Even when an invitation doesn’t specify the dress code or states its optional most people will still contact the host to ask what to wear. Formal, smart casual or themed…no one wants to get it wrong.

Recently at the Victoria Foundation summer drinks party, I was talking to one of my client’s who was concerned about the fact that she was wearing trousers and I was wearing a dress. Yet her smart trousers and patterned jacket ensemble with nude courts and bag stole the show. She looked the epitome of style and elegance.

Elizabeth Bessant Couture drinks party

This conversation prompted me to look round at what people were wearing for this early evening drinks party. I noticed women wearing smart jeans with heals, someone in a beautiful 1950’s silk swing coat with diamante buttons and a detachable marabou collar, some bright summer maxi’s and the usual LBDs – but interestingly no one looked out of place.

In the past, an event such as this would have been full of LBD’s but then apparently this season orange is the new black.

Thankfully these days we are no longer dictated to following Debrett’s book of etiquette, but still some establishments have their own strict dress code. For example although Chanel, Dior and Valentino are selling sparkly embellished trainers to wear with this seasons outfits, try getting in to the Ritz wearing them! And Annabel’s, a favourite celebrity haunt, won’t let you in wearing suede, leather, jeans, leggings, T shirts, office wear, trainers, deck shoes or cowboy boots… Even smart black jeans sporting a designer label won’t get you in. Although I do agree though, that denim jeans and ripped jeans of any kind can never pass as smart!

Elizabeth wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture

Ascot also has its own strict dress code for the Royal Enclosure but even this has been updated to include jumpsuits this year.

Trousers suits in the same fabric are also considered smart enough – as long as they don’t show the ankles.

And for weddings there is still an unspoken dress code because after all you are attending someone’s special day.

A few tips are:

• No bare legs unless it is an overseas wedding or you are wearing a maxi dress, I think it looks underdressed for a wedding – although I won’t win that one with the under 25’s!

• Open-toed shoes need pedicured feet… and pose a dilemma if you are wearing tights, however you can now get tights with the toes cut away. If you are Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom and wearing a smart outfit with a jacket or dress coat I would always, suggest a closed court shoe.

• Mother of the Bride or Mother of the Groom should always carry a bag of some kind – a clutch works well as a prop in photos and finishes an outfit perfectly.

• If hats or fascinators are required this will be stated on the invitation. If this isn’t specified, it is worth checking with the Mother of the Bride because if she is not wearing anything on her head etiquette suggests guests don’t either.

Judy Hersh wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture for her sons wedding in Italy

Michele Marriott, mother of the bride wearing Elizabeth Bessant couture with matching accessories

But even with these tips in mind dressing for a special day isn’t easy, if you would like advice on dressing for an upcoming event email me at [email protected].