3 Events Worth Showing Up to in Style

While wearing yoga pants and a hoodie around town is now seen as socially acceptable, there are many occasions where dressing well is the best practice. In a recent study, psychologists found that people who are appropriately dressed for the occasion performed better on a variety of tests. Being dressed for the occasion positively affects your self-image as well as drawing more respect from the people you deal with day to day.

Before you pull together an outfit for a special occasion, first consider what other people will be wearing. It’s important to look your best but can be embarrassing to be dressed far better or far worse than those around you. Of course, if you want to make a splash, being overdressed is always better than being underdressed. Once you have an understanding of what those around you will be wearing, choose your outfit. Then accessorize in any way you see fit.

Here are the three events where it is most worthwhile to show up in style.

1- Wedding

When attending a wedding as a guest, consider yourself part of the overall scene. The bridal couple will be looking back on photo and video of this day throughout their lives, so do your best to look pulled-together for posterity.

Before attending the wedding, double check the event’s formality with the bride or one of the bridesmaids. Be sure to do this early enough in the process so that your call or text doesn’t cause the bride too much stress. If you are a woman, find out what colors the bridesmaids are wearing and avoid choosing the same shade. It is tiresome to be mistaken for a bridesmaid. If you are a man, check whether you will need to wear a suit or whether a jacket and tie are formal enough.

When dressing for the wedding, choose a fun and festive accessory like a necklace or a wrap. It’s not necessary to dress as if you were going to a funeral.

2- Job Interview

Whenever you are interviewing for a new job, it is crucial that you look your best. Sharply dressed applicants have a better chance of getting the job. The confidence boost that you receive when you look your best helps with the interview itself.

When interviewing for a job, again, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Dressing properly shows your prospective employer that you are serious about working for their company. It also shows that you are a responsible person who can be relied on.

The same goes for starting work at a new job. Try to find out what people in your department wear each day, and dress as well or better. Dressing well will convey the message that you are on top of things and that you are ready for new responsibilities.

3- Birthday Party

There’s no better way to show a friend that you are truly excited about their special day than by dressing up for their birthday party. When dressing up for a party, you don’t have to be worried about what other people will be wearing or whether your outfit will show your level of responsibility.

You can feel free to express yourself with your choice of clothing. Do choose your outfit based on the venue of the party, however. If you are going bar hopping with a large group, jeans and a nice blouse will be more appropriate than a cocktail dress and heels.

Dressing for the occasion gives your spirits a boost and can benefit your career. It shows those around you that you care about your outward appearance and makes you seem more responsible. While it’s comfortable to run errands in sweatpants, it’s better to pull your outfit together and make an effort.