It’s time to start planning for Spring Luncheons. The big question on everyone’s mind is “What should I wear?” We asked fashion expert and Suburbs 101 contributor, Tina
The moment we’ve been waiting for (for about six months now) is finally here – spring has sprung! The temperatures have risen, flowers have bloomed, and your calendar is filled to the brim with the parties and occasions that always pop up around this time of year. More likely than not, you have at least one “Luncheon!” scrawled across your calendar and it’s creeping up sooner than you realized. While you love attending parties like these, sometimes it’s difficult to find the right outfit inspiration. What’s the venue like? Who will be in attendance? Do I need to take weather into account? These are only some of the questions that you can ask yourself before navigating your springtime luncheon dress code. Take a few minutes to ask yourself the following questions (and shop some inspiration outfits!) so you can rest assured you’ll be the belle of the ball…err, luncheon.
Jot down the venue and determine the type of event you’re attending.
Will this luncheon take place indoors or outdoors? Is there a required theme or color palette? When you know where you’re going and why you’re going, you can plan your layers, your accessories, and your beauty routine before heading out the door. Will the event be outdoors on a sunny day? Ditch the tweed jacket for a wide-brimmed sun hat. Are there going to be photographers or press? Choose something in a fabric that isn’t transparent and does not wrinkle easily. And remember, at the end of the day, wear something that you can be comfortable in while eating and drinking. It is lunch, after all.
Check your weather app multiple times before, and plan accordingly
No one likes to be stuck in a cotton cardigan on a humid day. In the same vein, your brand new sleeveless dress will only bring on the shivers if the sun doesn’t come out. Plan ahead by checking the weather a few days beforehand – and have a couple of options ready in case Mother Nature decides to do her own thing. A safe outfit formula is a dress or top/skirt combo with two layering options and two different shoe options. Because even though those peep toe stilettos are to die for, they’ll be doing you no favors if the event is outside on the lawn.
“Luncheon” by definition is a formal event. But how formal will yours be?
The more formal the event, the more refined you’re expected to look. Costume jewelry, short hemlines, and evening makeup will all draw a negative kind of attention at these sorts of events. Regardless of which kind of luncheon you’re attending, there are always a few dress code expectations. We’ve listed the most popular occasions below, along with some outfit ideas and rules to follow this spring.
Charity Luncheon
These are bright and energetic events full of color. Have fun with your chosen palette, play around with patterns, and don’t be afraid to lean into a “Gilmore Girls DAR matchy-matchy” aesthetic. Keep it conservative and age-appropriate though, with modest necklines and knee-length hems. Feel free to accessorize as you please, but keep the focus on one piece at a time, like a bright heel or a statement necklace.
Tie-Waist Dress from Cefinn
Red Multi-Floral Slingbacks from Nine West
Aragon Statement Drop Earrings from Kendra Scott
Business Luncheon
Just think “professional.” Opt for your formal business attire like a shift dress, skirt suit, pantsuit, or pencil skirt/blouse/blazer combo. No need to stay neutral though – we know you’ve been dying to break out that plum pantsuit from last season. Go for it! Just keep accessories minimal, and shoes conservative.
Haya Single Breasted Blazer from Reiss
Haya Trouser from Reiss
Tie-Neck Blouse from Mango
Fringed Heeled Pumps from HOGL
Social Luncheon
Baby showers and bridal showers – some of the most exciting luncheons that we get to attend! Have fun with your outfit and be creative. Try feminine silhouettes and color palettes, cute sandals, and play with embellishments like ruffles and lace.
Mahana Ruffled Dress from Anthropologie
Honeywell Block Heeled Sandals from ASOS
Cleobella Wicker Bag from Planet Blue
About Tina Broccole
Tina Broccole is a NY Fashion Stylist, Influencer, and Radio Talk Show Host of “Fashion Friday with Tina.” She has been involved in the fashion industry for over 2 decades, first as stylist for a major retailer, then as an entrepreneur of her own styling business, Style by Tina, while adding radio show personality and fashion commentator to her resume. Catch her weekly radio show and podcast every Friday at 9:30am on 1490-WGCH radio.
Follow Tina
Website: Style by Tina
Blog: Wardrobe Envy
@wardrobe_envy on instagram
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