What's a cute, trendy outfit for a graduation open house?

[ourbabygirl]

I've felt so frumpy since I started having kids almost 4 years ago, so I'm starting to make more of an effort with my clothing, especially for events where I'll see a lot of relatives and people I used to hang out with. :)

What would be a cute, stylish/ trendy outfit to wear to a graduation open house in June? My old standby would've probably been capris or shorts, a shirt, and sandals of some sort. I'd love to get one great go-to outfit for events like this; something with more interest as far as pattern/ texture/ colors/ cut, etc. (I need to stay away from boring basic cotton tops & bottoms like a colored shirt and black, white, or khaki capris.)

Any ideas? I love the look of AT and ATL, INC from Macy's, and I'm hoping to just start shopping at Nordstrom since their stuff is nicer quality and they have great customer service.

Also, what would you wear to a bridal shower? I'm going to one in July and really need to step up my game for that, too. :)

Thanks for your help!

[crl]

How about a shirt dress for both?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ivanka-trump-tina-shirtdress/3262111?origin=category&resultback=0

Catherine

[DrSally]

How about a Boden jersey dress in a fun color with metallic sandals and fun earings?

[kozachka]

I think the answer depends a lot on your body type and climate, but it's essential that whatever you wear fits you to a t and is worn with nice shoes.

I am slightly pear shaped and my go to outfit is a pair of dark wide-leg 7 by All Mankind jeans hemmed to be worn with 3 inch heels, Max Mara silk shiffon fitted top to show off my small waist, nice bra and blue wedges (or booties for colder weather). I have a collection of dresses for various occasions/climates with my favorite being a black and white wrap dress by DvF (similar to this (http://windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/_color=)one but with more black in it and bought on sale as everything else) that I wear with black hose and black pointy shoes. I also like Suzi Chin faux-wrap dress that I got from MyHabit.com for $30-$35. It's similar to this (http://www.suzichin-maggyboutique.com/charlotte-faux-wrap-dress/invt/sr047mxe/&bklist=icat,3,shop,daytime) dress but with cap sleeves.

Suzi Chin websire has a bunch of dresses in the wedding section (http://www.suzichin-maggyboutique.com/shop/wedding/icat/wedding/&itemsperpage=25&isviewall=1&bklist=icat,3,shop,wedding)of its website. Maybe you'll like something.

[echoesofspring]

I think you could rock a cute casual dress at both occassions and feel great w/out feeling like you've overdressed. Shirt dress, or colorblock, or wrap or...ok, I'm living vicariously b/c I really want to buy a new dress and I have absolutely nothing on my calendar to justify it :)


http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/t-tahari-corrina-colorblock-sheath-dress/3247609?origin=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/adrianna-papell-print-knot-dress/3268052?origin=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/donna-morgan-side-tie-jersey-dress/3249174?origin=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tahari-by-arthur-s-levine-print-cotton-sheath-dress/3253845?origin=category

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/vince-camuto-ruched-stripe-dress-petite/3262689?origin=category

Alternatively I think a tunic and sharp jeans/pants would also look good.