Whether you have an upcoming job interview, business presentation, or formal reception, it can be hard to find the right outfit for special occasions–even more so when there’s an expectation. Having a few go-to pieces makes it easier to always look your best, no matter the occasion. We’ve put together some outfit ideas and a wardrobe checklist to help you follow the dress to impress dress code.

When Do You Need to “Dress to Impress”?

When you’re picking out an outfit, it’s important to understand the occasion you’re dressing for and what kind of dress code that involves. Here are some situations where you typically need to dress to impress:

• Job interviews: Classic pantsuits, skirt suits, or a neutral skirt and blouse combination with open-toed heels or flats in a neutral color are straightforward and always appropriate.

• Business presentations: Pencil skirts and blouses, pant suits, or shift dresses with blazers always look put together.

• First dates or anniversary dinners: Midi dresses with a light cardigan or a jumpsuit with heels give a dressed-up feel without going overboard.

• Networking events: Blazers with a blouse and skirt or a stylish jumpsuit are easy business casual looks.

• Holiday parties or formal receptions: Cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, and blazers or sweaters with well-tailored pants or a skirt, make sure you look polished.

• Speaking engagements or awards nights: Floor-length dresses are traditional for awards nights, with some events having black tie or white tie dress codes.

10 Outfit Ideas to Turn Heads

Whether you’re celebrating your anniversary or getting ready for a job interview, the right outfit can make all the difference. Here are some dress-to-impress clothing ideas for your next big event.

The Power Suit with a Feminine Twist

The power suit is a timeless look for any professional environment. When it comes to women’s suits, finding the right fit is crucial. Blazers should fit your shoulders and arms properly, with the sleeves reaching your wrists and the bottom of the blazer at your hips.

If you’re wearing a power suit with suit pants, nice blouses or button-down shirts are a great addition to your outfit. You can go with a white shirt to offset darker suit colors, or create a more cohesive look with a shirt that’s the same color as your suit but a slightly lighter shade.

Power suits with skirts are also an option. Wear a button-down shirt or a plain tee for your base layer. Whether you mix colors to create contrast or match your shirt to your suit is up to you. Complete the outfit with your favorite pair of heels.

Sleek & Sophisticated LBD

The little black dress is timeless and elegant, making it the perfect choice for cocktail parties and anniversary celebrations. When it comes to mastering the LBD look, it’s all about how you accessorize and style your dress.

If you’re going for a simple but fashionable LBD look with no layers, statement jewelry is an excellent way to accessorize. Bold pieces like chunky necklaces and bracelets or oversized earrings can transform your outfit. 

You can also use a belt to cinch the waist of your dress. Add a small clutch for a stylish finishing touch, and pair this outfit with strappy sandals or heels for a night out.

Layers are another key to finding the right LBD look. A nice leather jacket can add a layer to your outfit and help you stay warm on cool nights, or you can go with a blazer for a more elevated look. Lightweight cardigans or jackets are ideal for more casual settings, but blazers are best for more formal events.

Adding a little color to your LBD can also add some interest. You have a lot of opportunities to add some color with accessories, so don’t be afraid to try pairing it with a statement bag or shoes with a unique print.

The Effortless Statement

When you want to make a statement without dressing overly formal, chic, effortless looks are the way to go. These outfits are simple but bold—perfect for gallery openings and networking mixers.

Tailored A-line dresses are an excellent starting point. You want something that’s about knee length, and it’s best to stick to subtle patterns or solid colors. Avoid dresses that are too revealing, which is typically anything shorter than about 1” above knee length. Pair your dress with a blazer or cardigan and a pair of flats.

Wide-leg pants are also good if you’re going for an effortless chic look. Pair wide-leg pants with a blazer and a simple tee for an elevated but effortless look. For shoes, go with a pair of heels or ballet flats. You can accessorize with a bag and understated jewelry.

Modern Romance

If you’re going out for date night, you can’t go wrong with a maxi dress. You can add a simple belt to cinch your waistline and accessorize with soft details like floral-inspired necklaces or delicate layering pieces. Stick with a small, stylish clutch for your bag and pair the outfit with heels or wedges.

Dinner parties are often more formal, so it’s best to check the dress code of the event you’re attending. For formal dinner parties, pair a cocktail dress or evening gown with a pair of heels and understated jewelry. For more casual dinner parties, you can wear a midi dress or a jumpsuit with strappy sandals or flats.

It’s also important to check the dress code of the restaurant or bar you’re going to because high-end establishments may have limitations on what they allow guests to wear.

Polished in Prints

Solid colors are classic; it’s easy to pull off a refined look, but they can also be a little boring sometimes. When you want to dress to impress with prints, how you style your outfit makes all the difference.

When you’re wearing prints in more formal environments, stick to more subtle options like simple florals or pinstripes. You can start by choosing a color scheme and finding prints that match.

A long-sleeve shirt with a subtle floral pattern is the perfect match with tailored pants in a neutral shade like cream or black. Pair dark pants with lighter tops and light pants with darker tops to create some contrast. Tie it all together with a pair of flats or strappy sandals for an elevated casual look.

Prints don’t have to be front and center. Try a pair of well-fitting pants with a matching blazer and a button-down shirt with a subtle print. Lighter prints tend to pop more against darker jackets and pants, while darker prints stand out against lighter shades like beige and champagne. You can go with heels for a more formal look, but flats are also acceptable.

Style Tips to Elevate Any Look

No matter what look you’re going for or what the occasion is, you can elevate any look with a few simple style tips:

• Invest in tailoring; fit is everything when it comes to looking put together

• Choose a focal point to accessorize with intention

• When you wear flat shoes, consider whether open or closed-toe is more appropriate for the occasion

• Experiment with colors and prints to find what works for you

• Plan your outfits ahead of time so you have time to make changes if you need to

• Try adding a vest, sweater, or jacket for a layered look

• Build a capsule wardrobe so you have versatile clothing options

Your Event-Ready Wardrobe Checklist

Building a versatile wardrobe makes it easy to prepare for any event, whether you’re attending a formal event or going out for a casual date night.

• Neutral heels are a must for every woman. A good pair of neutral heels can elevate any outfit, and you don’t have to worry about mismatched colors.

• A structured blazer is another essential piece for women. Blazers are perfect for business casual and formal events.

• When you want to elevate your outfit with accessories, make sure you have a clutch in a neutral color and a pair of statement earrings that aren’t too loud, but can pull an outfit together.

• A good midi dress also simplifies evenings out. Whether you’re going to a semi-formal event or having a date night, midi dresses are simple and stylish.

• Jumpsuits and matching sets can be great if you’re looking for an elevated outfit that’s easy to put together.

When building out your wardrobe, having a variety of colors and prints to choose from allows you to mix and match easily.

Show Up & Show Out at Every Event

With a little effort and the right pieces in your wardrobe, you can dress to impress for any event. Shop our latest arrivals to find the perfect ensemble for your next big outing.