DNC Outfit Ideas: 5 Stylish-Yet-Professional Looks to Land You on the Best-Dressed List
Images via Rent The Runway
On July 25th, thousands of skirt-suited women and pleated-pants-wearing men will converge upon the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Wells Fargo Center to watch Hillary Clinton (finally) be announced as the 2016 Democratic Presidential Nominee. As any brief trip to Washington, D.C. will show you, fashion isn’t necessarily the point of focus on Capitol Hill. However, that’s good news for you, fashion-minded DNC goer, because you can easily wow the nation’s leaders with your political savvy and style sense. Here are five outfit ideas that will land you on the DNC best-dressed list, featuring the five most requested items for the DNC from Rent The Runway. Whether you’re a wrap-dresses-only type of gal or jumpsuit addict, we’ve got the best outfit combos to get you through the Democratic National Convention in style.
Between the political landscape and the Democratic party’s color of choice, we’ve been feeling a little blue lately — so we’re going to embrace it! This Tibi Heavy Silk Cutout Top ($50 rental, $295 retail) is perfect for those who want in on the open-shoulder trend. Pair it with a midnight blue Eileen Fisher pencil skirt (Neiman Marcus, $228) and top it off with a delicately tied scarf (Knit Wit, $148) and patterned sandals (Stuart Weitzman, $218), and you’ve got yourself a recipe for (democracy-inspired) DNC outfit success.
For something a little more exciting, a Trina Turk Sabella Jumpsuit ($55 rental, $348 retail) will do just the trick. Play off the ’70s vibe by featuring metallics accents such as these Equipment gold-tip oxfords (Spring, $388), a minimalist choker (similar here) and red lipstick from Urban Decay in “Zealot” (Sephora, $17) that’s infused with gold micro-shimmer. Also keep in mind that even in the dead of summer, it can get chilly in the air-conditioned Wells Fargo Center, so keep a light jacket on hand. We’re quite partial to this Givenchy number (Neiman Marcus, $1,102).
There’s no doubt that the DNC will be overrun with sad, ill-fitting black and blue blazers. However this Paper Crown Beige Stripe Blazer ($50 rental, $275 retail) avoids the common trappings of standard blazer-dom with its crisp 3/4 sleeve and light, airy print. Anchor the look with a silk crepe camisole (Chloé, $895), but set it off with pants in an eye-catching ikat (J. Crew, $69.99). It works because you’re still playing on the same color family (in this case, a neutral creamy tan) and have at least one solid-color item.
With such a vibrant, standout hue, it’s important to let this Shoshanna Lapis Blue Tia Dress ($60 rental, $340 retail) shine on its own. Keep the rest of the look simple with a sleek white clutch with metallic accents (Aldo, $40) and white pumps with a major dose of personality (Intermix, $495). To avoid looking like an actual American flag, stick to a bright, blue-based fuchsia (Nars “Vera” at Nordstrom, $32) for the lips and unexpected turquoise drop earrings (Lagos, $400).
A basic wrap dress is a staple, so if you want to stand out while still looking professional, we suggest this funky Yumi Kim Mix & Mingle Wrap Dress ($40 retail, $215 retail). The graphic print and gathering gives the illusion of texture while the Paul Andrew jacquard heels (Joan Shepp, $795) introduce actual fabric texture into the look. While schlepping along the Convention Center floor, throw all of your swag and pamphlets into this All Saints tote (Bloomingdale’s, $298).
By the time Hillary Clinton makes her way to the stage to give her acceptance speech on July 28th, we’ll all be tired of sensible heels and boxy jackets. But thankfully, with these five DNC outfit ideas, we know you’ll stand out from the legions of pantsuits and basic shift dresses.
