Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, birthday, or New Year’s Eve, finding the right look for your next party can be tough. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we all think about socializing, and so the chances are that the next party you attend will feel pretty special. Below, we’ve put together some tips to ensure you stand out from the crowd…

Choose a bold color

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when dressing up for a party is choosing the right color. If you have pale skin with warm undertones, choose dresses in earthy tones like tan, beige, brown, and green, and if you have cool undertones, then silver and pastel are likely to be your preferred colors. If you have an olive skin tone, you can rock almost any color, whereas jewel colors complement those with medium skin tones. If you have dark skin, choose a bright jewel or pastel color and avoid brown and black dresses as these can wash out your skin tone. If all else fails, choose your favorite color and see if it looks good.

Let your makeup do the talking

One of the best ways to stand out is by using makeup. Whether you hire a makeup artist to work on your face or you sit in front of a mirror and watch a YouTube tutorial, the key is to choose a color that complements your skin tone, eye color, and outfit, without taking away from your natural beauty. We recommend experimenting with different makeup styles and combinations before the party to find a face that works best. MUAs on Instagram can help.

Accessorize with jewelry

No party outfit is complete without some jewelry, but the right pieces depend on the style of your outfit. You might want to opt for a bohemian style and thus can get away with wearing virtually every necklace and bracelet in your wardrobe, or you might want to go for something more understated, wearing a stunning Claddagh ring to show off your Irish heritage. Remember that every piece of jewelry adds to your story and personality, so choose wisely and favor bold statement pieces over smaller items if you want to stand out.

Coordinate with your plus-one

The chances are that you’ll be partying with your best friend or partner, so have a chat before the big event and make sure your colors work together. We’re not saying that you need to wear a baby blue dress to complement your partner’s tie, but you certainly don’t want to rock a bright orange outfit if your partner has opted for green shades. Take a few selfies in front of the mirror to ensure you look good together; Instagram feeds don’t lie!

Get help with your hair

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good hairstyle to finish off your look. Again, your style will depend on your outfit – if you’re rocking an in-your-face dress, then your hair should be a more restrained affair. However, if you’ve chosen a little black dress, you can go wild with your hair and choose a color and style that changes your appearance. A stylist will help.

Wherever you’re going, we hope that you have a fantastic time at your next party. Enjoy!