Graduations, and barbeques, and weddings, oh my! Feeling your blood pressure rise while thinking about what to wear to all of this season’s soirees? Well rest easy, friends; we know that not every social butterfly can flutter in a fabulous new frock to every occasion, so here are three key pieces to take you through your party parade in style.
Sweet Summer Dress: There’s nothing like the perfect maxi dress to complete your summer style. As comfortable as it is chic, with the right accessories and shoes this dress can take you from that sunset wedding on the beach to a backyard barbeque. Modify the silhouette for an entirely new look by tying the bottom in a knot at your knees with a pair of simple flip flops.
Fresh and Flirty Skirt: It’s all in the name - a light and versatile skirt, like CAbi’s Soiree Skirt, is perfect for all your festivity needs. Twirl around the dance floor in this sweet flowy skirt with a silky blouse, heels, and elegant jewelry. Enter the graduation party with honors when you wear it as a tunic over your favorite capris, with a bright spring cardigan, heels and a long, funky necklace. Or, shine at the end-of-school barbeque or evening beach party when you pair it with leggings and flip flops.
Brilliant Blouse: The right party blouse makes a statement as soon as you walk through the door! Pick a color combination that easily pairs back to a variety of skirts or pants, sweaters or jackets. This top can also stand alone with your party skirt, a pair of nice pants, or even jeans depending on the occasion. As long as you change up the outfit and accessories, even those faces you see all through the party circuit will think your wardrobe’s on par with the swankiest socialites.

Not sure what to wear to your next celebration? Let the invitation be your guide … and don’t worry, we’re here to help you decode the invite!
|
Black Tie: Break out the bubbly, as this event requires your very best! So unzip your garment bag, and dust off that long formal evening gown or cocktail dress that you’ve been waiting for the perfect occasion to wear. Ladies, we can interpret Formal the same as Black Tie, but let your date know that with Formal he can get away with a very nice suit in place of the black tie tux. |
|
Semi-Formal / Cocktail Attire: Think dressy with more room for your own interpretation. Whether you choose a dress, blouse and skirt, or some rendition of a pant suit, just make sure to stick with a more formal fabric like silk or rayon. And don’t be fooled by those Informal invitations … contrary to the actual definition of the word “informal,” this is actually code for Semi- Formal, especially when in regard to a wedding or special event. |
|
Beach Formal: Leave the bikini and Bermudas at home, as even though your headed for the sand, formal is still part of the deal. Opt for a simple yet elegant ensemble: a dress, skirt, or dressy pant and a blouse. Light colors and fabric are an excellent choice for this sunny celebration, and a chic floppy hat is acceptable to block the sun. Feel free to wear sandals and slip them off once on the sand. |
|
Dressy Casual: As conflicting as it sounds, this just means dressed up versions of casual. A dress, skirt, dressy pant, trouser, or possibly a nice dark jean (depending on the occasion and hosts), paired with a fabulous blouse! |
|
Casual: Anything goes - but you still want to look chic. After all, there will be cameras aplenty capturing these moments in time! Confidence is key, so choose a summery sundress or your favorite party top and cute jeans that you feel great in, and you’re sure to be the life of party! |
For All Occasions:
![]() |
RSVP: Be a respectful guest and always RSVP - especially if you want to keep the host as a friend! Once you’ve RSVP’d, stick to it; don’t be a “no-show” or come unexpectedly, or you may find yourself forgotten on the next guest list. |
![]() |
Guests: To bring or not to bring … when the invitation does not indicate a guest? If it’s a casual event with friends, feel free to ask the hostess. If it’s a formal dinner party, wedding, or event, don’t even ask. These shindigs take quite a bit of planning, and an unexpected extra can seriously throw a wrench into things. So be the confident and solo belle of the ball we know you can be! |
![]() |
Hostess Gifts: Never arrive at a party empty handed. If the party is taking place at a home, bring a gift to add to the party - wine, chocolate, or flowers are great options. If the location is elsewhere, let the occasion guide your gift (i.e. birthday, graduation, baby shower, wedding, etc.). |
![]() |
Thank You Notes: If the party is held in your honor, or if you are a guest in someone’s home, be sure to send a handwritten thank you note within 72 hours of the party. Though we live in the age of the email, never underestimate the power of a handwritten note! |
![]() |
Conversation Tips:
|
If Mother’s Day had you looking for opportunities to help mothers in need, consider donating your time or gently-used clothing to a local rescue mission. The Heart of CAbi Foundation recently had the opportunity to join with one of their partners, The Los Angeles Union Rescue Mission, for a special Mother’s Day event to provide a day of pampering for the women living there. Local CAbi Girls came alongside the Foundation to offer personal attention while helping each of the guests pick out brand new CAbi clothing. It was a wonderful day for all involved! To find a rescue mission in your area and learn how you can help, please click the following link.. www.agrm.org


American Idol’s resident rocker Adam Lambert proves that CAbi transcends the ages as he lit up the stage in a vintage CAbi Crown Belt. Check out Adam’s next style statement on new episodes of American Idol Tuesdays at 8/7c & Wednesdays at 9/8c on Fox.