What To Wear When You Don't Know How Fancy The Occasion

H&M eco collection dress (similar below) // Loeffler Randall heels // Nila Anthony clutch // vintage necklace via Ifinder Antiques // Maison Antonym ring (c/o) // Gorjana rings

The last time I went to a sweet 16, I think I was actually 16, so when I was invited to a cousin’s soiree for just that occasion, I was dumbfounded as to what an adult wears to this sort of event.

I got a phone call from my mother-in-law while I was in the parking lot saying, “I hope you dressed up because I didn’t get the memo and I’m way under-dressed.” It turned out it was fancy like a mini-wedding-style. The girl of the hour wore a white gown and had a court of girls in adorable bridesmaid style dresses.

My motto is always it’s better to be slightly over-dressed than under-dressed, but when in doubt, wear something you can dress up and down. This H&M dress I scored is something I’ve worn all summer to dinner with friends dressed up with heels and then dressed down as a tunic with boots.

Also when in doubt, keep it simple. I know you’ve heard tirelessly about the LBD (little black dress), but there’s a reason why it’s so popular. It’s easy an versatile. Add a clutch, heels and a couple of accessories and you’re good to go. We solved my mother-in-law’s wardrobe woes by taking off her belt, swapping to heels and throwing her scarf over her shoulders as a shawl. Insta-fancy!