Parties are often preceded by fun questions, like what to give? Who to bring (if you have a plus one, that is)? When to arrive? And, crucially, what to wear? Most of us don’t just happen to have a floor-length silk gown or a tailcoat hanging around in our closet, waiting for the day our Met Gala invite finally arrives. But would that even be the right kind of thing to wear to such an event? We’ve got answers, and options, for every possible occasion on your social calendar. Show
Why Do We Dress Up?Social obligations are not prerequisites for feeling great about your appearance. You can dress up simply because looking good makes you happy. But more often than not, the situations where we put a lot of care into our outfits are big events with explicit dress codes. The best-case scenario is that we’re dressing for both reasons: because it boosts our self-esteem and because we want to look situationally appropriate. Still, knowing what is appropriate can be a head-scratcher. The dress code might be implied, and even when it’s made explicit, the jargon can be difficult to decode. Which is why we spelled it out for you here. If the invitation says...
Now let’s get specific. CasualJeans and a T-shirt: When the most casual of outfits is perfectly acceptable, you might as well go with it. Khakis, modest shorts, day dresses and skirts Anything cotton or linen: In the summertime especially, it’s more pleasant to wear breathable fabrics, and these can easily be dressed up or down. Basically,
you want to dress like any of the characters on your favorite sitcom routinely do: in comfortable clothing that is neither ostentatious nor schlubby. Graphic T’s: Plain T-shirts are great, but ones with inflammatory words or images might be better left at home. The Emily Post Institute, whose mission is to educate people about etiquette,
advises against shirts that bear slogans altogether. Anything clearly ripped or stained: It’s a matter of self-respect more than anything, but it also shows respect for your host and fellow guests when you dress in clean clothes. Intentional distressing on denim is fine. Uncomfortable clothing: This is always a don’t, but there’s no
reason to dress outside your comfort zone when the dress code is casual. The idea is to come as you are. Where Casual is Appropriate
Dressy CasualDress: A shirt dress or a sweater
dress can appear refined and relaxed at once. Blouse or button-down shirt: You can’t go wrong with a crisp, classic top. Add a blazer to dress the look up a notch or two. Dark denim: Unfaded indigo or black jeans can make an outfit feel instantly more evening-appropriate. “Going-out top”: These shirts – often constructed from synthetic materials and sometimes bought cheaply from fast-fashion stores – are meant to make a casual
look a little more club-ready. Ultimately, a going-out top is anything that makes you feel good. Jumpsuit: It’s a stylish one-piece alternative to the dress that can be scaled for elegance. Boiler suits in particular are very trendy this year. Sneakers: unless they are very clean and not the type you would wear to the gym Shorts: just don't. Where Dressy Casual is Appropriate
BusinessIf
business casual: khakis or dark dress pants; a button-down shirt; sport coat or blazer; tie optional. If business formal: dark suit, dress shirt and dress shoes; silk tie; sheath dress; pencil skirt. Think Kerry Washington on “Scandal,” or any of the esteemed actors on USA Network’s “Suits.” Don'tsSneakers, not even nice ones: They will make you stand out in a bad way. Jeans: Business attire is not the same as tech company work attire. Clothing that distracts. Our fashion critic Vanessa Friedman says that “clothes should not be the focus of attention,” which means “they should not be what colleagues or friends remember after a meeting.” Anything that makes you wonder, “Is this a bad idea?” If you’re thinking it before you leave the house, your thoughts will only get louder throughout the day. When Business Attire is Appropriate
Cocktail/Semi FormalDress: You’ll want to wear a dress that is made of a
refined fabric (like silk, lace or taffeta) and cuts around the knee. It should be much more formal than a sundress, but less formal than a ballgown. Most department stores and online retailers have sections devoted to party dresses, and any of those should do. Suit: Most people wear dark suits to occasions with this dress code, but if the event is a daytime party, a light suit (beige, gray) is totally fine. Dressy separates: If you wear a very
snazzy top (think sequins or silk), you can probably get away with dress pants (say, velvet) or a skirt on the bottom. Jumpsuit: Everyone wears dresses. Why not do wear something that makes a statement? Dress shoes, pumps When in doubt, wear black. Anything
too short or tight (unless you love being physically uncomfortable for hours at an event). Jeans: This is definitely not the time or place for America’s favorite pant. Plain cotton anything. When Cocktail/Semi Formal is Appropriate
Open ThreadA look from across The New York Times at the forces that shape the dress codes we share, with Vanessa Friedman as your personal shopper. Sent weekly. Black TieDress: Long gown or a very elegant cocktail dress: This can be elevated with jewelry and other accessories. Tuxedo Pumps or strappy sandals Black
wingtips or oxfords Remember how the characters on “Gossip Girl” dressed for special occasions? That’s the bar here. It’s not a strict rule, but most people advise against bright colors for practical reasons: They’re harder to rewear and more difficult to clean. Scuffed shoes: Even if they are dress shoes, you want them to be in tip-top condition. When Black Tie is Appropriate
White TieFloor-length gown Tailcoat jacket Jewels Long white gloves: optional, and sort of extra, but isn’t that the point? Looking like royalty is the ideal outcome. Don'tsAn above-the-knee dress Suit: Your business attire is dapper, but it’s not welcome here! When White Tie is Appropriate
Tips and AdviceDressing up, even once in a while, can easily become expensive. Anyone who is familiar with the marathon of weddings that begins in one’s 20s and never really ends knows that dressing up can feel like an expensive chore. You can’t really help it that you’re popular or that your friends are in love, but preparing for these celebrations and gatherings doesn’t have to break the bank. How to Make it Look GoodSpeaking of which, clothing – especially dressy clothing – should not simply be worn. It often requires alterations or D.I.Y. hacks to look as good as possible. And, crucially, garments should be cared for, especially when they are costly or beloved. Here are some things to consider:
How to Upgrade Any LookSometimes a dress code can feel rote – more like a uniform than an expression of personal style. This is especially true if you’ve built up a wardrobe of rewearable pieces and they’ve each made appearances at several occasions. Here are a few ways to make sure your outfit comes together and feels fresh:
What are the things that we need to consider in choosing clothes for young children and toddler?5 Things To Consider When Choosing Toddler Clothes. Fabric. One of the most important things you should look at when buying children's clothes is the fabric. ... . Size. Toddlers grow up incredibly fast. ... . Cost. As sad as it sounds, kids grow up so fast. ... . Colours And Patterns. ... . Be Weather-Wise.. What are the main concern when choosing a children's wear?When it comes to selecting your kids' clothing the main rule is that safety and comfort shall come first. It is also necessary to think about shopping for different ages as there are different requirements associated with each stage of the kids' development.
What are things to consider in dressing up the child?Clothing that is too small or too large can inhibit body movement and interfere with a child's activities. Avoid uncomfortably small necklines, armholes, sleeves, and waistlines and elastic that is too tight. Clothing that is too large and twists around the body or trips the child should also be avoided.
What kind of clothes should kids wear?7 Different Types Of Kids Wear. Trousers. When it comes to trousers, they are the classic kids clothing options to wear. ... . Skirts. Skirts are the evergreen choice for apparel in the girl's clothing section. ... . Shorts. Shorts are the best choice for kids when they are indoors and even sometimes outdoors. ... . Denim. ... . Jeans.. |