Even deciding what to wear on a typical day is difficult enough without having to distinguish between “casually elegant” and “festive cocktail attire.”
According to Derek Guillemette, the former head of ready-to-wear at Rent the Runway, hosts are becoming so inventive with dress requirements that visitors are left perplexed. Customers usually question the personal stylists at the business, which styles go nicely with a particular dress code. Boys as well as girl struggle with it.
Enter this helpful guide to dress codes to make sure you and your partner can dress to impress for any occasion.
Ideas for Girls Party Dresses:
For upmarket occasions like formal weddings, charity galas, elegant holiday parties, and award ceremonies, a tea- or floor-length gown is the way to go. Choose wisely from the girls party dresses that make you star for the evening. In addition, be the party queen by flaunting a stunning satin, taffeta, or beaded ensemble. Consider a Hepburn-inspired column or an A-line in scarlet, navy, or emerald. Which contrasts with black and looks good on a variety of skin tones, advises Guillemette.
In terms of jewelry, he advises, “Choose a bold necklace or hanging earrings, but never both.” When in doubt, go for time-tested classics like pearl or diamond drops rather than something more costume-y. Invest in a metallic handbag that can be dressed up or down for all of your parties; an evening bag is also a need.
Finally, avoid trains, fishtails, loud designs (do not wear that cheetah dress), and body-conscious styles since nobody wants to trip at a black-tie Christmas gala (save them for A Night at the Roxbury). According to Tara Guérard, owner of Charleston, South Carolina-based Soirée, an event planning and design firm, the conventions of black tie dress are closely follow in the South, and decorum predominates. Avoid overflowing out of slits and necklines.
Boys should dress in a tuxedo and a black bow tie. Guillemette instructs, “Make it a real tie, not a clip-on.” Choose a peak- or notch-lapel jacket with one or two buttons, whether you want to buy it or rent it.
On the West Coast, where more boys may get away with wearing black suits, the dress code is generally more relaxed.
Children’s Couture required
Children’s couture is considered semiformal. Consider a stylish party dress and a stylish pair of heels.
The majority of weddings, engagement parties, and numerous fund-raisers, according to Catherine Loose, the president of fashion at Minneapolis-based styling and event planning company Style-Architects. Use luxurious materials like lace, chiffon, and velvet to add texture and complexity to the standard black. However, keep the hemline modest, no more than two inches above the knee. Hold with your hands at your sides to check the length of your dress; it should not reach past your fingertips.
You can also experiment with different tones: Simple silhouettes can be just as elegant in jewel tones and chilly pastels. Spending a little extra on fancy separates, like brocade cigarette pants with a beaded shell, is also very fine. Whatever option you choose, dressy shoes are required. Your shoes will appear more graceful on the dance floor if the high heel is more delicate (even if you have two left feet).
Dress for Boys:
Be dapper and classic. “Put on a dark suit that is a well-fitted, more casual alternative to a tux. It differs from what you would wear in a boardroom because of that “Guillemette explains. “Remain in the white shirt, dark tie, and cap-toe black oxfords.” Give your formal shoes a reasonable polish as a final change.
Holiday Dress Code
Also known as dress-to-impress, festive outfit, or inventive cocktail costume. Bring the razzle-dazzle is what it means.
Girls Party Dresses That Are Elegant:
According to Guillemette, “Color, bold jewelry, and dazzling touches signal you’re eager to have a good time.” This dressing rule is frequently stated on invitations to Christmas gatherings. However, it does not require you to wear jingle-bell earrings. Elaine Swann, a San Diego lifestyle, and etiquette expert advises, “Go all out with classy jewels and a Kid couture dresses,” adding that a jacquard skirt with a silky shirt also works. Statement accessories like a bib necklace, red heels, velvet accents, or a glittering purse may up the festive vibe. Do not let the frigid weather ruin your fabulousness, advises Loose. Analyze each detail of fabric and design when selecting the best girl’s party dresses from a boutique.
Resort attire required
Dressy resort is often used in conjunction with garden party or island chic on invitations for outdoor weddings. Think of something simple, breezy, and elegant.
Girls Clothing: Strike a balance between form and function. Put on a cozy maxi dress, a flowy sundress, or a charming shift and accessorize with a pop of color, advises Swann. Mindy Lockard, an elegance consultant in Portland, Oregon, advises wearing an exotic print and even hiding a flower in your hair if you are celebrating in a tropical location. Leave the heels at home; they will sink into the sand or the grass whether you are going to a beach wedding, a vintage rehearsal supper, or an outside luncheon. Posh footwear includes gold wedges, beaded sandals, and adorned ballet flats.
