Fashion

What You Need to Create the Perfect Summer Birthday Outfit

written by MADELINE GALASSI

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When it comes to dressing for special occasions, holidays seem to get all the attention. Deep, vampy shades and textures come into the limelight every November before Thanksgiving rolls around, and patriotic attire is planned out and discussed at length well before the Fourth of July. But what about birthday outfits?

On one glorious day every year, it’s all about you, and your outfit can stand out, unlike when everyone is collectively dressing for a holiday. Absolutely anything is fair game, and your look should make you feel like your best self—whether it be with that special shirt you only bust out of your closet a couple of times a year or a new pair of shoes that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Trying to decide how to deck yourself out for your summer birthday (hello, fellow Cancers!)? We’re here to save the day. Here’s all the inspiration you need to choose your birthday outfit and stand out from the masses, just like you should.

 

 

1. A top so good it’ll say “it’s my birthday” on its own

A couple of weeks before my birthday, an ad for a feather-trimmed top came up on my Instagram, and it felt like the targeted ad gods hit me in my absolute weakest spot. I thought at that moment that if I didn’t get the top and wear feathers on my birthday, I simply would never recover.

Spoiler: I did not get the top and absolutely did feel the void of a lack of feathers, but the point is that there are just certain tops that scream “birthday!” The right one paired with your go-to jeans makes the perfect look for any rooftop drinks or patio dinners us lucky summer birthday people get to have.

ASTR The Label
Kelis Top
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ELOQUII
Faux Leather Tank

2 colors available

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MANGO
Daisy-Print Crochet Top
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Reformation
Ellora Top
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MANGO
Knitted Cropped Top

2 colors available

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& Other Stories
Printed Linen Top
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Satin V-Neck Cami

4 colors available

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MANGO
Asymmetric Design T2op

2 colors available

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Lovers + Friends
Anya Bodysuit

2 colors available

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Abercrombie & Fitch
Seamless Ribbed Strapless Bodysuit

2 colors available

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ELOQUII
One Shoulder Bodysuit

4 colors available

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ELOQUII
Asym Neckline Tank

2 colors available

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2. A dress that’s a look all by itself

When the temps are high, a dress is your best bet for a one-and-done outfit, and if your birthday is in the summer, chances are, you get to dress for a hot day and night. 

A slip dress or LWD are perfect options for a fancier place you might be going for your bash—from a rooftop you had to make reservations for three weeks in advance to your favorite special-occasion restaurant. 

& Other Stories
Strappy Mini Rib Dress
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Reformation
Brigitte Floral Sheath Minidress
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BB Dakota By Steve Madden
Say A Prairie Dress
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ELOQUII
Puff Sleeve Button Down Dress
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NAKED WARDROBE
Snatched & Sexy Sleeveless Minidress

5 colors available

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ELOQUII
Cutout Detail Shirtdress
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MANGO
Floral Print Miniskirt
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Abercrombie & Fitch
Side-Draped Slip Mini Dress

2 colors available

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ASTR The Label
Gaia Dress
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ELOQUII
Smocked Bodice Ruffle Day Dress

3 colors available

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BCBGeneration
Crinkle Poly Dress
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Abercrombie & Fitch
High-Slit Midaxi Dress

6 colors available

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Abercrombie & Fitch
Smocked Waist Mini Dress

4 colors available

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Abercrombie & Fitch
Tie-Strap Smocked Midi Dress

3 colors available

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MANGO
Vent Cotton Dress

2 colors available

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ASTR The Label
Cowl Slip Midi Dress

2 colors available

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3. Special-occasion worthy accessories

The cherry on top of any outfit is the accessories that get paired with it, and for your birthday look, they should be extra cool. Top off your look with a bag that provides a pop of color or a pair of sunglasses that does all the talking.

MANGO
Flowered Heel leather Sandals
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MANGO
Padded heeled Mule Sandals
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JEFFREY CAMPBELL
Bubblegum Platform Sandal

4 colors available

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MANGO
Raffia High-Heeled Sandals
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MANGO
Heel Leather Sandals
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TOPSHOP
North Sandal

2 colors available

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& Other Stories
Straw Crossbody Half Moon Bag
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MANGO
Cat-Eye Sunglasses
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4. Makeup outside of the “everyday” box

Glitter eyeshadow and a bright lip—your birthday is the perfect excuse to stray away from your five-minute makeup routine and opt for something bold.

Lemonhead LA
Spacepaste
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PAT McGRATH LABS
Blitz Astral Quad Eyeshadow Palette
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Revlon
Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipstick
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Charlotte Tilbury
Hollywood Flawless Filter
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NABLA
Skin Glazing
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