Banner image courtesy of Robert Chan
When it comes to formal dress etiquette, it can sometimes be challenging to dress in a way that helps you stand out, but not because you got the dress code wrong. Here are a few tips to help you no matter the occasion.
Understand the Dress Code
The first thing you should do is get a handle on the dress code itself. In many settings, such as for office events, “formal” will simply mean dress in formal, office-appropriate attire. This can range from women’s suits, to an evening gown.
However, there are other types of formal occasions, such as black-tie, white-tie, and cocktail. White-tie, for example, is ultra-formal, and you will be expected to wear a gown. On the other hand, a cocktail evening is formal, but is a bit more relaxed, and therefore you can opt for a cocktail dress, suit, or a tailored dress.
Fit & Tailoring
Next, pay close attention to the fit and the tailoring of the outfit you choose. Many experts agree that whether it be a suit or a dress, the fit should skim your skin, not be super-baggy or ultra-tight.
Tailoring can also take historically casual items and make them look more formal. Because of this, tailoring is often seen as a key aspect of formal attire, and should be at the forefront of your mind when choosing an outfit.
Shoes
Shoes can be tricky, as wearing heels can get uncomfortable very quickly, especially if you are spending hours on end on your feet. However, in most circumstances, a standard, comfortable heel will do the trick.
Avoid anything with super-high heels, as your ankles will be crying after an hour or two, and blisters will form, but also avoid anything too casual, such as sandals, kitten heels, etc. In short, a black, regular heel that you can comfortably walk and stand in will usually do the job.
Accessories
For accessories, simpler is always better. When you accessorize correctly, you never need more than a few items. For formal events, a statement necklace, a bracelet or two, and a couple of rings is almost always enough.
Dress for the Season
Another thing to remember is the season in which the event is taking place. Summer and the warmer parts of Spring and Autumn can be tricky, as it’s very easy to underdress simply because it is too hot to wear the right thing.
In warmer seasons, a floor-length, sleeveless dress is never the wrong choice, and if the event is more of a cocktail party, a cocktail dress is not only the right choice, but you will also stay cool and comfortable throughout the evening.
Test Your Outfit
A small thing you can do that will help you decide what to wear is to take your outfit choices for test drives. Put it on with the shoes and see how easy it is to walk, sit, move, and how warm or cool it feels, etc.
Being uncomfortable in your outfit will quickly make you feel less confident in it, and this is particularly useful if you have bought a new dress or pair of shoes for the event and want to see what you may need to change or adjust.
Venue Expectations
It is also important to factor in venue expectations, especially for formal events held in religious buildings, such as weddings, birthdays, or funerals. In most cases, showing too much skin, for example, is heavily frowned upon.
While in this day and age most venues are incredibly flexible because they know not everyone will subscribe to their expectations, it is still important to remember, especially when travelling overseas, that expectations can be vastly different from what you know.
Respect the Theme
You should also always respect the theme, if there is one, of the event. One mistake that is very easy to make is being too literal, and you move out of the formal zone and into your look being more akin to a costume.
Instead, interpret themes in a more elegant and subtle way. Unless the invitation strictly states that it is a costume party, less is more, and you can still easily adjust to the theme without going overboard.
Clutch Contents
A clutch is almost always the best formal option for a handbag. They are small, discrete, and the right clutch can fit into any look. In your clutch, pack your essentials like ID, a small makeup touch-up kit, your phone, etc. Don’t use a large bag, as it will break your sleek silhouette.
Pack an “Emergency” Kit
Additionally, you should also pack an “emergency” kit. In it, you should have some safety pins, fashion tape, a needle and thread, blister pads/band-aids, and stain removal wipes. The chances of a strap breaking or your dress ripping are far higher than you may think.
While not vital, especially if you bring a backup outfit or you are somewhere where you can quickly change, it is still a very useful addition, and you will most likely use it way sooner than you thought.