I love full skirted dresses. Try a dress in a great solid where the color is the star. Pair it with a chic hair style and a great pair of shoes and you're party ready. Available here.
A delicate print in day colors with a pretty necklace reads pretty but not pretentious. Consider your crinoline choice too. Small crinolines read more casual to your modern party goers and larger ones more dressy. Available here.
The pink on pink stripes create some great interest with out being overwhelming. Pearls are a classy accessory that can dress up almost any dress. Available here.
Try to stick to more casual fabrics like jersey, rayon and cotton. If you want to do a fancier fabric, do it in a day color with a subtle print like in this vintage taffeta dress. Available here.
Try to pick a dress with one interesting detail like the bows or rick rack on this pattern. Too many details reads fussy for day. Available here.
A black shirt dress can be easily dressed up or down. Available here.
This dress, especially the aqua one reads so party. Choose a whimsical print like the blue polka dot version to dress it down for day. Available here.
Some other things to consider:
- Hats- keep them small and simple
- Jewelry- pearls or a nice brooch go a long way
- Shoes- wear a more conservative shoe like a pump to dress down a fancy dress or pull out a flashy stiletto to bring a more casual dress up to party status
- Hair- a simple, clean style looks put together while a messier fancy style looks like you're trying too hard
- Gloves and a small purse complete your look and keep you looking classy
These outfits hit the spot for casual holiday parties where the rest of the guests will be in modern casual clothes. (1) (2) Do you have a great casual 50s party outfit? Share a link in the comments!