Embrace a Single, Vibrant Color
One of the most immediate takeaways from the BET Awards is the fearless use of color. Stars like Doechii, known for her risk-taking style, often embrace dramatic, monochromatic looks in shades like bold plum. For a beginner, the idea of a head-to-toe
bright color can be intimidating, but the key is simplicity. Pick one color you love—whether it's a fiery red, a rich cobalt, or a sunny yellow—and build your entire outfit around it. A simple jumpsuit or a matching top-and-trouser set in a saturated hue makes an instant statement. The trick is to keep the silhouettes classic. Let the color do all the talking, so you feel confident without feeling costume-y. This approach streamlines your look, making you appear instantly polished and intentional, just like the pros.
Try 'Sheer' Without Overexposing
Sheer fabrics are a constant on the red carpet, as seen in looks from style icons like Teyana Taylor. For a summer party, you can adopt this trend in a way that feels sophisticated, not scary. The key is strategic layering. Look for a dress with sheer sleeves or a blouse with a sheer back panel. This gives you the airy, ethereal vibe of the trend while keeping the look grounded and wearable. Another beginner-friendly option is to layer a sheer tunic or button-down shirt over a simple slip dress or a tank top and jeans. This provides coverage while still playing with texture and transparency. It’s a subtle nod to the high-fashion moment that keeps you cool and comfortable.
Elevate the All-White Outfit
An all-white look is a summer classic for a reason, and it’s a recurring theme on the BET Awards red carpet, with stars like Ray J showing up in crisp, polished white suits. To elevate it from simple to stunning, focus on texture and silhouette. Instead of just a white t-shirt and shorts, think about different fabrics. Pair a linen blazer with silk trousers or a cotton eyelet top with wide-leg white jeans. Playing with different textures and shades of white (ivory, cream, stark white) adds depth and interest. The goal is to create a look that feels curated and luxurious, even if the pieces are simple. It’s a chic, cool, and confident choice for any summer occasion.
Master the Statement Suit
A tailored suit is no longer just for the boardroom; it’s a power move on the red carpet and a surprisingly versatile option for a summer party. Celebrities often opt for suits in unexpected colors or fabrics. To make it work for a party, forget the stuffy corporate vibe. Look for a suit in a lightweight fabric like linen or a bright, celebratory color. You can wear the full suit with a simple camisole or even just a bralette underneath for a bolder look. Alternatively, break up the set. Wear the blazer with a pair of denim shorts or the trousers with a simple, elegant top. A statement suit signals confidence and an understanding of modern style, proving you know how to balance polish with personality.
Use Cutouts as an Accent
Cutouts have been a major trend, seen in various forms from sculptural gowns worn by Normani to the tasteful keyhole designs on stars like Tyla. For beginners, the secret is to treat a cutout as an accent, not the main event. Instead of a dress with large, revealing gaps, opt for something more subtle. A dress with small cutouts at the waist, a top with a keyhole neckline, or a design with an open back offers a hint of allure without making you feel self-conscious. These small details can make an otherwise simple black dress feel modern and exciting. It’s a way to play with a daring trend on your own terms, adding an unexpected and fashionable twist to your summer party wardrobe.
