What to Wear on Your 21st Birthday
Most college girls will celebrate their 21st birthday at some point during their four years. And as everyone knows, 21 is a big deal – it’s a milestone birthday, and a time to turn the page to new possibilities and experiences. It’s also one night where you want to look your best while you parade around town with your girls.
Not sure what to wear on your big night? Below, I’ve listed some fashion tips and outfit ideas for going out on 21st birthday! Cheers to another year… Happy Birthday, you big twenty-oner, you!
Key Pieces for a 21st Birthday Outfit:
Before we get to the fashion picks, here are a few must-have items for a 21st birthday look:
- Wristlet or clutch with wrist strap – For a crazy night out, you don’t want to be burdened by a heavy bag – go for a wristlet or clutch that attaches to you so you won’t lose your money and ID.
- 21er tiara, sash or light-up shot glass – These are a necessity! Aside from perhaps a bachelorette party, a 21st birthday is the ONLY time you’ll have a built-in excuse to look completely ridiculous at the bars and at restaurants. It’s your birthday, so live it up!
- Flashy heels – It’s your birthday, so why not make a statement with your footwear? Something sexy, sparkly, or bright is a must for your 21er!
- Amazing dress – Your 21st birthday is the perfect opportunity to splurge on that perfect party dress -go for something you absolutely love, and make sure it’s something you’ll be able to dance in. 21st birthday dresses are supposed to be fun!
- Camera – You’ll want to document this night. Have one of your trusty friends act as photographer for the night, and make sure to ruthlessly delete any photos you don’t love!
- Lipgloss – You’ll want to freshen up as the night goes on. Glossy lips are always a bonus.
5 Best Stores for 21st Birthday Dresses:
- Lulus - Great for cute, trendy, and girly dresses that won’t break the bank.
- Modcloth - Perfect for vintage-inspired dresses; can sometimes be on the pricier side.
- Nordstrom - Giant selection and great for pieces you want to last.
- Macy’s - Another department store favorite.
- Forever 21 …Fitting, right? ;)
21st Birthday Outfit Ideas
Dress, Heels, Necklace, Wristlet, Tiara
This first look would be perfect for the fashion-forward girl who isn’t afraid to mix patterns and prints. Start with a flowy white 21st birthday dress with lacy detailing. Add some leopard print heels, a sparkly wristlet, a chunky Betsey Johnson necklace (hey it’s your b-day, you can splurge a little) and a 21er tiara. You’re set for a night of glam and fun.
Dress, Heels, Wristlet, Earrings, Bracelet, Tiara
You can always count on your trusty friend, the little black dress, to carry you through an important night like this one. Put on some sparkly black heels, diamond stud earrings, a brightly colored cuff bracelet, and a wristlet and you are ready to go!
Dress, Heels, Wristlet, Bracelet, Tiara
This last look is definitely my favorite because it’s glam but still fun. One-shoulder dresses have been hot for a few seasons now, and this light pink sequined one would be perfect for the girly girl. Add some white-gold heels and a fancy bracelet. (No necklace is needed since the dress’s neckline is gorgeous on its own!) Grab that wristlet and head to the bars for a night on the town. You’ll be sparkly and pretty all night long!
Thoughts?
Are you celebrating your 21st this year? If so, what are YOU going to do/wear? Or if you’ve already celebrated, what did you wear on your 21st birthday? Do you like these looks? Let us know in the comments below!
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Posted on on March 4, 2012 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: 21, Birthday, Dresses, Outfits, Party, Party Attire
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Rebecca
I really liked this post; mostly because today IS my 21st birthday!
Roslyn
Happy birthday Rebecca! Great post for any birthday age! Love the last two outfits!!
Sonja
My (and my sister’s!) birthday is on new years eve. I kinda doubt we’d be the only ones wearing tiaras and the like on the 31st.
Becky
I love the third outfit especially! I can’t wait to wear something similar on my 21st…only 7 months to go!
AnnieK
My 24th is coming up soon, I feel old! Haha but these outfits are all great :)
April
The link for the 2nd outfit’s black dress does not work :( I really like that dress too!
Issie
mine is in 3 weeks! 21 isn’t as big of a deal in Canada since our drinking age is 19 :) (18 in some provinces)
so i’m having a low-key 21st…a nice dinner out with my boyfriend. thus my outfit will be a little more reserved
Kenna
Man! 3 years ago I was looking for a post like this on your site… oh well I’ll just use it for my 25th birthday look next year :)
Nessa
Cute outfits, my 21st was 2 years ago. A note: if you plan on drinking a bit, heels may not be the way to go.
cg
i think there should’ve been more variety in the outfits.. they’re all dresses :S what about some cute blouse-jeans ensembles? :) or skirts?
Paisley
My 21st birthday is in 12 days…can’t wait! Thanks for the inspiration :) I have the killer heels, now I just need a killer dress.
Rachel
I’ll be 7 months pregnant on my 21st! Won’t be doing much partying! I’ll have to find an outfit that will fit my big belly, lol. Great post though, cute outfits. My favorite is the last one.
Blair
seriously, 21st birthday is a big deal? since when?, LOL
I guess its not a big thing where i live…
Cecily
This made my day because I’m getting ready to celebrate my 21st in a few weeks while studying abroad in London (where such things don’t matter). It made me excited all over again!
Allison
I was sick and I went out straight from the ceramics studio where I was doing class work, so I wore clay covered jeans and a t-shirt, as did my friends. It was still quite fun and memorable. No need to go crazy about the outfit or the bar unless you want to.
Scotti
I’ve still a few years to go…but I’ll remember this post when I’m gearing up for the big 21!
Valerie
I wore jeans and a nicer shirt for my 21st birthday, but then again, I am a summer baby, so I didn’t have a bunch of friend’s around for my birthday. At least I didn’t get alcohol poisoning from that birthday!
Iris
The second and third are most definitely my favorites! Turning 21 is such a special night and dressing to impress is always important! I think this is a great post and once my 21st birthday rolls around I’ll definitely keep it in mind!
Nastia
Interesting… my bday is this wednesday.. and I’ll be 21 :o nice post
Ashley C.
Where was this when I turned 21! Hahah I’m loving that last dress
Porsche
Love these outfits! Although for my 21st I think I’m going a bit more casual. Just one more year to go :)
Rachel
1) Maxi Pleated Skirt
2) Coral and Mint Jeans
3) Neon bangles and jewelry
4) Stacking and layering jewelry
5) White Button Down Shirt (not sheer polyester)
Rachel
woops lol ignore my last comment
Rose
Great outfits! But who says you need to drink to celebrate?!
Paula*
Cute outfits, but I probably won’t be drinking. I’m not really into birthdays, so I’ll most likely do something casual.
Chatura
This is crazy that this article is posted now since my 21st is next week! These are great but I’m pairing a black mini with a lace tank top for my birthday. These would be a little overdressy for the bars I’m planning on going to. Either way, these are really great ideas!
Nessa
This post is so perfect, my 21st birthday is in exactly 57 days (!!!) and I’m definitely on the hunt for the perfect dresses to celebrate my birthday on my first bar shuffle and at my birthday parties the following weekend. Such a great post, CF does it once again :)
Maddie
Great post, and great timing! It was posted ON my 21st. I got a great dress for cheap at Forever 21 that was perfect :) thanks, CF!
Peter Hellberg
What a lovely use of one of my photos, good job :)
Ellie
Great post! I love the date of this post, because it was posted on my birthday (my 19th, but still on my birthday!) Happy birthday to Maddie and Rebecca, my fellow March 4th babies :)
Amanda
I wish I wore a dress on my 21st :-/ I didn’t even get out for a bar night. Nevertheless, the white dress is by far my favorite. :)
1) Moccasins
2) Light colored skirt (with tights to match!)
3) Coral or Mint blouses
4) Floral wedges (or any pastel color wedges)
5) Hair tie or pin with a little extra in it (flowers, brooches, etc)
Brittany
This is such great timing! My 21st is on the 11th, so I’ll definitely be putting these outfits to good use!
Kort
Love these outfits. My 21st is in 6 days and I bought a dress today. I was going for more of the obnoxious girly dress. I bought a short dress with a black sparkley corset top and then the bottom of the dress is white and poofy. You only turn 21 once so might as well get a little crazy! I’m in love with the short poofy dresses and for me this was the perfect 21st bday dress!
Emily
Could you do a summer 21st birthday edition? My birthday is coming up and I have no clue what to wear!
Trinnean Archer
That’s a good suggestion for 21st birthday. Your suggestion are good however in my opinion you got to wear your best dress within your wardrobe and if you find nothing appropriate, then the best idea is to shop. You can wear short cocktail dresses or high low dresses with elegant designs. You got to wear good shoes with the dress. And to add little glamor you can accessories yourself with jewelery.
Lulu
Hi, I’m turning the big 21 :) sooo excited!!
love the dresses, but I would prefer to wear Leggings and I have no fashion sense to save my life. so please could you give me ideas on what to wear with leggings!!
thanks :-)
Chelsea
MY 21st is on the 5th gahhh I’m excited my dress is picked out … I need heels & I’m using a black coach clutch!
Karlee
I think you can have a cute outfit without a dress. I’m going to a concert. Add an outfit with pants or jeans(: