With the official go-ahead from the powers that be (the CDC) and our laminated vax cards in hand, our long-awaited return to IRL activities is finally here. And since our Friday and Saturday nights for the last year-plus have included watching Netflix and cycling through sweatsuits, it doesn’t take much to guess what 2019 practice we’re most excited to get back to: parties. Long, loud, and sweaty parties, where the dresses are short, patterned, and probably covered in sequins.
But, after leaving our wardrobes out to dry for the majority of 2020, many of us aren’t quite prepared (style-wise) for the party season ahead. Don’t fret, though. Thanks to Instagram’s seemingly endless sources of outfit inspiration, you’ll be back to dressing for a night on the town in no time.
From floss pants and crop tops to sparkly dresses and colorful sandals, find a look for every party mood, ahead.
May the dresses be short and the wedges high!It's time to start pairing your parachute pants with heels.It doesn't get much better than this flossy bra-and-skirt set.If you didn't already know, cowboy boots are the party shoe of the summer.Going out bras > going out tops.Turn your favorite quarantine activity (crocheting) into your favorite post-quarantine fashion moment (crochet tops).Skorts are back — just in time for party season.The 2021 version of Carrie Bradshaw's gray mini dress.Check out this 10/10 party 'fit.This look is sunshine in an outfit.Swipe for pillow sandals.More crochet swimwear, please!This tropical set is an ode to all the vacation looks we didn't wear in 2020.It's the chainlink belt for us.From the sheer top to the matching accessories, this look is a winner through and through.Is it just us, or are you already making plans to copy this look, too?We're getting serious "Oops!...I Did It Again" vibes from this red leather look.A good party look doesn't always have to be colorful.When you can't decide between a mini dress and jeans, so you just wear both.The more skin showing, the better, if you ask us.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
If there’s been one major life lesson to take away from living through a global pandemic, it’s to cherish all that you hold close to your heart — a cheesy but profoundly true sentiment that could arguably be extended to the things you own, like, say, a timeless pair of shoes that are worth their weight in wear-count alone (as opposed to a one-season hit).
In the keep pile: sandals so versatile, you could wear them for all occasions and with all outfits. And Reef, the footwear brand that prides itself on all-day comfort, has dreamed up a pair that checks all the boxes. The Water Vista sandal — packaged in sleek, monochrome colorways (we’re partial to the white) — not only boasts a lightweight molded footbed, but it also features adjustable straps and a super durable outsole that can withstand even your hardiest venture. In other words, the water-friendly sandal is impressive for its support, its unparalleled comfort (plus, no breaking-in period), and its transcendent ability to tread both water and land.
But its best feature? The fact that it can be worn day or night, with jeans or a dress, on a boat or at dinner. To prove our point, R29 beauty & wellness writer Karina Hoshikawa took the Water Vista on a 24-hour test-drive, pairing the sandal with three vastly different ‘fits that showcase its remarkable versatility in all its glory.
Perfect for: Running errands, stopping by the farmers’ market, perusing flower stands, meeting friends for brunch Dressiness level: Low-key & casual
Forget striking a balance — embrace a relaxed silhouette by doubling down on loose, easy-to-wear pieces, like an oversized striped button-down with slouchy denim (consider the look a more put-together version of sweats). Together, they exude a level of effortless sophistication buoyed by a cheeky, laissez-faire spirit. To temper excessive bagginess, half-tuck the shirt and cuff the legs — the latter of which also sets the stage to spotlight your shoes: Water Vista strappy sandals that tie the whole look together.
Perfect for: Sailing on a boat, strolling on beaches, hanging out at BBQs, all-around living your best life Dressiness level: Laidback refinement
There’s something so utterly polished about a streamlined, one-shade palette, especially when that color is as pristine as white. The message it inadvertently communicates to the world: You’re an adult, you don’t spill wine on yourself; in fact, you repel stains. Be that person and slip into a sweeping, wind-catching ecru-colored dress that provides a neat, subtle contrast against your stark white, water-friendly sandals.
Perfect for: Dining out with a date, social distancing at outdoor concerts, meeting up for drinks Dressiness level: Alluring, yet approachable
Cute yet sexy, dressy but casual, revealing while also covered — it’s a look that defies all laws of fashion. It’s a sartorial amalgam of everything we could possibly ask for in a p.m. ‘fit: a skin-skimming minidress with cutouts, diagonally slashed from here to there; a denim jacket to offset exposure and to provide a buffer against any surprising dips in temperature; and, best of all, the Water Vista sandal that promises comfort for wherever your night might take you.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
After the year we've all had, most of us would probably respond "Whoa, there" to the concept of putting on any footwear less buoyant than house slippers. But as both temperatures and the number of vaccinated Americans rises, it's time to consider shoes that can't double as memory-foam pillows in the event of an emergency disco nap.
Thankfully, with REEF's latest sandal styles, you won't need to sacrifice all-day comfort as you relearn how to dress for The Outside. The sandals combine the perfect amount of cushioning with sleek shapes that can handily take you from drinking Bloody Marias behind a partition to the socially distanced beach and beyond. Ahead, see our top picks from the new collection, with some highly specific ideas for how and where we'd wear them.
How we'd wear it: With a bricoleur-ed suit consisting of a vest and low-slung trousers in a neutral to complement the super-soft vegan leather and espadrille detailing.
Where we'd wear it: To lunch (chicken paillard, anyone?) on a veranda that turns into a night of dancing to circa-2018 hits on a rooftop (the bounce footbed can handle it.)
Reef Cushion Sol, $, available at ReefHow we'd wear it: With our flashiest bikini, an out-of-season cardigan as a coverup, and anklets galore.
Where we'd wear it: First, to the quietest beach we can find. Then, post-rinse-off (they're water-resistant!), to eat a selection of fresh seafood.
Reef Water Vista, $, available at ReefHow we'd wear it: With very abbreviated cutoff shorts.
Where we'd wear it: To do the two step — the double-strap design will make sure the sandals stay put, while the lug sole adds height so you can tower over your partner to establish dominance.
Reef Cushion Vista Hi, $, available at ReefHow we'd wear it: Head-to-toe white linen, of course.
Where we'd wear it: Primo arch support means we're hitting three block parties — at the very least.
Reef Cushion Court, $, available at ReefHow we'd wear it: With a high-cut maillot (in a bright color to offset the oversized straps), saucer-size sunglasses, and a coconut-milk-based beverage.
Where we'd wear it: Grifting our way into a private pool.
Reef Pool Float, $, available at ReefHow we'd wear it: With the biggest, tulle-iest princess dress we own.
Where we'd wear it: All over town, alternating between flouncing and biking —
with foam padding on the inside of straps, we won't be home until the wee hours, don't wait up.
