Formal Events
Should I wear a long evening gown or short cocktail dress?
Should I wear a long evening gown or a short cocktail dress? I am 5 ft tall weighing 112 lbs & it is a black & white tie affair? White tie affairs are very formal and it is traditional to wear a long evening gown. Cocktail dresses are appropriate for black tie affairs. If the…
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What can I wear to a formal banquet?
A formal banquet is an occasion to dress up. Years ago a formal event called for a floor length dress. Today women are more casual so a floor length dress or skirt, dressy pants and a top, or a dressy, knee-length, cocktail dress are all acceptable. A cocktail dress is a little more “modern” and…
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Can you wear performance clothing to a gala?
Performance clothing is coming for evening wear. Evening wear is being influenced by athleisure clothing and today’s women looking for comfort. Designers such as Valentino and Miu Miu have begun to fashion evening wear from sporty fabrics such as Lycra, spandex and stretch polyester, fabrics that move with the body. In the past other designers…
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Can I wear a black & white polka dot chiffon dress to a formal night on a cruise?
A black and white polka dot chiffon dress sounds awesome and should be appropriate for a formal night on a cruise. Chiffon is a very lightweight, sheer and dressy fabric commonly used in evening wear. Today floor length or cocktail dresses are perfect for formal events. Simple black or metallic (gold or silver) accessories would…
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What should I wear to a wedding when “formal attire” is specified?
A formal wedding is very dressy and usually means the event is in the evening and requires formal attire. When “white tie” is specified on a wedding invitation you should wear a floor length dress. When “black tie” or “black tie” optional is specified on a wedding invitation a cocktail dress, floor length dress or…
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How can I accessorize a gray gown for a formal event?
With a simple style gray gown you can consider a piece of statement jewelry to add some elegance to your outfit. Silver or pewter pumps would allow you to wear glitzy, sparkly jewelry (rhinestone, diamonds or combinations of rhinestone or diamond jewelry with pearls). A piece of statement jewelry will draw attention to your face…
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Can you wear a white dress to a black tie event?
Yes you can wear a white dress or any color dress to a black tie event. When black tie is specified on an invitation it means the event is formal. You should get dressed up. Formal for women usually means a floor length gown. However in today’s more casual world some women think wearing dressy…
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What color of shoes should I wear with a long black dress? The dress has a V neck & a low back & it’s for a black tie event.
When choosing what color of shoes to wear with your long black dress think about if you want to draw attention downward or upward. Since your dress is long they won’t be very noticeable. Black shoes would be elegant with your black dress and a classic choice for a black tie event. You can focus…
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What does “white tie” mean for women?
When white tie is specified on an invitation it means a very formal event. Women should wear floor length evening gowns. Pants or cocktail length dresses are not appropriate at white tie events. Long gloves are optional for women. Read More: Party Dress Codes It is almost always exciting and fun when a party invitation…
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Are black tie weddings formal affairs?
Black tie on an invitation means that the event is formal. Men wear tuxedos and women dress up. Today women dress more casual than years ago. Previously it was appropriate to wear floor length dresses / gowns when black tie was specified. Today fancy cocktail dresses or floor length gowns are appropriate. For black tie…
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