A class reunion can cause many to break out in a sweat, recalling long-ago blunders and questioning current standards of success. Knowing just what to wear to a class reunion can ease some of the stress and add confidence to the outfit. Former fashion editor and reunion veteran Cindy Weber-Cleary offers guidance.
Going to a class reunion can be anxiety-producing, exhilarating, or just plain weird. Trust me, I’ve been there.
When I went to my 40th high school reunion, 10 years ago, I was looking forward to seeing that handsome musician with tousled locks and bedroom eyes that I silently worshipped from afar sophomore year. Instead, I was sorely disappointed to encounter a bald, sweaty man with bug-eyes and a paunch who sells insurance. (Perhaps he wondered who this gray-haired, older woman was that he was talking to? I’m guessing my name tag may not have meant anything to him.)
The painfully shy bespectacled girl who sat next to me in seventh-grade homeroom suddenly appeared in a flashy low-cut dress and with suspiciously inflated lips — and proceeded to make a spectacle of herself on the dance floor, drunkenly pogoing to Kool and the Gang’s “Celebration” song. Oops.
I got trapped chatting to folks I never knew — or cared about – growing up. And I swore that I would never attend another reunion. But here I am facing my 50th, and somehow, my old pals have roped me into going. I’m back living on my home turf again, so I have no excuse. The venue is 10 minutes from my house.
Because I was a fashion editor in New York City for over 40 years, many of my long-time pals are asking me what to wear! Here is my best advice on what to wear to a class reunion.
Take into consideration the time and place
Most of these gatherings take place at a restaurant or event space in the evening. A knee-length or midi dress or dressy pants and a blouse are safe options for women. Stay away from sequins, feathers, bandage dresses, and such. Better to be elegantly understated than over-the-top. Have fun with your accessories! A statement necklace or strappy sandal can jazz up your look.
Men may want to wear a sport jacket and a button-down or collared shirt with chinos or jeans, and oxfords or loafers. Avoid sneakers. They look cute on a young guy wearing a jacket, but geriatric on an older man. We may be geriatric,but we don’t need to call attention to it.
There may be additional events planned for the weekend, such as a casual get-together the night before or a picnic the next day. Comfort is the key word, but you still want to look put-together. Skip the sweatpants.
Determine the message you want to send and dress accordingly
What are you hoping to get out of this rite of passage? To reconnect with a former flame? To showcase your success? To just have a few laughs?
If flirting is on the agenda, think sensuous fabrics in simple shapes as opposed to overtly sexy. No thigh-high slits or overexposed cleavage. A good blow-out or haircut may be in order. Go easy on the makeup.
If your aim is to impress your former classmates, focus on the details. A handsome watch and polished shoes go a long way, as do elegant handbags and fine jewelry. If you were the class clown, keep the good vibes going with a vintage concert tee or football jersey — but perhaps at the more casual weekend event?
Don’t obsess about it
One of the best things about getting older is not really caring what other people think of you. We’re not in high school anymore! So feel free to throw my advice out the window! If you love exotic animal prints or biker jackets or tie-dye T-shirts, go for it! Don’t think twice, it’s all right.