At a reunion, above all you do not want to be preoccupied with your clothing all evening. So choose something that suits the location and in which you already know you can sit, stand and walk comfortably. A polo, blouse or fine knit with smart trousers is a good base for many reunions, but an informal school evening calls for something different than an anniversary dinner.
Why a reunion feels tricky
Because you see people again after a long time, you may feel tempted to buy something new especially for the evening. That is not necessary. An outfit you already know has a practical advantage: you know how it fits and which shoes you can wear with it for hours.
What kind of reunion is it?
| Type of reunion | Atmosphere | Outfit |
|---|---|---|
| School reunion in the hall or a café | Informal, lots of standing | Knitted polo or sweater, smart trousers, comfortable shoes |
| Dinner with former fellow students | Smart casual | Blouse or fine knit, trousers, loafers |
| Anniversary of an association | More festive, sometimes with a dress code | One step more formal, possibly a blazer or dress |
| Family reunion | Convivial, often during the day | Polished casual, practical for outside and inside |
If the invitation states a dress code, follow it. If it says nothing, look at the location and programme and choose the level of formality accordingly.
Five starting points
- Stay close to what you wear yourself. You do not automatically have to swap jeans for trousers if the location is informal. Above all, make a slightly more polished version of your own style.
- Tested and familiar. An outfit you have worn before is guaranteed to fit well. No pinching waistband or shoes that hurt after an hour.
- Colours you like wearing. Neutral shades are easy to combine, but a reunion does not call for a fixed palette.
- Mind material and fit. Wool, cashmere, viscose, modal and other fibres can all work well. What matters more is how the specific garment falls.
- Comfortable for standing a long time. At most reunions you stand talking for hours. Choose shoes and trousers in which you can keep that up.
Outfits for Women
School reunion. The cream Augusta, a regular-fit open-knit polo in wool and cashmere, with the beige Philippa, ultra high-waist slim-straight trousers with pleats. The two light shades make a calm combination. Choose shoes based on the location and how much you will be standing.
Dinner with former fellow students. The black Josephine is a slim-fit fine-knit open polo and can be worn with the same beige trousers or a dark skirt. Jewellery is optional; the neckline already has enough detail of its own.
You will find more inspiration in our knitwear for Women and the Dinner & Dates collection.
Outfits for Men
School reunion. The cream Alistair, a regular-fit open piqué polo, with the coffee brown Frederick. Frederick has a brushed inside and a slim-straight fit. Loafers or smart sneakers can both work.
Dinner or anniversary. The brown Montgomery polo with dark trousers and possibly a wool cardigan or blazer. Montgomery has a slim-fit shape and the current size advice is one size up from your usual.
Also take a look at our polos for Men and the Dinner & Dates for Men collection.
What you had better not do
- Recreate your outfit from back then. A nod to your school days can be fun, but a full theme costume is only suitable if it has been announced as such.
- Too formal. A suit and tie in a school canteen stands out more than you want.
- Choosing an outfit that does not suit the location. A very formal suit can be over the top in a café, while very casual clothing can be less fitting at an anniversary dinner.
- Brand-new shoes. After an evening of standing you will regret it.
Practical details
If you get a name sticker, be careful with delicate or fine-knit fabrics. Do not simply test strong adhesive on a sensitive surface and, if needed, ask for a badge or clip. For a cool location, bring an extra layer that you can easily take off.
Photos: how to look good in them
If many group photos are taken, plain fabrics usually give a calmer picture than very fine patterns. That does not have to be a reason to avoid a print; above all choose something in which you recognise yourself.
The evening before
Lay out your outfit beforehand and check for stains, loose threads and creases. Let knitwear air and only use steam or iron if the care label allows it. For care advice per material, you can visit our page with care instructions.
Shop the look
Augusta: open-knit wool and cashmere polo, cream
Philippa: ultra high-waist trousers with pleats, beige
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, black
Alistair: knitted piqué polo, cream
Frederick: trousers with brushed inside, coffee brown
Montgomery: modal polo, brown
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear to a school reunion?
Look at the location first. In a café, smart jeans with a polo can be perfectly fine; at a dinner, trousers or other dressier bottoms are the more obvious choice.
Do I have to buy something new for a reunion?
Not necessarily. An outfit you have worn before feels familiar and fits well. If you do want something new, wear it once beforehand to be sure it is comfortable.
Which colours come out well in reunion photos?
Plain colours usually give a calm picture. Fine patterns can look busier on camera, but above all wear colours that suit you.
Are jeans suitable for a reunion?
At an informal reunion in a café, smart, dark jeans can be fine. At a dinner or anniversary, you are better off choosing trousers.
