RI Beauty Expert: What to Wear to Your High School Reunion

RI Beauty Expert: What to Wear to Your High School Reunion

Unlike the little chick who hatched its shell, you CAN go home again...at least to your high school class reunion. If terror just struck your heart, believe me, I know. But go anyway ­ the sentimental high school reunion is worth it, even if you feel older or have gained a little weight (you’re not alone). Let’s get you back home with some high school reunion style advice:

Consider the Venue

If it’s at the hometown VFW, it’s a safe bet it’s going to be casual. But dress up a bit if the invite says hotel ballroom or restaurant function room. Wearing jeans at a fancy place is just as uncomfortable as the little black dress at a barbeque.

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Dressing Up

Leave the sequins to the former mean girls, and opt for a simple chic dress. In a sea of little black ones, stand out in a bright color like magenta or emerald green. There’s no need to dress for the prom ­ you’re all grown­up now so choose something graceful and sophisticated and they’ll think they voted you most­likely­to­ succeed.

Dressing Down

Even if you still can fit into your old patchwork jeans...don’t. Ditto to ripped and too­tight. Classic rise and slightly curvy jeans are neat and fresh and make a great base for flirty tops or fitted cashmere sweaters. A softly draped top will nicely hide muffin top issues. Ballet flats add a pretty, feminine element to any jeans ensemble.

Make­Up

We’re all getting older but your high school reunion is not the time for intricate shading techniques and thick cover­ups. Still, you will want makeup that looks better than the blue frosted eye shadow from sophomore year. Go with fresh lipstick in a vivid moist color such as a warm coral or raspberry. Rosy cheeks that come from creamy blush and a good flick of black mascara are all you need to finish the look.

Hair

Get a trim and color a week or so before the big night for just barely grown naturalness. You’ll be the most popular girl in class if you look like you, but enhanced. Soft swingy hair is far more youthful than an over­styled helmet do. You’ll be gorgeous with a breezy inconsequence that will attract even your old homeroom crush right to your side.

No Showing­ Off

Don’t be THAT woman. You know, the one who brings a mink coat with her in August. Or the one who flaunts her Pilates body with too­tight clothing. Instead, be subtle. If you have worked out religiously and are proud of your abs, try a soft wrap­dress that invitingly skims your curves. If you’ve made it to the big league, one special piece of statement jewelry will say plenty.

Sources

Your favorite mall will have most of the options above. Unique and special tops can be found in hip local boutiques such as ZuZu’s Petals. East Greenwich, Barrington, Providence.
And if you want to treat yourself to one perfect look­at­me piece, David Yurman’s bracelets will say you have arrived. Providence Diamond, Cranston.

Donna Macdonald is a freelance writer who enjoys covering topics of interest to women, especially fragrance, style, beauty. She has also written marketing material for a women's book that hit the New York Times Bestseller list and netted her an up close and personal discussion on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Donna currently writes her own personal blog, alovelyinconsequence.blogspot.com, where she also writes about issues close to a woman's heart. Donna believes that when a woman finds beauty in the world, she will find beauty in herself.