Fashion

What To Wear To Your High School Reunion

by Eliza Florendo

I can hardly believe it, but this year marks my five year high school reunion (excuse me while I question my life choices and compare myself to Tavi Gevinson). For most of us, the event is coming up over Thanksgiving weekend, so it's time to think about what to wear to your high school reunion to let your inner boss b*tch out to your fellow peers.

Remember that girl you met the first week of freshman year who was super nice, but when she found her own friends, acted like she didn't know you? Yep, you show her. Or that guy in your science class that you mildly flirted with (and by mildly, I mean he lent you his TI-83 and wrote a cute message in the "notes" section) and then suddenly, next week, ghosted? This is your chance to show him, too. Or, maybe, you had a fabulous time in high school, and you just wanna look good, damnit! Cause you're a successful woman and you wanna own it.

Of course, appearance isn't everything, but judging from my freshman year photos, it wasn't good. Pleated denim skirts, colorful tube tops, Juicy Couture sweatsuits, and light washed flared jeans were in my constant repertoire. And now, with maturity, a little more pimple cream, and a big girl job, I can actually dress the way I want to. Personally, for me, I'd like to show up polished, professional, but still with an edge of fun.

So without further ado, check out some pieces that'll have you looking like the most fabulous person in the room. Oh, and don't forget to tell your classmates that you invented Post It notes. That'll surely impress them. And please, oh please, save a dance to "Time After Time."

1. The Jumper

Club Monaco Willan Silk Jumper, $289, clubmonaco.com

So Romy and Michelle's sparkly dresses were so on point, but a practical jumpsuit with some booties or mules is everything.

2. The Velvet Dress

Wilfred Poncet Dress, $225, us.aritiza.com

A velvet dress practically screams holiday season. The turtleneck will be so on trend, and showing off a little arm never killed any.

3. The Classic Maxi

Walk This Way Maxi Skirt, $58, nastygal.com

A classic black maxi skirt is a staple for your wardrobe anyway. Love the buttons on this skirt that let you control how high you want your slit to go. This skirt is basically the perfect mix of edgy and sophisticated that you'll want to convey at your reunion.

4. A Killer Pair Of Trousers

ASOS CURVE Wide Leg Trouser With Origami Pleat, $62.70, asos.com

Sometimes, a pair of trousers can make an even bigger impact than a skirt or dress. To give the classic trouser a fun update, stray away from black and go with a fun marsala color, like these.

5. Go With A Tunic

Plus Size Side Split Tunic In Nude, $47.60, missguidedus.com

Styled with either leggings or skinny jeans, tunics are the ultimate boho-chic look. If your reunion is in one of the colder states, layer this tunic with a basic black turtleneck to give it a streamlined, minimalist look.

6. Faux Leather Pants

Zara Faux Leather Biker Trousers, $69.90, zara.com

Everyone, and I mean everyone, loves a good pair of faux leather pants. Especially ones that fit you like a glove. What better way to show off that you just don't give a damn? Just walk by your high school crush once in these. Or twice. Throw on a blazer, and you've got the perfect mix of polished and badass.

7. Suit It Up

Belted '70s Suit Jacket And Flares, $205, us.topshop.com

Unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen the suit rise to popularity this past year. Why not show everyone you're on trend with this boho-inspired suit in a gorgeous rust color? I'd be jealous for sure.

8. The Classic Sweater Dress

Forever21 Plus Size Off-The-Shoulder Dress, $27.90, forever21.com

Nothing says I'm killin' it in my industry quite like the practical sweaterdress — I'm warm, I'm professional, and I'm on top of it all.

9. The Jacquard Dress

Mango Cotton Jacquard Dress, $69.99, shop.mango.com

It's safe to say I'm obsessed with layering dresses — it allows you to basically have double the wardrobe by pulling together your seasonal pieces. This dress' silhouette is so simple and minimal, but the speckled design adds just enough detail to make it pop.

So whether you're trying to give your high school crush the ultimate too-little-too-late FOMO, or want to connect with old peers professionally, these looks will all play that field. But, of course, aside from proving the haters wrong, remember that the reunion is also a time to reconnect with people you've lost touch with. Doesn't hurt if they love your look, though.

Need some beauty tips to go along with your fly look? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle’s YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!

Images: Touchstone Pictures