By JASMINE CUNNINGHAM.
A SERIOUS round of applause goes to all of you who frocked up trackside for yet another fabulous racing carnival. Goosebumps = virtually non existent!
Although some spirited attendees managed to sneak their way through our spring racing dress code laser beam sensors, most just waltzed on through looking fabulous in their Autumn race attire. Classy frocks, accessories, covered legs and an array of suave jackets graced our footpaths, marquees and squishy grassed arenas (with thanks to our fab weather) and yes, the fashion police were delighted, not many arrests made here!
But wait... The Standard's Hot 100 are still battling it out for first place and with thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs it’s anyone’s game. So get texting and vote for your favourites, so you too can win, win, win.
So we managed to get it nearly right at the May Races but what about that invite you just received in the mail? You know the one with the DRESS CODE printed neatly at the bottom. ARRRRGGGGHHHH! What are they talking about?
What is BLACK TIE? LOUNGE SUIT? COCKTAIL? SEMI FORMAL? "I simply can't cope, I am so not going," you say to yourself as you try your very best to interpret what the hosts are also trying to interpret.
Many still seem to get it wrong when establishing a dress code for their event and if you’re not sure then how can your guests possibly know what to parade around in on the day? So I thought I would attempt to take the stress, tears and arguments out of getting your dress code penned and adhered to.
With a bit of luck most events you attend will not require a White Tie dress code. This code is usually reserved for royal events, charity balls, opera and the ballet and although they can be very entertaining your wallet will definitely be left feeling a little heavier for not having this dress code as a choice. White Tie is traditionally the most formal of all the codes, with full length floor gowns, tiaras (for the wedded), shawls, gloves, white bow ties, cloaks, vests and black silk ribbed knee highs (for the gents).
Plenty of 'semi formal' dress code invites have adorned my refrigerator over time only to be misinterpreted at the event by guests as including coloured pants, shirt with no tie (that seems to become increasingly longer and more untucked), summer beach dresses with logos, cartoon character ties with elastic around the neck and flat sandals. In fact semi formal, black tie or stroller codes come second to their white tie friend when keeping in line with the dress code book of ethics.
Semi formal/black tie actually has a day code and an evening code but day code need not apply as black tie events are more commonly held after 6pm or in preparation for evening formalities.
So for semi formal/black tie, LADIES should be seen in:
* Shorter gown, cocktail dress or dancing costume (as they were previously known), should be around knee length but no longer than 2 inches above the ankle. The ‘displaying what you had for brekky’ length dress should not be worn on this occasion.
* Luxury coats including fur…..mmmm.
* Shawls in silks, satin or chiffon.
* Lots of jewellery to give off a little bling.
* Footwear to match your completely colour co-ordinated ensemble.
GENTS can sport….
* A suit jacket in black (sometimes charcoal is acceptable), with or without satin or silk lapels and can be single or double breasted.
* A black tie, silk or satin.
* Your shirt should have a stiff collar and be a double cuff if wearing a long tie and single cuff and winged collar if sporting a cravat, which even though doesn’t do current fashion trends any justice, adheres to the black tie code.
* Pants should be matched to the suit jacket and should not be a turned up cuff.
*Socks should be knee length and black
* Footwear should always be black and lace up. Traditionally patent leather is to be worn to evening events and flat smooth leather during the daytime.
“Mmmmmm, interesting," you say, "but what about informal? Does that mean I get to wear my matching velour tracksuit to the wedding?"
Absolutely not! tempting though but probably not appropriate. Informal is merely just a toned down and more suitably comfortable code than its more formal companions. Informal dress - also known as lounge suit - requires the subject to show off:
* A cocktail dress or shorter length dress in good quality fabrics and appropriate seasonal colours. Summer florals are acceptable and still no logos please! The more elegant the better here, girls.
* A wrap or shawl to match.
* Footwear to suit the dress.
And for the GENTLEMEN…
* A suit, tailored, clean lines and darker for winter, lighter for summer.
* Yes, yes, yes a tie is still required here guys... sorry!
* A shirt that is clean and pressed. Usually white is by far the colour of choice when it comes to shirting it up in the informal dress code. Shirts should be double cuffed here and worn with cufflinks. Remember... always do up the top button on your shirt at the collar. It pays to get your neck measured before purchasing a shirt that has to be done up!
*Socks should be a similar colour to your suit and again try to go for a lace-up shoe.
With too many to mention in one short article and unfortunately not the provision here for a novel, it seems that the plethora of dress codes out there still leave some wondering whether or not their kit will be suitable for the occasion. And with smart casual, executive business casual and spiffy (yes you read it correctly 'spiffy' does make the list of lists when it comes to the codes) still on offer, it makes sense to ensure that you and your host are both on the same wave-length when it comes to the dreaded dress code.
Don’t overdo your look, match your colours, be confident and remember: "the best colour in the whole world, is the one that looks good on you" (Coco Chanel, 1873-1971).
* Jasmine Cunningham is the manager/buyer for Mix It Up and Mixture Boutique in Warrnambool.
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