Popsugar Fashion Birthday Parties Best Outfit Ideas For 21st Birthday 35 Flattering Pieces That Make Some Seriously Jaw-Dropping 21st Birthday Outfits 24 January 2022 by Shelcy Joseph Image Source: H&M As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. Oh, the much-anticipated 21st birthday! For many, it's a rite of passage worth celebrating (you can finally order a drink at a bar!). While some people choose to throw a big birthday bash, others take it easy with a Zoom party or perhaps an elaborate dinner party. No matter what the plan is, one thing is clear: there needs to be a birthday look that rises to the moment. Whether it's a formfitting midi dress with a side slit or a revealing cropped cardigan that'll pair well with sleek trousers, we found some undeniably chic pieces that dial up the sex appeal. Even if you're in a more conservative mood, there's a top, pair of pants, or dress in the selection for you. Scroll on to see. Related: It's Almost Party Season, and These Are the Brands You Need to Pay Attention to A Walk on the Wild Side: Zara Printed Short Dress Image Source: zara.com Go for a wild print that speaks to your playful side in this Zara Printed Short Dress ($40). The print alone has us sold, but the silhouette and fit are the cherry on top of the cake. Zara Printed Short Dress $40 from zara.com Buy Now A Classic Little Black Top: Sokie Collective One Shoulder Going Out Top Image Source: shopbop.com This slim-fitting Sokie Collective One Shoulder Going Out Top ($69, originally $98) will make a sleek impression at the next date night or friends' night out. The single-shoulder silhouette dials up the allure, while the overall design is versatile and easy to pair with laid-back denim jeans or polished skirts. Sokie Collective One Shoulder Going Out Top $69 from shopbop.com Buy Now A Compliment-Worthy Top: H&M Crop Cardigan Image Source: www2.hm.com This H&M Crop Cardigan ($40) will turn heads wherever you go, because it's so distinctly chic and effortlessly elegant. The muted shade makes sure you can style it with everything, from tan tailored trousers to a structured midi skirt. H&M Crop Cardigan $40 from www2.hm.com Buy Now For Day-to-Night Versatility: Zara Full Length Faux the '90s Leather Pants Image Source: zara.com These glossy Zara Full Length Faux the '90s Leather Pants ($50) will amp up any look, whether you pair them with an asymmetric top, a knit sweater, or a fitted blouse. They are professional enough for daytime work meetings or after-dark parties. Zara Full Length Faux the '90s Leather Pants $50 from zara.com Buy Now Ruched Detailing: Nasty Gal Satin Cowl Mini Dress Image Source: nastygal.com The side strings of this Nasty Gal Ruched Satin Cowl Mini Dress ($24, originally $59) give it texture, while the satin fabric will likely feel soft to the touch. It will hug your curves nicely. Nasty Gal Ruched Satin Cowl Mini Dress $24 from nastygal.com Buy Now The Perfect Slip Dress: ASTR the Label Alva Body-Con Midi Dress Image Source: nordstrom.com This ASTR the Label Alva Body-Con Midi Dress ($138) is a chic way to do lingerie-style dressing. It oozes femininity and confidence, and it's perfect for a night on the town. ASTR the Label Alva Body-Con Midi Dress $138 from nordstrom.com Buy Now A Dress That's Made For You: Dress the Population Martine Stretch Crepe One-Shoulder Dress Image Source: nordstrom.com This Dress the Population Martine Stretch Crepe One-Shoulder Dress ($148) makes a sleek, modern, and sexy statement in your closet. If it gets chilly, just wear it under a leather jacket or a trench coat, and you'll be good to go. Dress the Population Martine Stretch Crepe One-Shoulder Dress $148 from nordstrom.com Buy Now A Corset-Style Top: Nasty Gal Recycled Rib Button Front Crop Top Image Source: nastygal.com This Nasty Gal Recycled Rib Button Front Crop Top ($9, originally $48) features a corset bodice and a plunging neckline for maximum allure. Whether you style yours with casual jeans or amp things up with sleek leather trousers, you will look effortlessly stylish. Nasty Gal Recycled Rib Button Front Crop Top $9 from nastygal.com Buy Now An Open-Back Statement: Nasty Gal Knitted Ribbed Midi Dress Image Source: nastygal.com Show off your back in an elegant way in this Nasty Gal Knitted Ribbed Midi Dress ($24, originally $59), which features a high neck, a relaxed silhouette, and long sleeves. Style it with strappy heels. Nasty Gal Knitted Ribbed Midi Dress $24 from nastygal.com Buy Now Guaranteed Crowd Pleaser: Nasty Gal Jersey Plunging Sweetheart Neckline Slit Front Midi Dress Image Source: nastygal.com The square neckline and relaxed silhouette of this Nasty Gal Jersey Plunging Sweetheart Neckline Slit Front Midi Dress ($24, originally $60) make it extremely wearable. Pair it with a dainty chain necklace or a chunky gold style, and finish with stiletto heels. Nasty Gal Jersey Plunging Sweetheart Neckline Slit Front Midi Dress $24 from nastygal.com Buy Now An Undeniably Chic Set: A.L.C. Eleanor Rib-Knit Cardigan Image Source: saksfifthavenue.com This A.L.C. Eleanor Rib-Knit Cardigan ($95, originally $395) is refined enough to wear on festive occasions yet still casually elegant for everyday moments. Pair it with the matching A.L.C. Logan Rib-Knit Flared Pants ($95, originally $395) for the ultimate chic set. A.L.C. Eleanor Rib-Knit Cardigan $95 from saksfifthavenue.com Buy Now A.L.C. Logan Rib-Knit Flared Pants $95 from saksfifthavenue.com Buy Now A Slinky Silhouette: Lisa Says Gah Elenor Wild Hearts Long Sleeve Ruched Minidress Image Source: nordstrom.com The psychedelic heart print of this Elenor Wild Hearts Long Sleeve Ruched Minidress ($138) makes it stand out, and we also appreciate that it's cut from a recycled mesh fabric. The silhouette is flattering, making the dress a perfect pick for a date night or friends' night out. Elenor Wild Hearts Long Sleeve Ruched Minidress $138 from nordstrom.com Buy Now For a Special Occasion: OPT Gertie Dress Image Source: shopbop.com Reserve this OPT Gertie Dress ($82, originally $137) for dressy occasions like a hot date or office party. The asymmetrical cutout is unexpectedly playful, definitely dialing up the allure. Pair it with tall heeled boots or strappy heels. OPT Gertie Dress $82 from shopbop.com Buy Now Some Cutout-Shoulder Action: Enza Costa Silk Rib Angled Neck Midi Dress Image Source: amazon.com This Enza Costa Silk Rib Angled Neck Midi Dress ($225) oozes sex appeal, confidence, and femininity. It's a great one to dress up or down, depending on the mood. Enza Costa Silk Rib Angled Neck Midi Dress $225 from amazon.com Buy Now An Effortlessly Elegant Pick: H&M+ Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress Image Source: www2.hm.com This H&M+ Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress ($35) oozes easy elegance, plus the fabric has a luxe appeal. Style it with a blazer for the office and on its own with mules for date night. H&M+ Lace-Trimmed Slip Dress $35 from www2.hm.com Buy Now A Cool Print: AllSaints Melody Pembury Midi Slipdress Image Source: nordstrom.com The print and silhouette of this AllSaints Melody Pembury Midi Slipdress ($155, originally $259) make it stylish and airy. Pair with sneakers for a laid-back look or low-heeled mules for a dressier appearance. AllSaints Melody Pembury Midi Slipdress $155 from nordstrom.com Buy Now A Designer Piece: Christopher Esber Ruched Crop Shirt Image Source: shopbop.com Christopher Esber is one of the hottest designers of the moment, known for his feminine pieces that ooze easy elegance and sensuality. We're crushing on this Christopher Esber Ruched Crop Shirt ($336, originally $480), which we're planning to pair with high-waisted jeans for a semidressy look or leather pants for a more polished ensemble. Christopher Esber Ruched Crop Shirt $336 from shopbop.com Buy Now A Red-Hot Moment: Nasty Gal Wrap Front Satin Midi Shirt Dress Image Source: nastygal.com In a sea of wrap dresses, this Nasty Gal Wrap Front Satin Midi Shirt Dress ($40, originally $99) will definitely stand out. Cut in gleaming satin that will nicely hug your body without making you feel restrained, it will pair well with heels and a chunky gold necklace. Nasty Gal Wrap Front Satin Midi Shirt Dress $40 from nastygal.com Buy Now Not Your Average White Top: Zara Ruched Satin Effect Shirt Image Source: zara.com This Ruched Satin Effect Shirt ($50) is a fun twist on a typical white button-down, and it packs just as much day-to-night versatility. We like the ruched detail and easygoing fit. Ruched Satin Effect Shirt $50 from zara.com Buy Now A Classic Blazer: Zara Buttoned Textured Weave Blazer Image Source: zara.com This Buttoned Textured Weave Blazer ($119) will make you feel in charge, thanks to the structured silhouette and imposing presence. We love it paired with a matching skirt for a standout suit or with tailored trousers or jeans depending on the occasion. Buttoned Textured Weave Blazer $119 from zara.com Buy Now A Bold Look: Naked Wardrobe One-Shoulder Faux Leather Midi Dress Image Source: nordstrom.com We can totally see Lori Harvey rocking this Naked Wardrobe One-Shoulder Faux Leather Midi Dress ($108), how about you? Channel your inner femme fatale in this fitted leather number that brings a shoulder-baring silhouette and sleek faux-leather finish. Naked Wardrobe One-Shoulder Faux Leather Midi Dress $108 from nordstrom.com Buy Now A Printed Mini: Zara Printed Short Dress Image Source: zara.com We love a printed dress, so this Zara Printed Short Dress ($50) immediately caught our attention. It has a relaxed yet put-together air that makes it a winner in our books. Zara Printed Short Dress $50 from zara.com Buy Now An Outfit Repeater: Nasty Gal Recycled Ribbed Knitted Cut Out Midi Dress Image Source: nastygal.com This Nasty Gal Recycled Ribbed Knitted Cut Out Midi Dress ($15, originally $89) is cut in a soft fabric and features an unexpected bodice cutout that amps up the sex appeal. We guarantee you'll be repeating this outfit! Nasty Gal Recycled Ribbed Knitted Cut Out Midi Dress $15 from nastygal.com Buy Now A Seductive Style: Significant Other Monza Cutout Jersey Midi Dress Image Source: modaoperandi.com This sultry Significant Other Monza Cutout Jersey Midi Dress ($220) features front cutouts, signature drapery, and a slim fit, perfect for cocktails on a roof. It has an understated elegance that makes it ready for your next date or holiday night out. Significant Other Monza Cutout Jersey Midi Dress $220 from modaoperandi.com Buy Now For Maximum Allure: Minkpink Willow Ruched Jersey Dress Image Source: shopbop.com This Minkpink Willow Ruched Jersey Dress ($90, originally $129) will accentuate your figure, thanks to its lustrous knit and slinky silhouette. It will look great with mules or kitten heels. Minkpink Willow Ruched Jersey Dress $90 from shopbop.com Buy Now A Dreamy Statement: & Other Stories Off Shoulder Tulle Midi Dress Image Source: stories.com This & Other Stories Off Shoulder Tulle Midi Dress ($249) looks straight out of a fairy tale with its voluminous neckline and air of royal elegance. Save it for a fancy gala or a themed holiday party. & Other Stories Off Shoulder Tulle Midi Dress $249 from stories.com Buy Now A Taffeta Affair: Self Portrait Lace-Detailed Midi Dress Image Source: modaoperandi.com This lustrous Self Portrait Lace-Detailed Taffeta Midi Dress ($555) is cocktail ready. It features slightly dramatic puff sleeves, a pleated bodice, and ruched detailing for a flattering fit and polished look. Self Portrait Lace-Detailed Taffeta Midi Dress $555 from modaoperandi.com Buy Now A Green Statement: J.Crew Open-Back Silk Charmeuse Dress Image Source: jcrew.com The green jewel tone of this J.Crew Open-Back Silk Charmeuse Dress ($262, originally $328) gives it a luxe appearance, while the side slit amps up the sex appeal. It also features a head-turning open back, which makes it an all-around irresistible look. J.Crew Open-Back Silk Charmeuse Dress $262 from jcrew.com Buy Now An Elegant Top: H&M Rhinestone-Embellished Rib-Knit Top Image Source: www2.hm.com This H&M Rhinestone-Embellished Rib-Knit Top ($35) is an easy way to look polished and put-together. Complete the look with leather pants or a slip skirt. H&M Rhinestone-Embellished Rib-Knit Top $35 from www2.hm.com Buy Now Your New Favourite LBD: H&M+ Rib-Knit Dress Image Source: www2.hm.com This H&M+ Rib-Knit Dress ($40) dials up the allure with the neckline, and we like the matching turtleneck piece if you opt for more coverage and warmth. The rib-knit fabric makes it look quite polished. H&M+ Rib-Knit Dress $40 from www2.hm.com Buy Now For a Figure-Sculpting Number: Naked Wardrobe Hourglass Midi Dress Image Source: nordstrom.com Flaunt what your mama gave ya in this flattering Naked Wardrobe Hourglass Midi Dress ($64). It will hug you in all the right places with its figure-sculpting silhouette, polished fabric, and charming hue. Naked Wardrobe Hourglass Midi Dress $64 from nordstrom.com Buy Now A Standout Style: ASTR the Label Halter Neck Satin Maxi Dress Image Source: nordstrom.com This ASTR the Label Halter Neck Satin Maxi Dress ($89) will move beautifully with every step thanks to its figure-sculpting silhouette. The ruched details, halter neck, and side slit all come together to create a sultry effect. ASTR the Label Halter Neck Satin Maxi Dress $89 from nordstrom.com Buy Now For a Night Out: AFRM Adut Cutout Bodice Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress Image Source: nordstrom.com You'll feel confident and sexy in this head-turning AFRM Adut Cutout Bodice Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress ($88). Complete the look with some thong sandals and a cute shoulder bag. AFRM Adut Cutout Bodice Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress $88 from nordstrom.com Buy Now An Intricate Black Dress: Nasty Gal Satin Animal Jacquard Midi Dress Image Source: nastygal.com The subtle print of this Nasty Gal Satin Animal Jacquard Midi Dress ($24, originally $60) gives it visual interest, while the ruched bust and square neckline give it a feminine edge. Paired with your favourite pair of mules, it makes a decidedly polished, head-turning ensemble. Nasty Gal Satin Animal Jacquard Midi Dress $24 from nastygal.com Buy Now ShoppingBirthday PartiesFashion Shopping