Elegant Dinner Party Outfit: Burgundy Perfection
- Erika Hernandez
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
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I had the pleasure of celebrating my dear friend’s birthday at Anthony Runner 84 in Fort Lauderdale, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I truly got dressed up. Life can sometimes feel like a whirlwind, and I don’t always have occasions that make me excited to plan an outfit. But this night was different. It was about friendship, joy, and the simple pleasure of putting on something special and stepping out.
Let me tell you, I was all in for the celebration—and my outfit? Let’s just say, I was ready to slay.
The Dress: A Burgundy Beauty
The star of the evening was my burgundy mock neck ruched cocktail dress, and let me tell you, it was an absolute steal from Amazon at just $44. The moment I slipped it on, I knew it was a winner. The ruching detail? A lifesaver. It hugged me in all the right places and created a slimming effect that gave me so much confidence. And the side slit—classy yet a little bit flirty—was just the right touch for an elegant dinner without feeling over the top.
The mock neck added a sophisticated vibe, making the dress feel timeless and polished.
Honestly, this dress felt like it was made for me, and it’s proof that you don’t have to break the bank to feel stunning.
The Accessories: Keeping It Simple
When it came to accessories, I knew I wanted to keep the focus on the dress, so I went minimal but impactful.
Earrings: My gold statement earrings (also from Amazon, $6!) were the perfect touch of glam. They were bold enough to stand out but didn’t compete with the ruching on the dress.
Ring: I opted for a delicate 14K gold-plated band with faux onyx stones. The simplicity of the ring let the dress and earrings shine while adding just a hint of elegance to my hands.
Clutch: To tie it all together, I carried an acrylic amber clutch I scored during a Black Friday deal for only $24. Its rich tortoiseshell pattern complemented the burgundy of the dress beautifully, giving the look an extra layer of sophistication.
The Shoes: A Necessary Compromise
Now, I have to admit—my shoe choice wasn’t exactly what I envisioned. Ideally, I would have worn a pair of classic black pointy-toe heels. I love how they add sharpness and polish to any outfit, and they’re my go-to during fall and winter, even in sunny Florida. But alas, I didn’t have a pair on hand, so I made do with my Vince Camuto Saprenda 2 sandals.
While they weren’t my first choice, they still got the job done and complemented the outfit well. If anything, they reminded me that not everything has to be perfect for you to feel amazing.
The Night Out: A Reminder to Celebrate
Walking into Anthony Runner 84, I felt like a million bucks. It wasn’t just the outfit—it was the experience of getting ready, putting on lipstick, and stepping out for a night filled with laughter, great food, and even better company.
As someone who doesn’t dress up often, this night reminded me how fun it can be to celebrate yourself, even in the little ways. Finding pieces that make you feel beautiful, no matter the price tag, is such a joy. And while I don’t always look forward to going out, this night was special—both because of the company and because I took the time to make it feel that way.
So, if you’ve been waiting for the “right occasion” to pull out that dress in your closet or treat yourself to something new, let this be your sign to do it. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate good company.
Until next time, cheers to more moments worth dressing up for! 😉
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