When Your Outfit Orders The Drink: How To Match Your Outfit To Your Signature Cocktail

Mixologists know the perfect recipes to make the best cocktails, made from exact, intricate ratios of alcohol, mixer, and garnish. Your outfit should be put together with the same precision, and each piece should be amalgamated together like a perfect recipe; fashion should be served on the rocks, too. So, if you don’t know what to wear for a night out, turn to cocktail couture and match your look to the drink on your lips.

Here’s the dress code for your signature sips:

Dirty Martini

The dirty martini is the ultimate classic cocktail. If this is your drink, your clothes need to match its classy reputation. To evoke the timeless energy of this drink, your outfit needs to be effortless. Combine a minimal bodysuit with a clean-cut pair of jeans, add some kitten heels and simple jewellery, and the only thing missing is a martini in hand. You're not gaudy; you're effortlessly elevated, so this drink’s energy can even be achieved through a plain black maxi dress, it can have off-the-shoulder sleeves or a backless detailing for a touch of fun, but to look like a strong martini, your outfit should remain simple. After all, you want to be the libation, and your outfit should be the garnish.

Negroni

The bitter one. This drink is misunderstood. It is known for having an edge, but it can also be sweet. If this is your drink, you need a look that is chic and intimidatingly fashionable.

You can achieve this look with asymmetric shapes in your clothing; slouchy or cape-style tops work perfectly. Experiment with less traditional fabrics like organza. For example, consider a skirt like the Nensi Dojaka Organza Skirt, which features multiple layers of netting in various shades of orange.

A neutral brown and earthy orange palette will help radiate the aromatic flavour of the drink. If you’d like to incorporate the iconic burnt orange colour of the cocktail into your outfit without appearing monochromatic, consider adding a brown or orange accessory, such as a tortoiseshell hair barrette.

Whiskey Sour

Bittersweet, the whiskey sour is earthy and natural. To project this vibe, look for fashion inspiration from relaxed boho brands like Isabel Marant. Relaxed dresses in jersey material with a statement chunky leather belt, possibly studded, evoke the soul of this drink. Add this with fringe or suede items found in vintage shops, and if you hit the jackpot, a slouchy Miu Miu bag. If you want to be more literal in your style, you can match your outfit’s colouring to the creamy citrus taste of the drink by combining a white and ochre colour scheme.

Espresso Martini

Caffeine is a couture accessory; mix it with vodka, and you have the ultimate luxury drink. Rich and sultry, your outfit is darker in palette, and your materials like satin and lace are seductive. So, to convey the energy of a double shot of coffee and alcohol, make a statement and go for a sleek jumper and short black shorts layered over lace tights. Pair these with sleek knee-high boots, a smoky eye and a nude lip, and you will stand out as the main character of a dimly lit bar.

Cosmopolitan

You’re the Carrie Bradshaw of your group with this drink—fashion-forward, flirty, and fun. You're not scared of bold colours and taking risks; you will confidently pair bright orange with electric blue. A dramatic print also matches the flavour palette of the Cosmo, so incorporate multi-coloured patterns into your look, be bold and even mix the prints in your outfit with a contrasting print on your bag. Don’t be quiet with your jewellery, layer as many as you can, bringing together silver and gold, the chunkier the better. You’re unapologetically loud in the best way.

Spicy Margarita

Citrus and sour—the monarch of spirits, tequila, takes centre stage in this drink. The sophistication of the chilli, combined with the party vibe of the citrus, can only be embodied in mixing textures in your look. Mix silk with leather, sequins with jersey—opposites attract. A sheer maxi sequin skirt could be your go-to statement piece, paired with a simple white tee or vest top. Put these two opposite styles in your cocktail shaker to make a fusion as hot as a jalapeño.

Like the best cocktails, no two are the same. Fashion is unique, and your outfit should be too. Next time, make sure to serve your outfit with a signature twist and become the mixologist of your wardrobe.