Interpreting dress codes – how to avoid wearing the wrong outfit
Whether you’re trying to find an outfit for a wedding or a friend’s party, the pressure is the same – you don’t want to get it wrong and stand there feeling like you are the only one who didn’t understand the dress code. It really doesn’t help your confidence if you feel you are not quite wearing the right outfit, especially if you are mingling with people you haven’t met before.
Hopefully the invitation will state the dress code or at least give you a clue – you wouldn’t wear the same for a friend’s party and a black tie event at Claridge’s. But if not here are my top 7 tips:
Weddings
Getting it right is particularly tricky but there are steps you can take to manage the risk of upstaging the bridal party or arriving at the event and feeling you have not quite got it right. First speak to the bride or the mother of the bride to find out what they are wearing. The invite will normally state the dress code but won’t tell you what colour the bride and her mother are wearing. If it states hats optional, check what this means in practice: if the bride’s mother is going to wear a discreet fascinator, don’t turn up in an Ascot show stopper. You may also find the bride is wearing a coloured wedding dress so it is important to let her shine in that colour. Etiquette dictates that you should not wear white but that dates back to the days when all brides wore white, now with fashion trends crossing over into bridal wear it is no longer a given. The most important thing to remember is to make an effort to show respect for the occasion, don’t over dress or upstage the bridal party.
Black Tie
This can be the easiest and the hardest event to dress for. The dress code clearly implies looking your best but so few people go to these sort of functions regularly anymore and so start to panic when they open their wardrobe. Women should wear a cocktail or long dress, usually black but colour is also acceptable, heels and best jewellery is a given. Fur capes and stoles are often worn to travel to the venue but check your host’s views before turning up in real fur. Black tie means classy so don’t dress overtly sexy, however a little cleavage or bare shoulder is okay. If you don’t normally dress for these events keep it simple in a black dress with sparkly jewellery or pearls and a statement pair of evening shoes.
Creative Black Tie
These events are more and more popular and allow for a fun, quirky interpretation of Black Tie – but don’t stray too far or you will end up in fancy dress! Add just a dash of something different to your outfit, men for instance might wear a black shirt or red bow tie and women too can take their look a little less seriously. Think of it as trendy black tie and maybe have some fun with your evening shoes and jewellery.
Semi Formal or After Six Attire
This calls for a smart dress or suit for a formal day time event and a cocktail dress for the evening. Don’t go over the top with bling!
Informal Daywear
Most outfits are okay apart from jeans, a skirt and top, casual dress or trousers are all fine and footwear can also be casual, no heels required.
Resort Formal
Overseas beach wedding dress code is very easy to follow. A floral sundress, maxi dress or calypso pants with a floaty coat all work. And no heels, instead choose dressy sandals which are practical and fun especially if you go for a vibrant colour or a style with added bling. A floppy hat works well with this look and this is also one of the few occasions when sunglasses are acceptable.
Dressy/Smart Casual
This can be tricky to get right. It’s a good idea to first look up the venue to get an idea of decor and surroundings… Jeans are okay – but not if torn or faded – a midi or maxi dress with wedges or flats is a good option.
I have over 20 years of experience creating outfits to fit dress codes. If you would like any advice you are welcome to call me on 07812 081588 or send an email [email protected]
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