PARTY QUEEN / Jan 24, 2022
WHAT TO WEAR TO A SWEET 16 PARTY: OUTFIT IDEAS FOR GUESTS
A Sweet 16 is a milestone celebration that marks a teenage girl entering young adulthood. Like the Latino tradition quinceañera, a Sweet 16 is meant to be a day to remember. To complement the delicious cakes and well-decorated venues, the dresses in attendance should be nothing short of elegant!
For the lady of the hour, we believe she should wear whatever she wants! No matter the formality of the party, she should wear an outfit that makes her feel special — and she can find all sorts of options in our dress catalog.
On the other hand, if you're a female guest in search of the right Sweet 16 outfits, then we're here to help narrow down the options.
4 Sweet 16 Outfit Ideas for Every Party Dress Code
Take a look at your invitation — does it request casual, semi-formal, formal, or black-tie attire?
Whatever the party requires, you're sure to find the best outfit with these Sweet 16 dress code ideas we've lined up for your consideration!
Semi-formal: Something fun yet refined
Semi-formal is one of the toughest dress codes because it can mean so many things! Your safest bet for a Sweet 16 outfit is a cocktail dress.
Cocktail attire is not super formal, so you don't need to bust out a ball gown, but it does encourage sparkle and glam. Typically, women wear short or mid-length dresses, so A-line and babydoll silhouettes are reliable ideas for this Sweet 16 dress code. (Bonus points: they're super flattering!)
Sweet 16 parties are all about celebrating femininity, so we love dresses in pastel hues like sage, mint, mauve, and blush.
Embellishments, embroidery, and jewelry are all fun ways to add something special to your look. Don't forget to wear some showstopping heels — they'll be on display!
Get the Look: GS2843 - Illusion Deep V-Neck Satin Short Dress w/ Accented Waist Band
Formal: Something classy and timeless
Invited to a formal Sweet 16 party? This is where the fun begins! Formal dresses can be long or short, though if you wear a short one, we recommend that it's closer to the knee and has a higher neckline.
A formal sweet 16 party is the perfect occasion to bring out your classiest dress. If it's in a lux fabric like satin or silk, even better! If it features rhinestones, gems, beads, or embroidery, then you’ve hit the jackpot!
For a formal look, it's essential to do your hair and makeup. Throw your hair in an updo, curl your hair, or sweep it to the side for an elegant hairstyle. When it comes to makeup, you can totally get away with a bold red lip here. Or, add a smokey eye!
While you may be able to wear sandals or wedges for a casual or semi-casual look, for this type of sweet 16 party, it's best to wear heels!
Get the Look: GS2375 - Lace Illusion Top A-line Short Dress with Beaded Waist
Black-tie: Something that screams glamour
If you're not sure what to wear to a black-tie Sweet 16 party, here's our two cents: the more glamour, the better.
You don't want to underdress at a black-tie event. (Don't worry, it's pretty hard to overdress!) Long dresses, including even ball gowns, are the norm.
You can never go wrong with going black, though dark jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire are also classic hues to rock at a black-tie Sweet 16 party.
Off-the-shoulder accents, spaghetti straps, and sweetheart necklines are on-trend this season, and they certainly pair well with a black-tie evening gown. Even better if you go for a corset bodice with bold, gorgeously crafted embellishments!
Looking for a sexy silhouette? We recommend a flowing satin skirt with strong details like a thigh-high front slit and soft ruching at the waist.
When it comes to accessories, don't dare hold back! Wear something you would never get the chance to wear — like a statement headpiece! We'll take any chance we get to make an outfit feel extra special.
Get the Look: GL3588 - Embellished Satin Dress with Front Slit and Corset
Casual: Something effortlessly stylish
Now, when they say casual, they don't mean ripped jeans and a white tank top. It's still a Sweet 16 birthday party! A short, fun, and flirty dress is the perfect Sweet 16 outfit to keep it stylish while embracing the laid-back vibe of the party.
Go for a mini dress featuring eye-catching details that don't easily overwhelm, such as delicate beading, embroidery, cut-outs, or a bit of glitter.
While you don't need to hire a hair and makeup artist and get completely done up for this type of party, we still recommend doing a little somethin' somethin'. Some loose waves in a half-up ‘do would look effortlessly chic. Throw on some mascara and lip gloss, and you're ready for the party!
Get the Look: GS1439 - Two-Piece Embroidered Pencil Skirt Dress
No matter the dress code, your Sweet 16 outfit should make you feel fashion-forward, confident, and ready to party with the dearest celebrant! You may be attending as a guest, but there's no reason not to turn some heads and make memories you won't forget. Choosing the right dress is the first step to making this party extra memorable.
Need more inspiration? Explore our stunning collection of new arrivals at GLS Collective and find the best look for any Sweet 16 celebration. Or, check out our other style guides to ensure you nail the dress code:
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