I begin searching for birthday outfit ideas each and every year as soon as June 1 hits. My birthday falls in mid-June, and I'm a sucker for a birthday. My birthday. Friends' birthdays. Friends' colleagues' dogs' birthdays. I love them, and never let them pass by without some kind of celebration.
Birthday dresses are the most exciting part of another trip around the sun. Second to how you're actually going to spend your birthday, what you're going to be wearing (and posting on the ‘Gram) is of upmost importance. Your birthday is all about ~you~, so you want to feel your very best. That’s why I've done some digging into the best birthday outfit ideas for summer celebrations: so that you can enter a new year of your life in style.
Whether you're heading out for dinner, going on a wholesome walk, hosting a birthday party or celebrating with a picnic in the park, you'll find birthday outfit ideas for every b-day vibe down below. If it's a casual birthday outfit you're on the hunt for, a summer dress (read: GANNI's seersucker checked dress) and a pair of white trainers will do the trick. If you're going on a date night, an LBD will never fail you – but elevate your #lewk with a vibrant blazer, pair of colour-pop heels and some statement gold jewellery. Star of the show at a cocktail party? Channel your inner leading lady with a sequin dress that looks just as jubilant as you feel. Warehouse have got you.
Scroll to shop our full edit of the best birthday outfit ideas below.
1. Birthday outfit ideas for bottomless brunch
If a bottomless brunch is your birthday celebration of choice, a slip dress (paired with heeled sandals or trainers, depending on the vibe of your venue) strikes the perfect balance between big b'day-girl energy and chi ‘n’ laidback. This watercolour marble keyhole dress by Topshop is a great investment, because you'll be able to wear it on holiday and out for dinner multiple times once your birthday is over.
Topshop Watercolour Marble Keyhole Midi DressTopshop Nina Strappy Mid Heel SandalReal Leather CrossbodyNoisy May Aviator Sunglasses with Yellow Lens2. Birthday outfit ideas for date night
When it comes to 'Instagram' brands that have achieved cult status through influencer adoration alone, LA-based Reformation is the OG. It was founded back in 2009 and has spent the past decade-and-a-bit garnering an army of die-hard celebrity fans – from Kendall Jenner and Meghan Markle to Hailey Bieber, Taylor Swift and Adele. Hailey Bieber was last year pictured in the Violaine Linen Dress, while the Rumi dress – ideal for chucking on with your best white trainers and a killer pair of sunglasses – has got the Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski seal of approval.
“LBD” and “date night” are two phrases which go hand-in-hand, so make like Hailey and Kendall for your birthday this year and invest in Reformation's new Selina dress. Forever-chic and guaranteed to garner an army of celebrity fans pronto, it'll be instantly elevated with a pair of colour-pop heels and Kyo's oversized, boxy pink blazer. Which can be re-worn with jeans and a white t-shirt well beyond your birthday, FYI.
Selina DressRAID Aysha tie ankle mid heeled sandals in limeGroove Curb Chain BraceletKyo oversized boxy blazer co-ord in pink pinstripe3. Birthday outfit ideas for a day in the city
You've woken up on your birthday with very few plans. The sun is shining. The birds are tweeting. And nothing feels more appealing than meandering around your local parks, museums and coffee shops. Wholesome birthday vibes. Topshop's ruched mesh tank is selling like hot cakes on ASOS right now, and paired with Bershka's tailored orange trousers, it will make you feel like birthday royalty without going too overboard.
Topshop Ruched Mesh TankNike Air Force 1 Pixel TrainersASOS DESIGN Recycled Frame Cat Eye SunglassesBershka Tailored Trouser Co-Ord4. Birthday outfit ideas for picnics in the park
Founded by husband and wife duo Nicolaj and Ditte Reffstrup in Copenhagen, GANNI's influencer-endorsed summer dresses scream easy to wear and effortless. The vibe for a birthday in the park. A firm favourite among influencers and editors alike, this seersucker wrap dress is universally flattering and can be paired with tights and boots come-winter. When we grow up, we want to be a #GanniGirl.
Seersucker Wrap Mini DressA-Dice Lo SneakerCELINE EYEWEAR Cat-Eye Acetate SunglassesLeather Crossbody Bag5. Birthday outfits for a cosy night in
Nobody's Child's new pyjama sets instantly make me smile. Think: dainty florals with playful scallop trims, classic striped tailoring and retro postcard prints. They're made from 100% organic cotton and solidify what we always knew anyway. Staying in is, absolutely, the new going out.
Fiona Scallop Short PJ SetSLEEPER + NET SUSTAIN Shearling Slippers6. Birthday outfits for a long walk
Adanola is the influencer-endorsed activewear brand you're seeing all over your Instagram feed right now – so if you don't fancy dressing up on the big day, go laidback and chill with a pair of yoga leggings and a cropped tee. Our footwear of choice? Axel Arigato trainers have our hearts.
Go Outside Baby Tee - WhiteMarathon R-TrailSAINT LAURENT EYEWEAR Cat-Eye Acetate SunglassesUltimate Leggings - Lime Green7. Birthday outfit ideas for dinner with friends
Bottega Veneta bags are saturating are Instagram feeds right now, because the Italian heritage house is the brains behind the bag brand of the moment. It all comes from a little industry shake-up back in 2018, which saw Yorkshire-born Daniel Lee appointed as Creative Director. Formerly of Celine, Lee’s modern minimal aesthetic is exactly what the world wants to wear right now. Pair yours with & Other Stories' super-cute floral beaded co-ord for feminine, sunshine vibes at your birthday dinner.
Floral Bead Crop TopBOTTEGA VENETA Jodie Mini Knotted Leather ToteMarch Green Set Back Mule HeelsFloral Bead Mini Skirt8. Birthday outfits for a fancy night out
Nothing shouts “It's my birthday” like a sequin mini dress, and Warehouse's halter-neck offering is reduced by over £100 in their epic Jubilee sale. Don't sleep on it.
Halter Neck Multi Mini Sequin DressSTUART WEITZMAN BarelyNude Glittered Leather SandalsShimmy Fringe EarringsCULT GAIA Enid Marbled Acrylic Clutch9. Birthday outfits for a family lunch
I can't get enough of & Other Stories' embroidered short-sleeve shirt, which will look just as good paired with denim shorts on the Amalfi Coast as it will high-waisted jeans down your local.
Embroidered Short Sleeve ShirtBALENCIAGA Le Cagole Mini Studded Shoulder BagGABRIELA HEARST Armar Crocheted Cotton & Leather Ballet FlatsSTRAIGHT CROPPED Non-Stretch Jeans10. Birthday outfits if you're (luckily) on holiday
Lucky enough to be away for your birthday? In one of these Mallorca hotels? Or in Santorini? A girl can dream. Whether you're on a RL holiday or you simply like to play pretend, a basket bag and a pair of woven slides make for chic and versatile birthday companions.
Halter Keyhole Midi DressMini Chiltern Straw BagSerenity Pearl Link Chain Necklace in GoldRaffia Flat SandalsFor more from Glamour UK Commerce Editor Sophie Cockett, follow her on Instagram @sophiecockettx.
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