Editorial

New Year's Eve is the perfect excuse to dress up, stand out, and toast to new beginnings. But let's be real - finding the perfect outfit can feel like another end-of-year chore. That's where we come in. Forte The Brand offers stunning, elevated dresses that make getting dressed up for NYE effortless. Here are five standout options to help you ring in the New Year in style, confidence, and undeniable glamour. 1. The Showstopper LBD: The Lincoln Looking for a classic little black dress with a twist? The Lincoln Dress takes the timeless LBD to new heights. With it's sculptured silhouette and mesh neckline, this dress is designed to turn heads. Pair it with statement earrings and metallic heels for a look that screams "effortless elegance." Shop The Lincoln 2. Ally Eyes on You: The Rose NYE is all about glamour, and The Rose Dress delivers in spades. Featuring a showstopping rosette train embellishment and figure-slimming silhouette, this dress captures the light (and everyone's attention) perfectly. Add a simple strappy heel or pump and let the dress do all the talking. Shop The Rose 3. Bold & Beautiful: The Belle Ready to make an entrance? The Belle Dress combines bold details with sleek and flattering tailoring for a modern yet classic take on NYE glam. This dress is made for those who love to stand out - effortlessly. No need to dress this beauty up with complex accessories, just let the dress shine. Shop The Belle 4. Sophistication & Class: The Carolina If understated glamour is more your vibe, The Carolina is your go-to. This elegant romper features a gorgeous tweed fabric and refined silhouette, radiating sophistication without being over the top. Pair it with knee-high boots or tights and heels for a polished yet party-ready look. Shop The Carolina 5. The Statement Mini: The Maggie For those who love a flirty, fun vibe, The Maggie is a must. This mini features gorgeous details and a flattering cut that's perfect for dancing the night away. Throw on your favorite heels to effortlessly complete this show-stopping NYE outfit. Shop The Maggie Why Forte The Brand Dresses Are Perfect for NYE At Forte The Brand, we believe every woman deserves to stand out - especially on a night as special as New Year's Eve. Our exclusive designs are crafted in limited quantities, so you won't have to worry about showing up in the same dress as someone else. Each piece combines elevated details with a classic sensibility, giving you high-quality style without the high-maintenance fuss. Shop Your NYE Look Today Whether you're toasting with friends, dancing into the early hours, or enjoying an intimate dinner, these fives dresses are guaranteed to help you feel confident and chic. Shop now to find your perfect NYE outfit Start the New Year looking as bold, beautiful, and brilliant as you feel Shop The Collection Now

As the flowers begin to bloom this time of year, so do most social calendars. It's time to refresh our closets for special occasions like birthdays, wedding festivities, and fundraisers. Lucky for you, Forte The Brand specializes in elevated occasionwear that is not only affordable, but totally effortless. Our styles speak for themselves, requiring no hassle to style them. So grab your favorite FTB look for your next upcoming event, and feel confident that you won't blend in with the crowd.  Don't forget, enjoy complimentary shipping & easy returns/exchanges on FTB purchases!  The Lily: Romantic & Chic Where To Wear: Cocktail events, bridal/baby showers, girls' night out The Vienna: Posh & Sophisticated Where To Wear: Wedding guest, cocktail parties, upscale dinner The Carolina: Trendy & Feminine Where To Wear: Date night, upscale dinners, corporate functions The Guilford: Classy & Timeless Where To Wear: Cocktail events, wedding celebrations, birthday soirees Shop more effortless occasionwear Become an Insider today for $25 off your first purchase of $200, and receive exclusive news and perks including early access to our upcoming drops.

As we look forward to warmer and brighter days, we're rounding up the 5 best transitional pieces to seamlessly take you from winter to spring. We've got you covered with the best looks for any occasion, with our versatile statement occasion wear - guaranteed to make you feel confident and stand out from the crowd. Why blend in when you can wear Forte The Brand? And, don't forget, in addition to complimentary shipping, you can take $25 off your first purchase of $200+ when you subscribe. 1. The Maggie Meticulously crafted in a soft, lightweight (and stunning!) suede fabric, The Maggie is our go-to transitional look. Not only is the color perfect for the approach of spring, but this head-turning mini can easily be worn with pumps on a mild day or paired with tights and booties for those last few days of winter.   SHOP THE MAGGIE  2. The Belle This eye-catching little black dress is the perfect option year round. In the cooler temps, we love pairing it with arm length gloves (included with purchase), tights and platform pumps - you can even throw on your favorite floor length jacket or sweater to make it your own. But, this dress is versatile - wear it with your favorite open-toe pumps for a night on the town or an upcoming bachelorette party. However you style it, you're sure to be best dressed in The Belle.   SHOP THE BELLE 3. The Carolina Our best seller, The Carolina, is the ultimate transitional piece. We saw it beautifully styled this winter for holiday parties and trips to NYC, and now we're seeing it seamlessly transition into spring looks. This staple romper is made of the perfect tweed fabric, tapered from a classic padded shoulder sleeve into a shorter hemline. We're breaking out The Carolina for our spring girls' night out, dinners on spring vacation, and even as our Sunday best on Easter! SHOP THE CAROLINA 4. The Jo We took the classic blazer dress and elevated it into something special - The Jo. This staple can be worn year round, and we love seeing our clientele dressed in our original design for events of all kinds (GNO, date night, birthday parties, soirees). The lightweight tulle complements the wired deep-V neckline and adds an element of sexiness to this long-sleeved mini. No matter the season, you'll exude elegance and confidence in The Jo SHOP THE JO 5. The Rose What better way to ring in spring than with The Rose? The subtle suede fabric and long sleeves balance the shorter hemline and classy bodice cutout. And, true to its name, the hand-sewn metallic Rosette leads way to a stunning front train that will have everyone complimenting your look. We love to opt for The Rose for galas, celebrations, and any occasion that calls for an absolutely stunning dress. SHOP THE ROSE Want more looks that will set you apart from the crowd? Check out all of our affordable luxury styles and follow us on Instagram for more outfit inspo.

The team at Forte The Brand rounded up our favorite styles for Valentine's Day. Each style is categorized by the mood you're looking to evoke 💘

All things are possible with coffee and a good outfit. We’ve shared our fashion advice, so now it’s time for us to spill our favorite at-home coffee recipes that embrace the art of living an elevated lifestyle and are bold enough to fuel your forte.

The summer weather is here, and that means your social calendar is beginning to bloom. With weddings, baby showers, outdoor happy hours, and date nights hitting every weekend, we’ve rounded up our favorite looks for each occasion. Wedding Guest: You’ve received the invitation, skimmed the wedding website, and now the biggest decision: what to wear. The first step to finding the perfect wedding guest attire is to know the dress code. We posted previously about dressing appropriately for the occasion, and we’re breaking it down further for when it comes to weddings. Here are some of our favorite looks for wedding guests this year: Daytime WeddingWeddings scheduled before 4pm are more casual than an evening affair, so opt for something light and fun. Of course, the weather is always a key factor in any outfit choice, so be sure to dress appropriately for the temps.  Beach/Coastal WeddingWhat’s better than oceanfront vows? We love a sandy ceremony and the dress options for destination weddings are some of our faves. Don’t forget about the inevitable breeze – opt for something you don’t need to worry will give you a Marilyn moment ☺ . Cocktail WeddingWe find that the majority of weddings fit into this category – typically an evening ceremony with a reception to follow at a somewhat formal venue. According to Brides magazine, “Cocktail attire is meant to bridge the gap between day and night…Think somewhere between a sophisticated formal occasion and office or party wear.”* While you should consider factors like themes or recommended attire by the bride and groom, these versatile options will likely suit your cocktail wedding needs (and, in typical Forte fashion, you’ll stand out from the crowd).  Black-Tie WeddingPossibly our favorite, the black-tie wedding allows you to go all out and dress up in something out of the ordinary lineup. Remember, black-tie requires formal attire (typically a floor-length evening gown), so be sure to comply. We like to opt for traditional colors. Keep it classic or add a twist with a print or texture. Bridal/Baby Shower Guest:Celebrate the bride or mom-to-be with a unique outfit choice. We love that appropriate shower attire lives in between casual and dressy. Change it up with a jumpsuit or separates to have some fun with your look. Remember, white is reserved for the bride only. Date Night / Girls’ Night OutWhether you’re planning a candlelit dinner with your S.O. or going to the trendy new spot in town with your girlfriends, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite looks for the occasion. Weekend outfits are what we live for, when we step out of our routine and into some fun. Be bold and dress it up, or enhance your laid-back look with a blazer or fun jogger – the options are limitless. Want to see more looks we love for other occasions? Follow us on Instagram @fortethebrand.   *https://www.brides.com/cocktail-attire-wedding-4844364All outfit images sourced from Revolve.com

Summer is the perfect season for hosting a memorable soirée, and we're here to help you plan every detail to perfection. In this post, we'll guide you through the key steps to creating an unforgettable event. From selecting a theme that sets the tone and streamlines your planning process, to deciding on the ideal guest list that balances relationships and occasion, we've got you covered. We'll also delve into the extra touches that elevate the ambiance, including tablescapes, signature drinks, and creating a welcoming arrival vibe. And of course, we'll share tips on finding the perfect outfit that blends style and comfort for you as the host. Read on for the details. Selecting A Theme First things first, what’s the theme? When you select a theme for your party it can make planning easier in several ways: Cohesive: Having a theme provides a unifying concept that ties all of the party elements together. It sets the tone and creates a cohesive atmosphere. This continuity makes it easier to make decisions throughout the planning process. Focus: A theme helps narrow down the options and provides a clear direction for planning. Instead of being overwhelmed by countless possibilities, all of your decisions about decorations, food and drink, invitations, activities, etc. will be narrowed down to only options that align with your chosen theme. This streamlines the decision-making process, saving time and reducing stress. Creativity: A theme sparks creativity and allows you to explore unique and exciting ideas. It provides a framework within which you can brainstorm and come up with innovative concepts or interactive elements that will create a memorable experience for your guests. Guest Engagement: A well-chosen theme adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for your guests. It encourages them to participate, dress up, and engage with the party's activities and entertainment.  Overall, selecting a theme simplifies the planning process and ensures all of your details are tied together.  Inviting The Guests Deciding on a guest list for a party involves careful consideration and balancing various factors. Here are some steps to help you determine who to invite: The Purpose: Consider the purpose and nature of the party. The type of party will influence the guest list, as it determines the atmosphere and activities that will take place. For example, a small dinner party may have a more intimate guest list, while a larger birthday bash might include a wider circle of friends and acquaintances. Occasion and Relationship: Are you celebrating a birthday, a graduation, or a holiday? Determine who holds significance in that person's life or in your own, and consider inviting individuals who have a meaningful connection to the guest of honor or the purpose of the party. Capacity and Budget: Take into account the capacity of your space. Ensure that it can comfortably accommodate the number of guests you plan to invite. If you have budget constraints, consider scaling down the guest list accordingly to stay within your means. Maintain a balance between inviting enough people to create a vibrant atmosphere and ensuring the event remains manageable and enjoyable for everyone. Mutual Connections: Think about people who already know each other and are likely to enjoy each other's company. A mix of familiar faces and new acquaintances can create a lively and engaging atmosphere. Now that you know who you want to attend the gathering, you need to invite them. Sure you could text everyone to come, but why not set the tone for your soiree with a formal invitation? This gives you the opportunity to display your theme and get guests excited to attend. Whether you decide to print and mail invitations or create an e-vite, invitations make a great first impression for your event. The Extra Touches When it comes to hosting, you should ensure the ambiance is set for a memorable event. Here are a few extra touches to consider: Tablescape: A beautiful table can be a focal point. Always select a table or tablecloth that is on theme and decorate with some sort of center piece. You’ll want to consider the event’s formality. Casual party? Keep the center piece simple and skip the charger plates. A more formal gathering? Decorate with charger plates, a printed menu, candles and beautiful flower arrangements (but keep them low so guests can still interact across the table!). Drinks: Everyone loves a signature drink. Select a drink that is that fits your occassion (this triple berry vodka fizz would be perfect for the 4th of July). Plus this is a time saver for you - make a large batch ahead of time and put in a decorative pitcher for guests to serve themselves - saving you from making endless amounts of cocktails all night. We always recommend adding in some variety, by offering other options for guests to grab such as wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages. Elevate your hydration station with a large pitcher of fruit-infused water for guests to enjoy.  Dessert: This is essential to every party! Have some fun and have the dessert custom designed to your theme. It serves as a tasty treat and decoration. Arrival Vibe: It’s time for your guests arrival. Make sure your table is set, appetizers on display, and drinks ready. Have everything set before guests arrive so you can greet and engage with your guests appropriately with no distractions. This allows your guests to feel welcomed, take in the view of your decorations, and indulge in appetizers and a signature cocktail. Don’t forget to create a playlist that matches your vibe and have the music going all night. What Are You Wearing? You have an amazing party planned and your guest list is complete, it’s time to think about what you’re going to wear. As the host you’ll want to wear something stylish yet comfortable, since you’ll be busy catering to your guests.  A breathable dress is a foolproof option. Consider an elevated slip dress or floral midi. A jumpsuit also makes for great party attire.      From a memorable soirée to the perfect outfit, at Forte The Brand we always love to make a statement. Follow @fortethebrand on Instagram for more fashion and lifestyle inspiration and ideas. Slip dress: https://www.revolve.com/lacademie-alicia-dress-in-ivory/dp/LCDE-WD511/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=68&itrownum=65&itcurrpage=1&itview=05 Floral midi: https://www.revolve.com/astr-the-label-emine-dress-in-pink-blue-floral/dp/ASTR-WD427/?d=Womens&sr=true&type=rp  Jumpsuit: https://www.revolve.com/amanda-uprichard-x-revolve-amiah-jumpsuit-in-pacific/dp/AMAN-WC78/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=55&itrownum=14&itcurrpage=1&itview=05 

Life gets busy. Especially when you’re going beyond daily responsibilities to pursue your dream life. You’ve created your vision board and are laser-focused on getting to your future. But don’t forget one crucial step in the process - recognizing the opportunities to find happiness in the little things. It’s time for you to intentionally slow down, romanticize your life, and use the beauty that is already around you to build the foundation for the life you’re seeking.  What does it mean to romanticize your life? It’s all about finding the magic in your routine and making your life feel like a fairy tale. It’s about turning everyday experiences into something special that brings you joy. It’s about living intentionally and creating a life you love. Here are some of our favorite ways to romanticize life: Surround yourself with beauty. Keeping fresh flowers in your house for a little bit of added joy. Lighting candles even when you’re not hosting guests. Decorating your coffee table with a few investment decor items. Make your home into a place you love, a place that inspires you. Make your bed every day. Doing this first thing in the morning sets the tone for the day. It gives you a sense of accomplishment (though it may have been easy), motivating you to take on whatever is next in the day. Plus, it makes your room feel less cluttered and creates a calming space for you. Create different playlists for your moods. We need an easy morning playlist for making breakfast, sing-along songs for cleaning, and upbeat music for getting ready for a girls’ night out. Music has always been effective at manipulating our moods, take advantage of it to elevate your daily routine. Transform your bathroom into an oasis. Remove the clutter of mismatched plastic bottles in your shower and buy yourself some decorative, reusable bottles to pour your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in. Add some aromatherapy to incorporate calming scents. Swap out your old towels for new, fresh, plush towels for a luxurious feel. Make every cup of coffee the best you’ve had. Buy yourself a mug you love, invest in a delicious creamer, or even make your own nut milk. Create a spot in the house that serves as your peaceful coffee nook. Pause and enjoy your coffee time before diving back into life’s chaos. Give yourself the grace of time to get ready. Remember the days of taking hours to get ready before a fun night out? Some might say that was the best part. Let’s go back to that. Allow yourself enough time to get dressed, pour a glass of wine, and listen to some music to get in the right mood for your occasion. Sleep in actual pajamas. We’re all guilty of going to bed in athletic shorts and a t-shirt. Let’s level up the bedtime routine. There’s just something about sliding into bed in a soft silk set or linen pajamas. It feels superior, plus you’ll wake up feeling more elegant. There are endless ways to romanticize your life, and it will look different for everyone based on what brings you joy. The main takeaway here is, as you’re busy conquering your day and going after your goals, don’t forget to appreciate the moment you’re in. Creating spaces and habits that reflect your dream life will not only help you to achieve it, but will allow you to enjoy the journey. When you’re happy, it shows. Everyone around you will wonder how they can start to glow like you. Not only will you appear different, but you’ll also feel different. Being happy energizes you, making you more inclined to say yes to things that challenge you. So, romanticize your life and welcome happiness. Perhaps you’ll find your forte along the way. Follow @fortethebrand on Instagram for more inspiration to live the life you dream about. 

It’s officially springtime on the East Coast, and there’s one thing on our minds: travel. Researching destinations, planning the flights, building the itinerary – there’s nothing that increases your dopamine quite like it.  Daydreaming about vacation is easy - enjoying the perfect weather, indulging in food and cocktails, wearing your favorite outfits, and experiencing relaxation at its finest. But let’s be real, it can be hard to jet set with the responsibilities of everyday life: taking time off work, finding a babysitter or pet sitter while you’re away, justifying the splurge. It may take some extra planning but here’s why you need to prioritize travel NOW: 1. Relax and Renew  We all feel the exhaustion and stress of “adulting” throughout the week. Meeting deadlines, closing deals, trying to maintain your health and social life. It’s important to take time to pause so your body isn’t constantly running on low fuel, and travel is a proven way to rejuvenate. In fact, women who vacation at least twice a year show a significantly lower risk of suffering a heart attack than those who only travel every six years*. And, since mental health is equally as important, it’s worth noting that 97% of people say that having a trip planned makes them happier**. So, work through the hurdles of requesting your PTO, and prioritize YOU. 2. Expand Your Perspective  Here at Forte, we’re all about finding your passion and living your dreams. Sometimes, the only way to do that is to take yourself out of your daily routine, and gain perspective. Whether you’re traveling abroad, or across the US, cultures change dramatically with every border your cross. So, go seek out those cultures and learn. Ask yourself: How do people live differently than I do? What resources do they have that differ from what I have? What do their daily routines look like? What about their lifestyle would I want to adopt? People-watching is a fascinating way to learn about others, and travel gives us that opportunity to soak in other lifestyles. You’d be amazed how quickly you notice similarities and differences just by being in a different time zone. 3. Get Inspired  As part of exploring different cultures, there’s a good chance you’ll be inspired to make changes to your own life. Maybe you’ll find a new dish that you love or a piece of art you never knew about. Or perhaps you’ll be affected in a bigger way. Exploring outside of your normal environment could potentially help you realize your passion or finally have a breakthrough on that business idea you’ve been toying around with. When we step out of our comfort zones, we allow ourselves to experience new things, and grow within ourselves – and self-growth is really what fuels us to achieve all that we want to. While travel can seem daunting to some, we view it as money and time well spent. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered some of our favorite travel resources to help you plan your next trip: For the Solo Traveler: Check out The Blonde Abroad. Kiki left her corporate job in 2011 to do some soul-searching, and that has turned into a business that empowers women to travel the world solo. She not only has fantastic destination recommendations, but she even offers resources like safety tips, must-see attractions, and even packing lists. For the Traveler Who Needs Some Inspo: One of our favorite resources for all things travel is Condé Nast Traveler. Find amazing destination ideas, cultural news across the world, and travel guides to inspire your itinerary. For the Up-For-Anything Traveler: A must-try tool is the easyJet Inspire Me page, where you’ll find travel options based on any one criterion (city of origin, budget, travel time, type of trip).  Whether you’re ready to sit on a beach with a good book, explore a new city, or experience a safari, feed your soul with new connections. Take time for yourself and enjoy the experiences that life has to offer. We only get one lifetime, what will you see in yours? *https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/PlanningTravel_MichelleGielan.pdf **https://www.nbcnews.com/better/wellness/5-scientifically-proven-health-benefits-traveling-abroad-n759631