How to Look Nice on Your Birthday

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Your birthday is a great opportunity to celebrate yourself, and a huge part of that is making sure you look your best. Take time picking out a stunning outfit, or go shopping to find something completely new to wear. Style your hair, do your makeup, and get ready to look your absolute best for your special day. Spend a little extra time pampering yourself with some special treatments, like a hair and face mask. Remember, it’s your day and you can be as fancy or as laidback as you want to be!

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Picking Out a Special Outfit

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sequins and glitter are all the rage and will guarantee that you’re the star of the day. For a more subtle, classic look, pick a cream, light pink, or black sparkle dress. For something that pops a little more, look for red, blue, or a mixed-color dress. [1]
    • If the weather is cool, pair your dress with tights and a jacket to keep yourself warm.
  2. This is a classic style that doesn’t take much time to pull together but that will make you look great! You can keep it casual by cinching the dress with a belt or wearing a pair of fashion sneakers with it, or dress it up by wearing heels and a statement necklace. [2]
    • Keep in mind where you’ll be when you’re wearing your birthday outfit. If you’ll be at school, adding a pair of white Keds and a choker necklace would be a cool look. If you’re hitting the town, a colorful clutch and a dangly pair of earrings could help complete your outfit.
    Advertisement
  3. For example, you could pair an animal-print skirt with a sparkly top, or wear leather pants with a velvet sweater. Look for pieces that catch your eye that you might not normally put together, and try pairing them up. You might be surprised by what works! [3]
    • Stripes and floral prints, polka dots and lace, pink pants and a red sweater—there are tons of great combos that you could wear to make your birthday outfit super special.
  4. If your style is more laid-back, try wearing a pair of skinny jeans with a nice blouse. You could even wear a graphic tee and a jean jacket or some other kind of combination to look cool while still keeping things casual. [4]
    • Even a nice pair of leggings can help you look and feel good on your birthday.
    • If you're wearing a dress shirt, tuck the bottom of the shirt into your pants for a more flattering look. For an edgier look, cuff your sleeves and flip the collar up.
  5. Black pants, jeans, or khakis are great choices for pants, just make sure they fit well and aren’t too baggy or wrinkly. Add a clean, crisp T-shirt or a nice button-up top, and overtop of that, wear a bomber jacket or something similar to finish off your outfit. [5]
    • To keep your outfit on the casual side, wear a pair of clean athletic sneakers. Or, dress things up with Chelsea boots or oxford shoes.
  6. Choose an outfit that you feel comfortable and attractive in. What you wear on your birthday comes down to your own personal style. You could use this as an opportunity to wear something fancy and flashy, or you could stick with your normal kind of outfit. Whatever you choose, make sure you like it and feel good in it. [6]
    • It’s your birthday, so chances are people might pay a little more attention to you than they usually do. If you love the extra attention, lean into it and choose an eye-catching outfit. If attention makes you uncomfortable, pick a nice outfit, but don’t make it too different from what you normally wear.
  7. a new outfit if you can’t buy a new one. Celebrating your birthday and looking special doesn’t have to require a lot of money. Turn your thrifting trip into a birthday celebration by inviting along a few good friends. You can have fun searching the racks for unique finds and can model the clothes for each other. Look for some of these fun outfit combos: [7]
    • A sundress and jacket
    • Jeans and a new-to-you sweater
    • A sparkly or shiny skirt or dress
    • Jeans, a button-up shirt, and a blazer
    • Black leggings and a cool graphic tee
  8. If you’re in school or a job where you have to follow a dress code, you can still look nice on your birthday! Plan ahead to wash your clothes so they’re fresh, clean, and unwrinkled for your big day. [8]
    • Don’t forget to clean up your shoes, too! If they have mud caked on them or are scuffed, clean them up so they look like new again.
    • If you do have to wear a uniform, focus on making sure your hair, makeup, and general hygiene are on point.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Accessorizing Your Outfit

PDF download Download Article
  1. Simply loop a scarf around your neck, or get more stylized by using a silk scarf as a choker or headband. During the spring and summer, wear a sunhat or fedora to spice up your outfit, or don a beanie during the winter to keep you warm while still looking stylish. [9]
    • If these types of items aren’t your style, that’s totally okay. Choose accessories that you’re comfortable with so that you’ll look natural and at ease.
  2. A statement necklace can transform any outfit into a more stylized ensemble. If you wear a statement necklace, you really won’t need much else in the way of jewelry. Try out some of these ideas: [10]
    • Wear a bright, colorful statement necklace with a plain outfit, like black pants and a nice, single-toned top.
    • Dress up a top or dress with a low neckline with a chunky statement necklace.
    • Wear a gold, silver, or black necklace if your outfit is really colorful.
    • Add a choker to your outfit for a younger, hipper vibe.
  3. Pair a dress or skirt with fun tights if the weather is cooler. Black tights are classic, but you could also pick colored or patterned tights for a fun look. If you do wear brightly colored tights, try to keep the rest of your outfit fairly simple, like a single-toned dress or a neutral skirt and top combo. [11]
    • A fun way to pick colored tights is to use an accent color from your outfit to match them to. For example, if you’re wearing a patterned dress that has green threading throughout, wear a pair of tights that are the same shade of green.
  4. If your outfit is neutral in color, use a purse or handbag that is bright and expressive. Buy something new, use something you already have, or thrift a new-to-you bag that can complete your birthday look. [12]
    • Think about where you’ll be on your birthday. If you’ll be at school, a regular-sized purse might be best so you can carry your notebooks, pens, and phone. If you’ll be going out, a clutch or wristlet could work well so you can just bring the essentials with you.
  5. Add a nice leather belt and a watch to your outfit for a masculine look. If you’re going for a more masculine vibe, it can feel hard to accessorize. Try adding a nice quality dark brown or light tan belt. Similarly, a large watch can add a bit of flash to your outfit without making it feel overdone. [13]
    • If either your belt, watch strap, or shoes are made of leather, try to stick with a single shade to make your look more cohesive.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Doing Your Hair and Makeup

PDF download Download Article
  1. Go all out by wearing a sparkly outfit and adding sparkles to your hair, or amp up a toned-down outfit by adding multi-colored sparkles to your hairline. Style your hair how you want it first, and then use hair gel and glitter to create your look.
    • At the end of the day, just massage some olive oil into your hair, let it rest for 10 minutes, and then shampoo and condition your hair as normal to get the glitter out.
  2. A blowout is a great way to get a perfect style for your special day, and it could also last you most of your birthday week! Let your stylist know if you want waves, curls, straightened hair, or some other style so they can work their magic. [14]

    Tip: While you can definitely visit a blowout bar, which specializes in this task, you could also schedule a visit at your regular salon and just skip the haircut. Instead, just ask for a wash and style.

  3. If you normally wear your hair up or tend to straighten it every day, creating beach waves can really make you look different and stand out on your birthday. You can use a curling iron or hair straightener to make waves, or you could even get a leave-in product and let your hair air dry for a similar effect. [15]
    • Beach waves look really nice, and they go with casual or fancy outfits. You can also do this style with most hair lengths except for pixie cuts.
  4. Use hair mascara, hair chalk, colored hairspray, or a semi-permanent dye to add color to your locks. This is especially fun for a night out on the town or to just take some fun photos. [16]
    • If you really want to change up your look, consider wearing a colored wig! This is a super fun way to look different, and at the end of the day, you can just take it off.
  5. Fix your short hair so that it looks intentionally styled. Use a little bit of styling wax or gel to keep your hair going in the right direction and to fix any flyaways. You could try a new style, like the pompadour , adding a part, or a quiff . [17]
    • If you have a beard , take some time to trim it up so it looks neat and styled for your birthday.
  6. Take the time to do your makeup on your birthday so you look your best. You can go as simple as you want with basic foundation , concealer , eyeshadow , and mascara , or you could do a little more by contouring your face, adding highlighter , or even wearing false lashes. [18]
    • Lots of men wear makeup nowadays, even if it’s just a bit of concealer to hide blemishes and even out the skin tone.
    • If you'd rather go for a natural look, focus on wearing clothes that colorfully flatter your skin and really bring out your skin and eyes. [19]

    Tip: Remember to wash your face before putting on makeup so you start with a clean slate.

  7. Give yourself a cat eye or smokey eye for a dynamic appearance. A great way to make your eyes pop is to do something different with your makeup. A cat eye is a great look for the daytime or evening, whereas the smokey eye looks great at night. [20]
    • For a special birthday shimmer, use a bronze or gold shadow on your lids before applying your eyeliner.
  8. Add a pop of color to your makeup with lipstick or lipgloss . Go bold and bright with red lipstick, pick a shimmery, glittery gloss for a glamorous look, or keep things simple with a light pink shade. You could even get more adventurous and choose a non-traditional color, like blue, green, or black. [21]
    • Exfoliate your lips before putting on your lipstick or gloss to make it look as smooth as possible.
    9. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Pampering Yourself

PDF download Download Article
  1. Take a relaxing bath the night before. Fill up the tub, add some bubbles or a bath bomb , turn on some music, and let yourself relax as you think through your preparations for your birthday. You could even use a body scrub to exfoliate and clear away dead skin. [22]
    • This is a great time to shave , too, especially if you’ll be wearing a skirt or dress on your birthday.
  2. Do a face mask to hydrate your skin. You can buy many different kinds of masks at the store, or you could even make one at home from ingredients you probably already have in the cupboard. Do this the night before your birthday so your skin will be soft and smooth the next morning. [23]
    • Whether you’re a guy or a girl, your skin will love some extra attention. Depending on your skin type , you could do an acne-soothing mask, a pore-minimizing mask, or a simple moisturizing mask.
  3. Buy or make a hair mask to use the night before your birthday. Especially if your hair tends to be dry or frizzy, this mask can really help smooth things out so you can style it in the morning and look your best for your birthday. [24]

    Tip: Make sure to rinse the mask out thoroughly so that your hair doesn’t end up looking greasy.

  4. Whether or not you actually want color on your nails, doing a simple manicure can clean up your cuticles and nail beds and make them look much nicer. If you want to add polish for a splash of color, that is great, too, and a fun way to make yourself look nice for your birthday! [25]
    • You can have manicures and pedicures done at a salon, or you can do them yourself at home. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to pamper yourself!
  5. Part of looking good comes from feeling confident, and a great way to feel more confident is to know that you smell good—both to yourself and to others. If you don’t have your own perfume, cologne, or body spray, ask an older sibling or a parent if you could try out some of theirs.
    • Don’t forget to put on deodorant in the morning, too!
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What do I do if it is my birthday and I have no friends?
    Community Answer
    Than you can spent your birthday with your family. Remember, friends come and go but your family will always be there.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 43 Helpful 305
  • Question
    What do I wear if I want to look nice but I don't have any fancy clothes?
    Community Answer
    Wear a pair of jeans, flannel shirt, and white Converse shoes. Make up for lost fashion with nails and makeup, gold eyes, red lipstick, and tasteful earrings.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 31 Helpful 127
  • Question
    How do I look nice when I'm at school on my birthday?
    Community Answer
    If you're celebrating your birthday in school, and you do not want to wear a fancy dress and shoes, then you should wear your favorite outfit with your favorite shoes and a simple fancy hair style. For example: bun, fishtail braid, french braids, straight hair, curled hair... And for makeup, don't put too much on. Just wear some concealer, a little bit of foundation, some blush, a really light color of eyeshadow, and some lipstick or lipgloss (for lipstick use a light color). Make sure that you are not breaking the school policies.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 32 Helpful 168
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Apart from looking nice, make sure to do some special activities for yourself on your birthday. Dinner with friends, a party, or even taking an afternoon to release yourself from homework and obligations can be a really nice way to celebrate yourself!
        Thanks
        Helpful 15 Not Helpful 2
      • Don’t forget to take some special pictures of yourself on your big day.
        Thanks
        Helpful 14 Not Helpful 4
      • Make your outfit look a little more expensive by focusing on your accessories. Make sure that they're clean, simple, and well-made—they don't have to have any obvious logos. A nice, well cared for pair of shoes also helps your outfit look classy.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Feeling confident and comfortable in your outfit is what matters most. Don't force yourself into uncomfortable trends just because it's your birthday. Choose pieces you genuinely love to boost self-confidence.
      • Opt for minimal, fresh-faced makeup to let your natural beauty shine through. A touch of mascara, lip tint and blush looks lovely. Save heavy makeup for costumes and stage. Simplicity is best.
      • Though it's your celebration, avoid acting entitled if things don't go perfectly. Stay gracious and focus on enjoying time with loved ones. Minor hiccups won't ruin the memories you make.
      • If having guests over, tidy up beforehand so you and your visitors feel relaxed amid pleasant surroundings. A clean, welcoming home lets you fully enjoy the festivities.
      • Ignore anyone trying to bring you down on your special day. Keep your sights set on enjoying celebrations with supportive loved ones.
      • Lay out makeup and outfit options the night prior so you wake up feeling organized and prepared rather than rushed.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Enjoy Your Birthday at School
      Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for Friends, Family Members, and Loved Ones
      40+ Professional Happy Birthday Messages to Send to Your Boss, Manager, & More
      90 Cute Quotes, Jokes, & Birthday Wishes for a Baby Boy
      120+ Happy Birthday Prayers to Celebrate Family and Friends
      The Best 10th Birthday Wishes for Children, Grandchildren, & More
      90+ Ways to Say “Happy 16th Birthday!” (Plus Gift Ideas)
      Best Religious Birthday Wishes to Celebrate Friends & Family
      120 Quotes, Jokes, & Birthday Wishes for Your Teacher
      110+ Quotes, Prayers, & Birthday Wishes for Your Adult Son
      100+ Quotes, Jokes, and Birthday Wishes for Your Grandmother
      65+ Funny, Loving, & Unique Birthday Wishes for Your Grandson
      130+ Quotes, Jokes & Birthday Wishes for Your Brother-in-Law
      100+ Meaningful & Heartfelt Birthday Wishes for Daughters
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/fashion-psychology/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U2FyXZFw1vk
      3. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/fashion-psychology/
      4. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201407/10-ways-feel-better-about-how-you-look
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MH0RV2VBlrY
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MH0RV2VBlrY
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lgj1iUuz7Ys
      8. ↑ https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clothes/laundry-basics
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnNWBaKx_po
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnNWBaKx_po
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/5nqoGpa3jfE
      3. ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/fashion
      4. ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/fashion
      5. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-care/styling
      6. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-care/styling
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XJd9WcHp5f8
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rRheMkT0f0
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lets-face-it/202107/is-professionally-applied-makeup-worth-it
      10. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-truth-about-exercise-addiction/201606/the-surprising-psychology-behind-makeup
      11. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201502/5-research-backed-reasons-we-wear-makeup
      12. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22005-chapped-lips
      13. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reasons-to-take-a-bath
      14. ↑ https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2020/march/the-magic-behind-face-masks
      15. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/
      16. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/pedicures/manicure-pedicure-safety

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Celebrate yourself on your birthday by taking some extra time to look nice and feel great. Pick an outfit that will catch everyone’s eye and that you feel comfortable and confident in, like a little black dress, a pair of leggings and a new top, or a sparkly outfit. Add a splash of color by accessorizing with a bright scarf or hat, or wear a cool statement necklace to draw attention to yourself. When you’re doing your hair, add some glitter roots for a sparkly and unique look. You can also add some temporary color to create an eye-catching look on your special day. To learn how to pamper yourself to look good on your birthday, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 339,287 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Haydon

        Jun 22, 2022

        "It helps me get more confident."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement