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

10 Dining Etiquette Do's and Don'ts

Dining etiquette is often overlooked and discounted as frivolous when it comes to projecting a professional image. However, with more business meetings being conducted over lunch or dinner dining etiquette has taken on a more central role in the corporate world.

Here’s a look at 10 do’s and don’ts of dining etiquette. This content comes straight from our program Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

1. Don’t tuck your napkin in to your shirt

Your napkin should lay across your lap with the folded end closest to you. Although it might be tempting for some gentlemen to protect their favourite work shirt or tie, tucking your napkin in to your shirt collar is never an option.

2. Refrain from using cutlery to gesture at the table

This is a common mistake people make when talking at the table. When you’re speaking put your cutlery down, the last thing you want to do is point your fork or knife at a potential client or business contact, this comes across as dangerous and somewhat threatening.

3. Keep your cell phone off the table

Although many of us feel the need to have our phones with us at all times resist the urge to text, call, or use social media during a business lunch or dinner. By keeping your phone out of sight and stored away in your purse, bag, or jacket pocket you will not be tempted to refer to it during your meal. Make sure your phone is on silent. If you are indeed expecting a call, inform the person you are dining with and excuse yourself from the table to take the call.

4. Avoid primping at the table

Many ladies feel the need to touch up their lipstick after a meal. Though projecting a professional image is essential, hair and make up should be reserved for the ladies room and not the dining table. Resist the urge to break out a compact mirror to check your make up and touch up lipstick.

5. Your napkin is not a tissue

Never use your napkin to blow your nose at the table. Your napkin should only be used to dab the corners of your mouth. If you have a runny nose simply excuse yourself and retire to the washroom to blow your nose.

6.  If it falls leave it on the floor

If you happen to drop your napkin or cutlery on the floor during the course of your meal do not pick it up and resume eating. Simply call the waiter over, explain what happened and ask for a fresh fork, knife, or napkin. Although it may seem like common sense to pick it up, keep in mind that you are at a professional business meeting and reaching under the table will make for an awkward moment and come across as unprofessional.

7. Too hot to handle? Don’t blow on it!

If your food is too hot to eat right away, resist the urge to blow on it before taking a bite. Instead wait a few minutes for it to cool down. If others are waiting for you to commence eating simply explain the situation to them and encourage them to proceed.

8. Don’t be picky!

Some restaurants provide you with toothpicks at the end of the meal. Toothpicks should never be used at the table. If you need to use a toothpick to get food out of your teeth, you should always excuse yourself and retire to the washroom. Although toothpicks are presented at the table they should not be used at the table.

9. Never chew with your mouth open

Your food should stay in your mouth while you’re eating. Do not open your mouth and chew food to the side of your mouth. You should also avoid talking with your mouth full as you will risk being rude and possibly spitting food at your colleagues.

10. Maintain good posture

As your mother always told you : keep your elbows off the table. Placing your elbows on the table causes you to hunch or slouch with sends the message that you’re not really engaged in the business meeting. Make sure you sit upright with your hands either folded in your lap or placed on your thighs. You may also rest your wrists on the table but make sure you are sitting up straight. Good posture is a sign of confidence!

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting