any clothes that are stained, torn, or overly casual, like jeans. You’ll also want to keep the ball gown and tuxedo at home, unless you’re really looking to turn heads.  When choosing your derby (or derby party) outfit, you’ll also want to consider how comfortable it is to sit in for a long period of time. Along with this, select shoes you feel comfortable moving in at the venue where your derby takes place, and avoid shoes that make you feel wobbly.  Is There a Difference Between Derby Attire for Kentucky Derby and Derby Attire for a Party?  In short, not really. Generally, derby-themed parties reference the quirky dress code that the Kentucky Derby offers, so anything that you would wear to the Kentucky Derby, you can wear to a derby-themed party.  Going to an indoor viewing party does have the added bonus of attendees not having to worry as much about practical accessories like sun protection. However, a big, glamorous hat can be fun and pull together your outfit.  If your viewing party is for a different derby, you’ll want to look at the dress code provided or talk to the organizers about specifics.  Dressing for Your Derby Dreams A dress code like derby attire can be a bit stressful to navigate, especially if it’s not something you’re used to dressing for. However, an offbeat dress code can also offer an opportunity for fun experimentation and personal style development! When in doubt, take pointers from our guide, do a little derby fashion research, and create a moodboard so you can put together a look that reflects your personal style.   

It’s always nice to be invited to a party, but it always begs the question: what should I wear? If you’ve been invited to a party and you’re not sure what to wear to it, we’re here to help.  Below, we break down party attire ideas by dress code, theme, and occasion so you can always look your best.  What Is Considered Party Attire?  Party attire can mean a lot of different things, though what should guide you the most is the dress code or theme, if there is one. If the invitation doesn’t list either, take a look at the venue and the time of the event to get a hint on what to wear.  As for what to avoid wearing, you’ll want to keep it classy, even if the dress code is more casual. Don’t wear anything you wouldn’t wear anywhere else in public (a stained shirt, for instance), and remember to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident for socializing. You may also want to avoid overly-formal attire for a casual party, unless you’re looking to make an entrance. Party Attire Ideas Based on Dress Code  Below, we dive into outfit ideas for some of the most popular party dress codes.  Formal Party Attire When you get invited to a formal party, it’s the perfect chance to break out a full-length gown (or even a ball gown, if it’s a white tie event).  When you’re choosing a gown, remember that the darker the color, the more formal it is, so for an ultra-formal event, go with black or a very deep color and avoid prints. For formal events that aren’t quite so serious, you can go with a jewel tone.  Semi Formal Party Attire The semi formal dress code is a step down from a formal dress code. These parties allow for a printed dress, a shorter hemline, or a pastel color scheme (though depending on the event, you may want to avoid doing more than one of these at once).  A semi formal party can also be a great place for a jumpsuit or a two-piece set, since there’s a little more room in this dress code for experimentation.  Casual Party Attire Even though casual party attire is the most laid-back dress code, it can be one of the more difficult ones to discern. For a casual party, you’ll want to keep the venue in mind; is this a graduation barbecue at a friend’s house, or is this taking place at a country club?  If the party calls for casual attire but you’re celebrating a milestone or you’re at a more elevated venue, it’s smart to stick with a business casual look so you don’t appear underdressed. If the party is a very casual gathering of friends or family during the summer, you can get away with everyday clothing items like jeans.  Party Attire Ideas Based on Theme Theme parties remain popular, and with the rise of virtual mood boards, themes are getting more specific than ever. Here are some of the most popular party themes and outfit ideas to wear to them.  Color-Related Theme  For a party centered around a specific color, you’ll want to wear a monochrome outfit of that color. Popular choices include all-white parties and baby showers in pink or blue, but there is a ton of inspiration out there for party themes that include neons, jewel tones, and even metallics.  You can’t go wrong with a basic cocktail dress for a party like this, but you’ll want to check for any other dress code hints on the invitation; phrases like “masquerade ball” may indicate that it’s more formal.  Under the Sea Theme Under the Sea themed parties are pretty straightforward; you’ll want to take inspiration from the ocean, though that doesn’t mean you have to dress like a mermaid. Think flowing fabrics in blues, greens, and even a dash of purple, complete with a bit of shimmer. Accessorize your look with jewelry featuring shells or other sea creatures to really lean into the theme!  Backyard Cookout A backyard cookout is on the more casual side of things. Since these usually take place during the summer, a sundress or romper can be a really effortless way of looking put together while still being comfortable.  For an extra dose of glamour, try a big sun hat; this has the added bonus of more sun protection during the afternoon hours.  Awards Season Party Many people host viewing parties for events like the Oscars. These parties can be a bit on the formal side if the invitation’s dress code calls for it, so feel free to go all out if that’s the case. For a more toned-down gathering, a cocktail dress featuring lots of sparkles or an interesting neckline like a one shoulder dress can be red-carpet worthy.  When choosing any outfit for this type of party, remember that you’ll likely be sitting for a bit of it, so keep comfort in mind.  Flapper/Gatsby Themes These themes both call back to the Roaring ‘20s. For a flapper look, you’ll want to go with something that has fringe. Dresses were the most common for flappers, but you don’t have to stick with that to still be on theme. Fringed co-ords or rompers can still be flapper fabulous.  As for Gatsby parties, these take the same influences from ‘20s fashion, but you can really lean into the opulence and sparkles and fit right in.  Throwback Night The style of outfit that you choose for throwback night will depend on the era listed on the invitation. For 80s-inspired attire, think full skirts and bright neons. For a 90s vibe, you’ll want to zero in on moodier looks.  Don’t be afraid to do some research beforehand and put together a moodboard of your findings so you can choose a look while still staying true to your personal style.  Western Theme  Finally, country music is having a moment right now, and with that comes the popularity of Western parties. You’ll want to think chaps, fringe, vests, flannel, and of course, cowboy boots.  If your party is a more glamorous take on the Western theme (“Denim and Diamonds” is another popular choice), choose bejeweled or sequined Western pieces. You also can’t go wrong with going against the traditional Western color palette and stunning in a pink cowboy hat!  Party Attire Ideas Based on Occasion Some of the most common parties that we get invites to center on a specific occasion on the calendar. For party attire inspiration based on the occasion, check out our list below:  Halloween Party Attire Halloween party attire will generally be a Halloween costume. You can either wear the costume you plan on wearing on Halloween itself, an older costume, or put together something new for the party. Don’t be afraid to DIY; some of the most creative costumes can come from your closet!  If you’re not into Halloween costumes, you can go with a Halloween-inspired look in orange, purple, black, or some combination of those colors.  Holiday Party Attire Red, green, or metallics tend to be the most popular color choices for festive holiday parties, and it’s a great excuse to add on the sparkles.  Unless it’s a formal event, you can’t go wrong with a cocktail dress for most holiday parties. If the shortened hemline makes you nervous for a professional event, a suit in a festive color with a standout blouse can be a great choice. Add some sparkling jewelry, a brooch, or a dazzling pair of shoes to boost the festive vibe.  New Year's Eve Party Metallics and black are usually the top color scheme for New Year's Eve parties. You can either choose a metallic that you love, slay in a black dress paired with some gorgeous jewelry, or go with a look that incorporates everything. New Year's Eve is all about decadence, so don’t worry too much about being extra!  If you don’t vibe with metallics or black and prefer to ring in the new year with an outfit in your favorite color, go for it!  A Great Outfit Is the First Step to a Great Party Now that you have an idea for what to wear to your next party, it’s time to start researching! Don’t be afraid to consult your loved ones and do some experimenting; you might end up finding your next favorite piece!