To a birthday you usually wear something slightly more polished than your everyday casual clothes. Smart jeans or trousers with a knitted top, polo or blouse often work well. Adjust the level to the type of birthday: a gathering in the living room calls for something different from a dinner or a party. Above all, adapt the outfit to the location, the company and the invitation.
Which birthday is it?
A birthday can be celebrated at home, in a restaurant, in the garden or in a hall. A gathering at home calls for something different from a dinner or party. The first step is therefore to gauge what kind of birthday it will be.
| Type of birthday | Level | Example outfit |
|---|---|---|
| Gathering in the living room | Polished casual | Smart jeans, knitted top, loafers |
| In-laws' birthday | Slightly smarter | Trousers, polo or blouse, cardigan |
| Dinner in a restaurant | Smart casual | Trousers, elegant top or shirt |
| Party with music | Festive | Blouse with sheen or beautiful knit, trousers |
| Children's birthday | Practical | Jeans, knitted polo, sneakers |
The gathering: polished and comfortable
At the classic birthday gathering you sit for a few hours on a chair or sofa, with coffee, cake and later a drink. Comfort is important, especially if you sit for a long time. Smart jeans or supple trousers with a knitted top is an easy middle way. Keep in mind that some people ask you to take your shoes off.
For women
The Lenora fine-knit two-tone T-shirt in bordeaux gives the outfit a slightly more festive colour accent. Bordeaux is warm and autumnal, and the tweed look adds texture without becoming conspicuous. Combine it with the Philippa ultra high-waist pleated trousers in beige for a polished look, or with dark jeans if it is more informal.
For colder evenings or a draughty living room, put the Eleanor ribbed knitted cardigan in white over your shoulders or put it on. White with bordeaux and beige is a soft, autumnal combination. You will find more tops in the collection T-shirts for women and cardigans in knitwear for women.
For men
For men, a polo with smart trousers works well at many birthdays. The Montgomery softly draping modal polo in blue with the Vincent slim-fit trousers in khaki is calm, fresh and just slightly smarter than a T-shirt with jeans. If it is an in-laws' birthday or a dinner, add a cardigan or shirt. You will find more polos in the collection polos for men.
Five questions to determine the level
- Who is the birthday person? For a colleague or parent-in-law you may choose something smarter than for a good friend.
- How many people are coming? A large party is often slightly more formal than a small gathering at home.
- Is it a milestone birthday? A milestone birthday is sometimes celebrated on a bigger scale.
- Where is it? At home, in a restaurant, in a hall or in the garden.
- Does the invitation say anything? You naturally follow a theme or dress code.
If it is your own birthday
If it is your own birthday and you receive guests at home, you are busy all day: making coffee, cutting cake, topping up glasses. Choose clothes you can move in easily and that can handle a splash of coffee. A knitted top in a mid-tone can be practical if you walk around and serve a lot. At the same time it is your day: feel free to wear something you find extra beautiful, such as a top with a special detail or a colour that suits you. Lay out a second top in case something does go wrong.
Better not
- All white: with cake, coffee and red wine that is asking for trouble.
- Too formal: a suit or evening dress at a gathering in the living room quickly feels awkward.
- Worn-out clothing: a stretched sweater or faded jeans shows you made little effort.
- Holes in your socks: sounds trivial, but if the shoes have to come off, it is noticed straight away.
Gift and outfit
Anyone visiting a birthday often brings a gift. Clothing can be a personal gift if you know the birthday person's style and size well. If you are unsure about the size, keep the receipt. At Issu & Lloyd you can return from €5 and you get your money back within 14 days, so the birthday person can always exchange something.
The season counts too
A birthday in October calls for different clothes than one in July. In autumn, a cardigan or extra layer is practical for the journey to and from the party. If you cycle there, choose trousers with a little stretch and a coat that protects your polished outfit from wind and rain. Indoors you take the coat off and you are immediately ready for the gathering, without having to repair your outfit in the hallway first.
For a milestone birthday or a big party, feel free to bring something more festive, such as a blouse with sheen or a pair of nicer shoes. If in doubt, you can ask the birthday person beforehand how festive the evening will be.
Shop the look
Lenora: fine-knit two-tone T-shirt, bordeaux
Philippa: ultra high-waist pleated trousers, beige
Eleanor: ribbed knitted cardigan, white
Montgomery: softly draping modal polo, blue
Vincent: slim-fit trousers with mid-rise, khaki
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear jeans to a birthday?
Yes, at most birthdays at home, smart dark jeans are fine. Combine them with a polished top, polo or blouse.
What do you wear to your in-laws' birthday?
Choose slightly smarter than for friends: trousers or smart jeans with a polo, blouse or knitted top and polished shoes.
What do you wear to a birthday dinner in a restaurant?
Smart casual: trousers with an elegant top or shirt. Adjust the level to the type of restaurant.
