What do I wear to_?

March opens up many opportunities to dress up and experiment with your style. Confused about what to wear to summer’s most important occasions? Below are my answers to the question, “What do I wear to…?”

A graduation?

Whether you’re marching across the stage or sitting proudly in the audience, dressing up for a graduation ceremony follows the same conservative guidelines as dressing up for church on a holiday. You want to look pretty and well put-together without sticking out like a sore thumb or looking like a sex kitten. That means no low-cut tops, no miniskirts, no shorts, no sequined dresses, and nothing strapless (unless you’re wearing a cardigan or jacket).  Above, I propose two outfit suggestions.

For indoor ceremonies, you can never go wrong with a cute pair of black pumps worn with a color-blocked dress. Any dress can go with black pumps, but I chose this particular one because color-blocking is a popular trend this season. Auditoriums can be chilly, so if you’re not wearing a graduation robe, make sure to bring a jacket or cardigan to keep your back warm.

Outdoor ceremonies that take place on grass require a different sort of outfit. Stilettos and pumps will get caught in ground with every step you take, so consider wearing flats. If you want added height anyway, a wedge is an outdoor-friendly alternative to slim heels. Keep cool in an airy floral dress, and bring a cardigan in case you party in a cold place afterwards.

If you’re graduating and wearing a gown, you might think that it doesn’t matter what you wear underneath. Some guests don’t bother dressing up since they’re not marching across the stage. But trust me, what you wear will matter. Everyone will want to take lots photos before and after the ceremony, so make sure you take the time to primp up before attending a graduation.

A long flight?

New York and Europe are exciting summer destinations, but the long plane ride that take you there can be a real pain in the ass, so to speak. The key to surviving a long flight is to wear a comfortable ensemble that would allow you to move freely, keep you warm and make you look stylish. Again, I make two outfit suggestions.

Jeans and trousers are more ideal than skirts or dresses, because they allow you to keep your poise and modesty as you twist about your chair when you go to sleep. Choose jeans with soft fabric, a straight cut, and a low waist, as this is a more comfortable option than a stiff denim pair that clings to your legs. Wear dark-colored tops made of cotton, as these hide unsightly wrinkles or stains. If you’re wearing trousers, consider a monochromatic outfit; simply wear a dark neutral top from the same color family as your bottom.

Negotiating aircraft aisles in heels is not recommended, so make sure your in-flight ensemble includes comfy loafers or ballet flats. You can slip in and out of these easily during airport security checks and if you anticipate frequent trips to the plane’s restroom. Be wary of wearing sneakers, as they’re difficult to take on and off. And if your luggage gets lost (God forbid), the shoes you’re wearing now may be your only option for the next few days!

Finally, ditch your girly clutch for a roomy bag so you’ll have enough space for your beauty products and in-flight entertainment.

A beach trip?

In my last article, I mentioned that looking stylish in the summer requires little effort. This is especially true for laid-back, beach-ready outfits. Denim shorts with a colorful tank top and flip-flops will suffice, but if you really want to amp up your style, wear a nice boho top with strappy flat sandals instead. A straw hat makes a fashionable statement while protecting your face from UV rays. Sheer clothing is a big trend this summer, and you can easily join the bandwagon by wearing a colorful bikini under an unlined chiffon top. Make sure to pack a pretty sundress in your suitcase – you never know when you’ll get invited to a beach party or ride someone’s yacht! Finally, stow your belongings inside a waterproof beach bag if you plan on visiting nearby islands.