From Low-Key Dinner Parties to Epic All-Nighters, 12 Iconic Looks to Wear on Your Birthday

Let’s be real: Birthday celebrations are all about you being the center of attention. Whether you’re the type of person to go all out with a full-blown celebration—professional photographer and DJ included—or you prefer a low-key get-together with your closest friends, there’s no doubt that you deserve to look and feel great on your birthday. And as you start preparing to celebrate your next trip around the sun, it’s only appropriate to have a handful of birthday outfits on hand to start your new year off in style.

We can all agree that your birthday is something to get excited about, and your birthday outfit should be no different. It is your night after all, which means you’ll be the center of attention. Ahead, we’ve pulled together It girl–approved looks from Emily Ratajkowski, Elsa Hosk, and more of our favorite fashion folks that are so cool they’re worth celebrating all on their own. Give yourself a head start on planning your birthday fête and scroll down to see these chic outfits.

There’s nothing more iconic for a birthday soirée than a sultry little black dress. EmRata knows a thing or two about that, and the lace-up leather Ludovic de Saint Sernin number she chose for her 32nd birthday is about as iconic as it gets.

Sequins may be the obvious choice when you’re at the center of attention, but might we suggest a more unexpected way to style them? Instead of a sequin dress, try a sequin skirt in a bold hue like red with a crisp white T-shirt and pretty flats. It’s fun, cool, and oddly low-key. Perfect for a birthday brunch or low-key dinner.

Your favorite dress that’s sitting in your closet just waiting for the right occasion? Let’s face it: Your birthday is probably the best opportunity to wear it. The ruching and gathered details on this beautiful Tory Burch number do all the work for you, so a statement dress like this calls for something simple like black kitten heels.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t wear jeans on your big day. Just look to Elsa Hosk for inspiration on amping up your go-to denim, aka with a bold, fluffy coat and sleek heels.

Summertime celebrations or a beachy getaway call for something more warm-weather appropriate, and that’s where statement crochet comes in. Look to labels like Diotima for elevated handiwork that does all the styling for you. (We love this matching skirt set.)

There’s no reason to stray from your personal style just for the sake of a good outfit. If bright colors and prints aren’t your thing, try a sheer look that brings a different type of drama.

In case it wasn’t already clear, we’re big fans of wearing sequins in unusual ways. Wearing a sequin top with barrel-leg jeans gives the sparkly piece an instant cool factor and makes the whole look more approachable.

For a cozy dinner at home with friends, a statement skirt and classic crewneck sweater strike the right balance.

If your idea of the perfect birthday involves an intimate date night, you might try a leather midi skirt with a romantic off-the-shoulder top.

Red is a perfect color to wear on your birthday because it makes a bold statement but is ultimately so classic. Try a red halter dress with tights and heels for a French-girl spin.

Calling all fall birthdays! Embrace a great outerwear piece like a leather bomber jacket to anchor your look around. Try one over a slinky maxi dress with slingbacks for a Saint Laurent–inspired look.

Tone down the party energy of a crystal skirt by marrying it to a graphic T-shirt.