We’re heading into that great time of year – the end. It’s the season of Christmas parties, New Years Eve events, cocktail parties, get-togethers and of course, weddings.
And with all these invitations comes the inevitable mention of dress codes. Indicating a dress code on an invitation can save guests a lot of mental anguish, but the annoying thing is that many people put them in there without actually knowing what they mean. So it’s still very confusing for guests.
I was actually very keen to invent a new type of dress code for my wedding – Relaxed Glamour, I wanted to call it – but seriously, would anyone really know what that meant?
While I had an image in my mind, it made more sense to just select a dress code from one of those already in existence, because at least people might have an inkling of what they mean.
The list of dress codes is ever expanding, these days we’re seeing things like Barefoot Beach, Urban Chic, Relaxed Dressy and quite frankly these are quite bamboozling.
So I’ve tried to decode some of the more common (and basic) dress codes to prepare you for the party season… Smart casual Smart Casual is extremely popular. People seem to slap it on pretty much every invitation. It’s very common for things like work Christmas functions, but what on earth does this mean? Is it jeans?
A little black dress for women? A jacket for men? It’s a very broad dress code, so it’s hard to know what to wear – you don’t want to be so casual you look like you’re taking the trash out, but neither do you want to be completely overdressed (although, I think in most occasions it’s better to be too formal rather than too casual).
Really, you need to look at where and when the event is taking place and make your judgement from there. For daytime think a light summer dress in florals, low heels, flats or metallic sandals and a cardigan. No thongs, no mini skirts and fewer accessories. For nighttime think tailored pants, a great pair of jeans, a sparkly top or a little black dress.
A blazer is a key item of this look; it can dress up a very casual outfit, or tone down a little black dress.
White Tie, this is like the emperor of all dress codes, normally for celebrations after 6pm. Floor length gowns and sky-high heels are a must for women. And men have to go all out with tails, white tie, dress shirt and vest. Ladies, get your hair done.
Go all out with rich reds, royal blues, sparkles, sequins, huge hair, chandelier earrings – it’s over the top but fabulous. Black Tie This is formal attire and common for charity events and some evening weddings. Women can wear cocktail style dresses (not too revealing) or long evening gowns.
For men, tuxedos complete with cufflinks, black shoes and a bow tie. Formal Very similar to Black Tie, but a little more relaxed. Boys don’t need to bother with a tux during the day, a lovely suit will suffice.
For the ladies, a cocktail dress is great, but for an evening event consider taking it a little further with a maxi dress and a glamorous clutch. Semi-Formal This reminds me of my high-school dance.
Tuxes and long dresses are not required. For him a dark suit will do just fine and for her a cocktail dress will be ok. Glam it up with some serious accessories and shoes and don’t skimp on a spray tan. Cocktail This is a very common dress code for weddings and celebrations after 5pm.
Think Sex and the City – shorter dresses, bigger accessories and higher heels. Get your glam on with some sparkle and some seriously big hair.