Dress Codes Deciphered
Picture this: You've just received an invitation in the mail to an upcoming party or wedding, only to find part of it in a different language. The words sound familiar but you have no idea what they mean. "Lounge Suit". "Cocktail". "White Tie". Suddenly, dressing for this event became a whole lot more difficult than just checking your work roster...
Never fear! We've done a little bit of investigative journalism to assist you with working out whether to get your LBD dry-cleaned or hit the stores for a matching ensemble in time for party season. Feel free to use this as a guide to deciphering your next invitation.
Okay, "Dress Code": What is one and do I need one for my event?A Dress Code is basically an instruction on how you, as a guest, should prepare to dress for an event. Some mention it as being a 'rule', but really, it should be used more so as an
indication of the attire expected for the event. Traditionally, for weddings, a formal invitation did not include a dress code, and the appropriate dress was deciphered from the location of the event and time that it was held. It was considered bad form to mention the dress code anywhere on the invitation! Nowadays, it is widely accepted that a dress code be specified in the body of the invitation to guide guests on how to dress. In order to do this discretely and politely, many simply write "Dress: Black Tie" or whatever the dress suggestion may be. The trick is working out how these suggestions translate into practice.
If you are the host of the event, a dress code may also help you avoid phone calls nearing the date from confused guests wondering how to dress. As weddings are now held in such varied locations: outside, in wineries, private gardens, beaches, boats... who can blame your guest for not being sure? The simple addition of this suggestion will assist your guests to dress to impress, and will save you the hassle of repeating suggestions over and over days (or even hours!) before your big day.
Here are some common terms found on invitations and how they can be translated:
White tie: Worn after 6pm. Nothing trumps white tie in glamor and formality. This is most likely a dress code for weddings and balls, charity functions, etc.
Men wear full black tail coat and black trousers, white pique shirt (with no frills on the shirt), white waistcoat and self tied white bow tie (no clip-on ties).
The women wear full length evening dresses. Think Jane Austin style of formal (but obviously for this era, UNLESS you actually own a Jane Austin-style dress. In this case, wear it, when else would you get the chance?).
Black tie: Worn after 4.30pm. This is most likely a dress code for weddings and balls, charity functions, etc.
Men wear a black dinner suit with white pique pleated front shirt, cuff links and dress studs. A black, self tied bow tie (or a discrete clip-on). Black socks and shoes. A white tuxedo can be worn with black pants.
Women wear formal dinner dresses, long or short. You can use the time of the event as an indicator: If a black tie wedding takes place after 5PM, ladies may wear a floor length gown. 'Black tie' and 'formal' often mean the same thing, however, depending of the time and location of the weddings, 'formal' can also mean a dark suit, collared shirt and tie for the gents, and formal day wear for women. Dresses can also be dressy evening separates.
Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. Men can go more modern with a tux, a black shirt, no tie. Women wear long or short dresses or evening separates. Sometimes, themed parties call for dress codes like
Texas Black Tie or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can get really creative, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for men, it could be a tux with boots and women it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelery).
Morning suit: Worn before 4.30pm.
Black or grey tail coat with grey or black striped pants, white shirt, grey waistcoat and grey silk tie. Black socks and shoes. A grey top hat can be worn or carried. This is a good option for a very formal day wedding.
Lounge suit: A popular choice for less formal weddings and can be considered the appropriate dress code at any time, day or night.
Dark business suit, white shirt, cuff links and matching (not clashing) tie for the men, with black shoes and black socks.
Women can wear a dress or smart suit, or even a cocktail dress if the wedding is held in the afternoon or early evening. Pretty, floaty dresses or stylish shifts for the female guests are also a good move.
Smart Casual: Appropriate dress code for a wedding at any time if stated on the invitation.
For the men a suit with a white or pastel coloured shirt. The tie is optional. A tailored jacket and tailored pants will pass, but not jeans!
Women wear dresses or pants, with or without glittering adornments depending on the time of day.
Cocktail: Worn after 5pm.
Semi-Formal or
After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6PM) would still suggest dark suits for men, and a cocktail dress for women. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.
Business Formal is the same as Semi-Formal for men, but for women it suggests that women opt for more tailored dressy suits and dresses (nothing too slinky or sexy).
Men are required to wear a suit (preferably dark) and tie. Women wear pretty dresses with all the glittering adornments they chose.
Cocktail Attire suggests short, elegant dresses - there are plenty around!
Informal: Men wear blazers or tailored sports jackets with tailored trousers optional - never jeans.
Women dress as if they were going out to a nice restaurant. It is a good idea to err on the side of MORE rather than LESS formal if you are a bit uncertain. It is easier to dress down an outfit once you are at the event than dress up.
Other dress codes can be more specific or reference the theme: "op-shop" formal, vintage, garden party attire, bare foot and black tie (a winner for a beach wedding), Indian summer, "Dress your country best", Summer Glam. At It's A Date Event Design, we've had quite a few "Dress to Impress" which is a nice way of saying, dress up a bit! But be careful that instructions are not too vague - anything ending in 'optional' is probably NOT optional, otherwise it wouldn't be mentioned in the first place.
A couple of "rules of thumb" which may also assist:No go on the Denim: Unless this is an outdoor BBQ, picnic, or something VERY informal, steer away from denim. It is very difficult to make denim, even expensive denim, look formal. If you enjoy the relaxed nature of jeans, shop around for a pair of pants or trousers that make you feel comfortable, but are still neat and presentable. Department stores like
Myer are a great place to start if you are not sure what you'd like.
Choosing Shoes: Sneakers won't cut it at most events (a similar rule applies to sneakers as denim), however you will be able to gauge from the guest's personal style whether you can wear your skate shoes and also what you are wearing them with. It is sensible to assume, though, that if you are wearing a suit, or coordinated outfit of some description, that neat dress shoes are expected. These don't have to be dorky: something a neutral colour (blacks, browns, greys, or sand colours are good colours to invest in) with neat laces and most importantly CLEAN. Take a moment before you leave to check for scuff marks or dirt and quickly wipe with a cloth or polish. The same goes for women's shoes - it is difficult to go wrong with a low black heel - either point or open toe - but make sure they are comfortable and you can walk in them! Location of the event is also worth considering: if you are going to be on sand or lawn, avoid stilettos or any other thin heel, or shoes covered in delicate fabric. You may find yourself with a sinking feeling, or spending the reception tucking your stained shoes under a tablecloth. Comfort is also a must - you want to be able to dance all night!
Scholl Party Feet and Heel Shields are amazing and available in most supermarkets on your way to the event - they are a very worthwhile investment.
Length is Important: Unless you are comfortable to do so, wearing a short skirt can be an all-day ordeal at a formal event. Wearing a short skirt seems like an obvious no-no but it's easy enough to do with mini-dresses and baby-doll style dresses in all the stores, and unless you're extremely confident with exposing your thighs and possibly your backside, you may be battling your dress all day in windy conditions. Sitting down in a ladylike fashion may also prove a challenge, and you want to have fun, not constantly worry about accidental exposure! There is no rule against choosing a shorter dress, just in moderation. A good rule of thumb, mentioned on many guides, is either just above or below the knee. You will thank yourself upon viewing the photos, trust us!
Colour: One good tip is to check the invitation: if there is a lot of one colour, it is probably a good idea not to wear that particular colour. In many weddings, brides choose their bridesmaid dresses as a central colour or motif of the event, and to avoid looking like an extra bridesmaid who missed a couple of fittings, you should not wear this color. Just to be on the safe side!
The Upside of Covering Up: If the event is in a church, a temple or a place of worship, bring along a shawl or cover-up and steer clear of anything strapless, off the shoulder, or sheer. In some venues, a skimpy or inappropriate outfit may be cause for you to be asked to leave, which is unfortunate, but just the way it works. Remember, you can ditch the cardigan or pashima once it's time to let your hair down at the reception. If the ceremony is of a different cultural background to yours, there is no harm in checking with your hosts as to what is appropriate. A ceremony, no matter how informal, is an important proceeding and a formal notion. Use common sense and dress appropriately.
Squash the Urge to Revenge-Dress: You know what this means. If you don't like the host but you are attending their event, or you are attending the event of an ex-partner, work-mate etc where there MAY be some sour grapes or residual bad feelings, avoid the urge to dress inappropriately as it's just not worth it, particularly when you are greeted by the host's parents or grandparents. The same goes for a host that you do not know well - if you're not sure of their tastes (or their open-mindedness!) it is a good idea to err on the conservative side. You can always tell them about your amazing sequined strapless leopard print dress that didn't make the cut in the bathroom during the reception!
Finally...The most important thing to remember is that your host has often gone to a lot of effort to have you at their event, the least you can do is reward them by showing you have made an effort with your appearance - this doesn't mean go out and buy a whole new outfit (unless you'd like to!), but it does mean make sure you look presentable and neat. And you will find that once you 'dress up' a little, you're preparing yourself for a special night, so enjoy it!
Labels: haircosfashiontips, wedding_engagement
Hair Inspiration Tutorials from Ford Artists
Are you planning on doing your own hair for an upcoming event? Ford Artists and stylist Johnny Lavoy have developed some very easy-to-follow YouTube tutorials on creating pretty up and down 'do's that you could recreate at home. Link via
Something Old, Something New (a favourite resource of mine!)
Here's a few "before and after" screen shots of what Johnny creates in his tutorial:
Create Sexy Supermodel CurlsA hot, popular look, could be adapted for longer hair.
YouTube LinkMake a Simple Ponytail Modern (with Headscarf)Hot for evening weddings, parties, something casual and trendy. Raid your local accessories store for the perfect headscarf.
YouTube LinkElegant Hair (with Ribbon)Stylish for end of year and holiday parties, easy to do if you have very little time.
YouTube LinkCreate an Evening Look in Minutes (with Headband)Hot for Christmas/New Years parties, trendy weddings, 18ths & 21sts.
YouTube Link"Hill's" inspired Side Ponytail (with Hairpiece)Great for an 18th, 21st or Hen's night.
YouTube Link"Katherine Heigl" inspired Red Carpet lookPerfect for a vintage style wedding.
YouTube LinkAs someone who loves to DIY if I can in nearly every situation, I loved these tutorials, I've chosen the six I really liked but there are
heaps on YouTube, as well as some makeup tutorials. I'd recommend getting a friend to help you with some of these styles if you are attempting them yourself, it could save you quite a bit on hairstyling for your event. Have fun!
Labels: haircosfashiontips, hens_bucks, milestone_birthday, wedding_engagement
