Decoding the Dress Code

What is a Dress Code? It is a standard or a norm that acts as a guide to let us know what is appropriate to wear to a certain place or event. Whether it be a business event or a social event, it is important to give a good first impression.  When attending any event, it is courteous to adhere to the dress code. An event can be informal or formal and within these two definitions are different dress codes. 

An informal event can have a Lounge, Smart-casual or Casual dress code while a formal event can have a more specific White-Tie or Black-Tie dress code.

 Let’s take a look at the different dress codes that pertain to different events.

Informal Event:

 An informal event simply means that it is not formal. It means it’s definitely not a Black-Tie event. Although informal, the event would generally require a business suit. An informal dress code is typically a suit and tie for men and a suit dress for women.

An informal dress code can also be a Smart-Casual dress code. A Smart-Casual dress code is a dress shirt and dress pants but no tie for men and a sun-dress, dress, pant suit or skirt suit for women.

An informal dress code also includes a Casual dress code. A Casual dress code can mean a polo shirt and pants for men and dress or pants with shirt for women.

Formal Event:

A formal event would require a formal dress code. A formal dress code can mean a White-Tie or Black-Tie dress code.

A White-Tie dress code is the most formal dress code.  A White-Tie dress code comes in to affect after 6.00 p.m. and is usually acceptable at state dinners or evening balls. A White-Tie dress code for men is an evening dress coat, white bow-tie, white waistcoat and a starched collar shirt.

A White-Tie dress code for women is a ball gown.

The less formal dress code for a formal event is the Black-Tie dress code. The Black-Tie dress code is for an evening event mainly after 6 p.m.

The Black-Tie dress code for men is a black suit, a white dress shirt, a black bow-tie, a cummerbund, and black dress shoes. 

 

A Black-Tie dress code for women can vary but consists of a dress, either ankle or mid-calf length, gloves, stole and evening shoes.

Being aware of what traditional dress codes mean is important, not only to create a good impression at an event but also show respect to the host or hostess.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

Wardrobe Essentials for the Busy Business Woman

More women are taking the centre stage these days and are able to juggle family and corporate responsibilities successfully. “Busy” is an understatement for such women. The demands of corporate leadership do not necessarily require women to attire themselves in a masculine manner.  Having a handy list of wardrobe essentials for the woman business executive makes it easier to put together an outfit that is designed for success.

Building a foundation for your wardrobe would eliminate the hassle of making outfit decisions. The foundation pieces in your wardrobe should be the essential pieces that can be taken as a base for any outfit and enhanced by adding other pieces.

The classic “Little Black Dress” tops the list. The LBD is a useful piece of attire that easily transforms from office to cocktail, and business luncheon to business dinner. A blazer or scarf along with accessories of your choice does the transformation quite easily.

“You can wear black at any time, you can wear it at any age, you may wear it on almost any occasion. A ‘little black frock’ is essential to a woman’s wardrobe. I could write a book about black.” – Christian Dior

Apart from the LBD, it is wise for a busy  woman to follow the 4-3-2 rule by Nygard. According to Nygard there are 9 basic pieces that are essential for a very practical wardrobe. These 9 pieces of attire can be selected  based on your personal colour and style choice: 4 Tops, 3 Bottoms and 2 Blazers or Jackets make up the 9 pieces. Nygard claims these 9 pieces will give you 23 outfits. In the 3 Bottoms, I would suggest you include at least one skirt and a pair of black pants. These will definitely go along way.

Carefully chosen classics will make a foundation that can be used to build upon according to your body type and style statement. Accessories, whether it be jewellery or scarves can easily transform an outfit to suit the occasion or suit your style and they are little pieces that make a BIG impact. Use them to your advantage. 


Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting