Party Wear

Happy Labor Day friends!

Since I am between jobs I get to celebrate YOU today!! I'm hoping everyone has a fun and restful holiday.

On another note, I recently attended a semi-formal party in a friend's backyard.

Okay, okay. The party was mine.

I'm a total sucker for dressing up, and I use any excuse to do so ("Oh! We're going to Target? Let me put on my stilettos." Totally kidding--I'm not THAT extreme). If I could, I would probably wear a ball gown every day of my life.

A few people wanted clarification on the exact attire of the event, so I thought I would take the opportunity to dive into descriptions on other attire clarifications as well.

Informal Attire

Casual Attire:
Men: the classic jeans and a t-shirt is perfectly acceptable. Don't wear sweats or pajama bottoms. Style your hair as you normally would.
Women: sundresses, cotton skirts, jeans, t-shirts are all possibilities. Wear makeup. Casual hairstyles (low buns, ponytails, straight, curly...it all works. Just don't make it look like you're going to the Oscars).



Informal Attire:
Men: above casual attire, this is around the lines of 'business attire' or 'business casual'. Jeans and a nice shirt (button down, not a t-shirt) paired with a sport coat and close-toed shoes are acceptable. No tennis shoes. Suits are also very acceptable.
Women: Slacks, tailored suits. Business appropriate dresses and skirts. No t-shirts. No sandals. Heels preferred, dressy flats welcome.

Semi-formal or Cocktail Attire

Festive Attire: (specifically referring to the holiday season)
Men & Women: See below to Semi-formal/Cocktail Attire. However, add something festive like a red button down for men or a sparkly accessory  for women.



Semi-formal/Cocktail Attire:
Men: Slacks and a sport coat or a suit. Ties optional. Button down shirt. If the event is in the morning or afternoon you are welcome to wear a light colored suit.
Women: Dresses or a nice pantsuit are acceptable. Do not wear a dress or skirt that goes below your calves, even if it's a maxi dress. Dressy shoes.

White Tie Attire (sorry for the poor quality)

Black Tie Optional or Black Tie:
Men: Suits required. Vest optional.
Women: Long or short dress acceptable. Dressy evening separates are acceptable as well.



White Tie:
Men: Black dress coat or tail coat with matching trousers. White shirt, white vest, white bow tie, white waistcoat or vest all required. Black shoes.
Women: Full length dress required, typically in white or black. Dresses are more modest. Long gloves or shawls perfectly acceptable. Hair in an elegant updo. Any jewelry worn must be authentic. No cubic zirconia or fake gems.



Hopefully this is helpful to decode your next party dress code.

Happy Monday!