Dress Code: Decoded WOMEN With the silly season well and truly upon us now, there is no doubt your social calendar is quickly filling up with festive invites. From cocktail parties to more formal affairs, the confusion surrounding what to wear can be overwhelming. Here we decode the dress code for you. WHITE TIE Also referred to as full evening dress, full dress, or evening dress, this is the most formal of all the dress codes. White tie calls for a full-length, formal evening dress. Shorter dresses or trousers for women are considered unacceptable. Being the dressiest and most formal code, extravagant jewellery may be worn to complement your gown, and evening bags should be small and elegant. Shoes should have a high heel. Traditionally, white tie called for long evening gloves, however this is no longer the case. BLACK TIE Slightly less dressy than the white tie code, black tie for women generally requires a floor-length gown, although perhaps in a slimmer silhouette than a white tie gown, in any colour. Dressy trousers, preferably in a wider cut, are acceptable, so long as the whole look is appropriately styled. Your dress can be accessorised with fine jewellery and an elegant evening bag. Hair may be styled in an up-do or may be worn out, as long as it is perfectly coiffed. Shoes should have a medium to high heel. COCKTAIL Although the cocktail and lounge suit dress codes are quite similar, there are subtle nuances that lend a difference. The cocktail dress code is slightly dressier than lounge suit, and whilst both codes call for knee-length or midi length dresses, cocktail dresses are generally darker or richer in colour and fabric, and may feature embellishments such as sequins or beading. Complement your cocktail dress with high heels, dressy jewellery and a small evening bag. LOUNGE SUIT For an event with a lounge suit dress code, choose a knee-length dress in a lighter colour and fabric, leaning more towards a day dress. Accesorise with a mid to high heel and some understated jewellery. You may carry a more casual bag such as a plain oversized clutch. SMART CASUAL Smart casual is probably the most confusing of all the dress codes, but the general rule is to dress appropriately for the event you have been invited to. For example, Christmas drinks with a smart casual dress code would call for a blouse and skirt, jumpsuit, or well-cut trousers or tailored shorts with silk camisole top and heels. Accessorise with simple jewellery and an understated shoulder bag. Denim jeans or shorts should be avoided – save these for a casual barbecue or informal gathering. BEAUTY 56 Pindara Magazine 2015
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Six
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