5 Looks for Your Spring Dinner Party

The sun is setting at 8pm, summer travels are just around the corner, the frilly florals have made their way out of the storage closet… spring has sprung, and so has dinner party season. No shame to the rest of the year, but we’ve been looking forward to this one – and don’t lie, you’re in the mood to entertain.

A springtime gathering can come in many forms, but here at YSE, we’ve seen it all: the extravagant sunset soiree, the Little League team cookout, even the couch-ridden Bridgerton finale. Thing is, no matter the occasion, you are the host. And as the host, you should feel amazing – inside and out. So, for your next dinner party, we present five spring looks that might inspire your OOTN. Top to bottom, skin to shoes… best served with a cocktail.

The Backyard BBQ

Picture this: it’s Saturday evening, you just got home, and the day's events that preceded have led you to hit cancel on your dinner reservation for the night. Your kids are hungry, the neighbors are on their way, and you just can’t be bothered to clean a kitchen. You turn on the grill and pull out the paper plates. It’s burger night, baby.  

You want to feel put together, even though you’re counting down the seconds until face-meets-pillow. Consider a slouchy jean that you know is cozy – a pair you’ve spent years breaking in – and your favorite white tee. A simple flat will polish the look, and if the breeze permits, reach for a statement sweater that doubles as a blanket. As for the skin, take advantage of the bare-faced opportunity. Radiance by the swipe of an Ex Pad and a layer of Last Call Retinol, so when bedtime comes, you’re set for slumber. 

The Kitchen Cocktail Party

You’re expecting friends at 6, so you pulled out your mother in law’s crystal pitcher to stir up a summery spritz. It’s nothing fancy, but it feels festive – and not to mention, a perfect complement to your little caprese bites. A cocktail party doesn’t always have to be extravagant, so don’t overthink it, and the same goes for your outfit (hair and skin included, of course).

Whether you’re cooking for ten or hosting an intimate gathering, classic and cool is the way to go. An exposed ankle is oh-so spring, and a frayed jean and a classic sandal is a fool-proof pairing. Debut your new blouse that’s been waiting for you since last Tuesday’s secret splurge, complete with a pair of chunky earrings for an added oomph. If you’re going for laid-back, air dry your hair to embrace its natural texture. And of course, a quenched complexion as the final touch, using Xtremely Rich™  to hydrate your base and a mauve-y blush for a Parisian style cheek. Voila. 

The Girls Night In

The girls are gathering! And for your next ladies’ potluck, we’re channeling sophisticated and stylish. The modern pleated skirt – like this one from Reformation – delivers elegance and comfort from hips to heels. A long sleeve tee and some sneakers bring the perfect edge to a rather feminine silhouette, lending to a fun necklace as a texture piece. 

And what says girls night like a no-makeup-makeup-look: polished enough to receive a compliment or two, but nothing too serious. A light layer of Skin Glow (for both the subtle sheen and the blurred glow), and a swipe of liner on the lips is all you need. Expect full hands upon entry, and make sure you aren’t missing any pieces on the backgammon board, because sh*t is about to go down.

The Garden Gathering

Is the sun peeking through? Are the flowers blooming? Did someone say evening picnic on the grass? Whatever it is, it’s happening outside, and there will be hors devours. For an occasion of the sort, a flouncy bodice with gathered shoulders is a perfect choice. Whatever sundress you reach for, offset your accessories to balance out the femininity of the silhouette. A chic black slingback is classic and fuss free, and pairs well with structured eyewear. 

And since golden hour is most likely peaking, your highlight stick wants in. For the skin, apply a swipe of Vacation Glow on the high points of your cheek and tip of your nose. Layer a fresh coral blush to brighten the skin, and dab on a sheer gloss for an understated lip. And there you have it, mademoiselle gone mod – you can find her frolicking in the garden.

The Sit-Down-Dinner Party

The candles are lit, the place cards are set, and your elevated evening awaits. Event planning often takes precedence, and once you finally step away from your floral arrangements, you might realize your tables are better dressed than you are for the night – but we can change that. Consider a coordinated set for effortless cohesion, like this one from Cult Gaia. Clean lines and timeless tones lend perfectly for fun accessorizing, so don’t be afraid of a funky shoe and a statement earring to bring the look to life. 

Moonlit skin may be underrated, but is perhaps the best accomplice to a strapless look. So, sweep a bit of Liquid Glow Body Oil over the décolletage and down the arms for a glow that goes all night. A cool-toned sheen across the eyelid brings a monochromatic flair, and a bit of mascara completes the nighttime moment. And when it’s time for your toast, cheers to good friendships... good food… and good skin. In no particular order.

This spring, we are looking good to feel good. And if there’s one thing we all know, it’s that the right outfit – with the right skincare, of course – is the secret ingredient to a perfect night, no matter the occasion.