...in one piece from head to toe and through to 2009.
Not being shy to share my thoughts, I am of the very strong opinion that we could all do with a really good party season this year and quite frankly the sillier the better. There's been far too much doom and gloom with credit crunch here, recession there, VAT confusion everywhere and half of us thinking it was so much simpler when we thought Father Christmas existed...Ho, Ho, Ho!
Now that we’re entering December, you may already have a diary full of festive invitations, office parties, Christmas drinks and know where you’re going to be when 2009 hits us with its presence. But along with the many varieties of mince pies and mulled wine that the silly season delightfully brings, is the many dress code requirements for these social gatherings. And I should know - I’m being asked to dress up as Peter Pan for the Annual Little Ship Club Racing Christmas Party…and I don’t even race!
Formal or informal, male or female, the thought of misjudging the dress code and turning up either over or under dressed can be alarmingly stressful and even more so if your first thought is to purchase a whole new wardrobe. Hold steady! Allow me to help with the annual Christmas dress code conundrum and first take you through the dos and don’ts of Xmas attire to ensure you look the part this party season as well as keep you in the red.
The Invitation
Essential to any event is to scrutinise the invitation and understand the social context. This should give you enough clues about how formal to be dressed and whether there are any instructions on dress code, for example, white tie or smart casual. Generally these fall into the following categories:
- The Cocktail Party
If the invitation does not specify, men have the option of wearing a suit and tie, or opt for a less formal look with tailored trousers, no tie, or jumper and either a blazer or a sports jacket.
For ladies, this is the time to bring out your dresses - cocktail dresses are usually knee length but I would say to get advice on your best lengths. Beware of wearing anything too long as you may feel over-dressed. Having said that we have had a season of maxi dresses which would work if in an appropriate style and material. If dresses are not your thing then consider a trouser suit - accompanied with the right accessories can create a comfortable, feminine, flattering look.
- The Black Tie
Unless stated as optional, invited or preferred, this means that black tie is required. Traditional black tie consists of black tuxedo, black trousers with one stripe down the outer edge, white dinner shirt, black bow tie and smart black shoes. Cummerbunds and waistcoats may be worn and is down to personal preference.
DO invest in a good quality tuxedo if you attend many of these events - it saves in the long run and fashions do not change a great deal.
DO invest in tying a bow tie yourself - ready tied bow ties are available but will not look as good as tying it yourself so a good time to start practicing!
DON'T opt for the comedy bow ties and cummerbunds, they're not sophisticated and they're not funny.
The black ties dress code for ladies is much more relaxed with the same options as for a cocktail party but where you can safely opt for a longer dress style. What is key is to ensure whatever you choose it is in a mode that suits your body shape and personal style and is accessorised appropriately to give it that chic appeal, whether its a understated broach to diamond earrings! - The White Tie
The most formal of all invitations and where you must follow the dress code to the letter if you do not want to feel out of place. The white tie or 'evening tails' attire for men consists of back evening tail coat, white dress shirt, white bow tie, white waistcoat, black trousers and smart black shoes. If you are going to a white tie event, you may want to opt for a good hire company to ensure you are fitted out correctly particularly as there are further 'rules' to consider with the appropriate dress shirt and waistcoat.
For ladies, a white tie event is the perfect opportunity to go all out. Think movie star chic, think glamorous, think long flowing dresses, think as daring as you dare! Dresses like this should not be difficult to find, try Debenhams for a great range or take a leaf out of Liz Hurley's style book. Crown optional.
- The No Jeans Please or Smart Casual
So finally the catch all dress code, perhaps used the most and sometimes the one that causes more confusion as it can be very much up to the establishments interpretation.
But, if no jeans has been stated then it means no jeans and usually includes all form of denim and certainly no trainers. The expectation is to be clean, smart and presentable with an attire that is equally so. T-shirts, slogans or logos should be avoided as should anything too over-the-top.
For some events, smart jeans can be worn, if in doubt, ask or avoid all together.
For guys a good smart casual look is a suit, or jacket and trousers with a more relaxed shirt colour and no tie. Jackets may also be optional.
Women can get away with anything from smart trousers and a blouse or top, dresses or skirts. Jackets are not necessary and again, dependent on the occasion.
The Secret of the Little Black Dress?
What is it? Quite simply...it doesn’t have to be black. This is a frustrating misconception but perhaps understandable. When in doubt, many of us go for what's safe and that way we can at least blend in and not look out of place. But ladies...firstly, how many black dresses do you own? Secondly and more importantly, black is not the colour for everybody. So why not break a habit of a lifetime and try something that is more flattering to your natural colouring that can be just as appropriate, just as flattering and just as glamorous. So go on, pass the secret on...
DON'T panic, if you are have already purchased or intend to re-use your LBD, then why not de-emphasise the black by accessorising with one of your more flattering shades as an accent colour - think jewellery, a stole, shawl or pashmina, handbags and shoes.
Finishing Touches
Just by selecting the right accessories you can not only complete an outfit but you can practically transform it. Very handy to know if you need to adapt a day time outfit to evening wear.
Options for guys - changing into a more relaxed evening shirt, tie optional, a change of shoes and pay attention to grooming.
Options for ladies - It's all about accessories and makeup. Start from head and work down.
DO change of hairstyle to an evening look - either tie up or wear down and consider hair accessories if you are OK using them. Either way, a good brush though will help!
DO consider wearing makeup. If you are accustomed to wearing makeup then apply it fresh for the evening and go for a more glam look to coordinate with your outfit. If you are not a seasonal makeup wearer then consider getting some advice on how to apply and what suits you best as even a little bit can really make all the difference.
DO make use of accessories to glam up an outfit from jewellery to belts to shoes. As a rule of thumb, accessories should reflect the size of your frame. If you are petite, keep accessories neat, if you're larger or taller, bolder accessories will be more flattering.
DO invest in a nice pair of sandals, ladies! If you are on a budget then opt for a neutral shade that will go with lot's of outfits to maximise their use. I was going to say make sure they are comfortable but ladies' heels are designed to be anything but at least ensure you can walk around in them...or invest in Party Feet!
DO invest in an evening bag. You can either use this as a great way of introducing colour to an outfit or keep it more tonal. Either way it should not be big enough to carry the kitchen sink! Think about your proportions and what you seriously need to carry.
And the final word...enjoy what you wear this party season, we don't often get the chance to dress up enough so why not have fun with it! Give yourself some time to plan ahead so there are no last minute panics and ensure that your outfits suit your personality, character, your body shape and colouring....you will certainly feel all the more confident for it as well as comfortable.
So how about you? Confused about what to wear, what to invest in this season? Or do you know someone who could do with some help? Our expert advice on colours, shapes and styles that suit you as well as taking you shopping to get it just right maybe just what is needed or make the perfect gift.
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