- The function of formal wear is to present yourself as done-up, poised and as put together as possible to honor the celebratory nature of an event. Because the word "formal" is usually associated with little black dresses and black-colored tuxedos, darker, more rich colors tend to dominate formal evening wear, though this doesn't have to be the case. Many guests try to incorporate a seasonal or festive color into their formal ensemble. This means wearing jewel colors during the holidays, pastel colors at weddings and whites, blues, reds and oranges to events located near the beach or on a yacht.
- Formal evening wear for women usually consists of a floor-length gown with beading, lace, taffeta or intricate embroidery in a dark color. It is accompanied by a formal hairstyle, which usually consists of curls, jeweled hair clips or hair pulled back into a neat updo, sparkling jewelry and usually a beaded clutch or small purse. For men, formal evening wear usually means a tuxedo, though it can mean a nice suit, depending upon what the invitation specifies.
- Most formal events are held in the evening and usually begin around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. depending on whether a cocktail hour will be held before dinner, which is usually served at 7 p.m or later. Because formal events begin after dark and usually provide both indoor and outdoor space, you may want to bring a nice coat that will complement your formal evening wear. For men, this could be a long black coat that goes down to your mid-thighs or knees. For women, feathered, sparkly, sheer or sequined jackets, fur (or faux fur) coat, peacoats or shawls will work. If you don't think you'll need your coat once you arrive at the event, be sure to check it at the front desk or check-in area.
- Though there is no hard and fast definition, take dressing cues from the event's geographic region and fashion trends. In Los Angeles, the style is more relaxed, and men almost never wear tuxedos outside of awards shows or extremely posh galas. In the South, the beauty pageant circuit is huge, so formal evening wear is seen much more often and usually contains beading and bright colors that you wouldn't necessarily see on a woman attending a fancy dinner in New York. Be sure to do your homework before you decide upon a specific style of formal evening wear.
- Determining what type of formal evening wear is required is half the battle when it comes to choosing the proper attire. There is semi-formal evening wear, which means that dresses can be ankle-length or knee-length and men can wear coats and trousers but don't need tuxedos; black-tie, which means women wear long cocktail dresses or evening-appropriate separate pieces and men wear tuxedos; white-tie, which means women wear long evening dresses or gowns and men wear tuxedos with white ties and vests. There are many different types of events that call for some level of "formal wear." School dances, such as prom, homecoming and winter formal, require formal evening wear, as can weddings, rehearsal dinners, galas, fundraisers, operas, beauty pageants, awards shows, banquets, débutante balls, garden parties and some holiday festivities. Invitations that specify cocktail attire, informal, dressy casual or creative black tie usually afford you more flexibility and do not call for formal evening attire.
Comments
younessm said
on 2/3/2009 I disagree with you (to some extent),I can show you haow to be dressed approprietely for a night on the town, here is what you have to do: go to this website where you are going to find some specialized people only at formal wear.just ask them and you will get the answer as quickly as possible.this is the website:http://formal-wear.org/