Evening Wear Etiquette
Evening wear has expanded greatly, and it no longer means a stuffy shirt and tie for men or a princess-like ball gown for women. Experiment and push the envelope, especially when an invitation arrives with a vague dress code requirement. That said, there are a few rules to following for evening wear.
-
Women
-
For women, the notion of evening wear can run from a cocktail dress to a tuxedo-inspired pantsuit and many looks in between. It's always better to be overdressed than underdressed, so make the most of styling a standard little black dress. Coiffed hair, a smokey eye, and bold jewelry can elevate a simple frock into an amazing fashion moment. If you're used to sporting one silhouette, experiment with flamboyant shoes. When you think your look needs something extra, go beyond a sparkling necklace and think gloves, tights or even a darling hat. The only real etiquette rule applies if you're attending a work event. At this point, cover up the cleavage, and keep the hemline at the knees.
Men
-
Men should always be in a button-up shirt and slacks for any evening event. Jeans can be the exception to the rule for more casual venues or parties, but if you want to play it safe, go with slacks. Shoes should be closed-toe, so opt for loafers, boots or dress shoes, depending on the occasion. A jacket is not required for all evening events, but it's best to check the invitation or wear a jacket, just in case. It can always be removed if you arrive at the shindig and feel it's out of place.
Black Tie
-
Black tie events are fancy and certain evening wear etiquette should be followed regardless of your personal style. Men and women should be dressed to the nines. For men, this means a tuxedo and for women this means an evening gown, cocktail dress or very formal pantsuit. Bring out jewels (real or fake) to add glitz to your look. Women should always wear heels. If they are especially bothersome, look for a short, stacked heel that will distribute weight evenly and be easy to walk in.
White Tie
-
White tie is the pinnacle of a formal affair. Whereas black tie gives you some room to showcase your own style, white tie has decided the evening wear for you. This is especially true for men, as a white bow tie is expected (and more often, required), with a tailcoat and even a top hat. Opera shoes, which can be found online at any time of the year, should be worn.
For women, a cocktail dress may fly at certain black-tie events, but not for a white-tie affair. Pull out all the stops with a ball gown, your best jewels and heels. Even a tiara is appropriate. When it comes to choosing a gown, color isn't as important as fabric, so look for rich fabrics like satin, taffeta or brocade. You will likely want to visit a salon for a manicure and to have your hair professionally styled. Keep makeup classic, focusing on either eyes or lips, but never both. The makeup should be refined chic, never garish.
-
