Modeling the correct business formal, smart casual and evening attire, left to right, are premedical freshman Cézanne Mouton, journalism junior Brett Runyan and prenursing freshman Meghan Myers.
Nothing can ruin a party for someone quicker than showing up overdressed or underdressed. But what to wear can get confusing in a world of formals, semiformals, black-tie events and cocktail parties, where subtle differences can be forgotten until people show up.
Premedical freshman Czanne Mouton, journalism junior Brett Runyan and prenursing freshman Meghan Myers helped The State News demonstrate appropriate attire for such events.
A person’s attire is an interpretation of how he or she views the event. When deciding what to wear, people should think about the type of event, what kind of people will attend and what the host or hostess wants. When in doubt, just ask.
“I’ve done that before, I’ll call the host and ask about attire,” apparel and textile design instructor Carol Beard said. “I don’t want to insult them by not dressing appropriately.”
White Tie
The pinnacle of formality, the white-tie event usually indicates royalty or the like will be present – a presidential inauguration, for example. Men must wear a tuxedo with a white bow tie, a crisp shirt, a white vest (not a cummerbund), black pants and a black jacket with tails. Women wear long, formal dresses. They shouldn’t wear anything less – not even a cocktail dress. There is little room for creativity at a white-tie event, Beard said.
“The expectation is that people will come dressed in a particular fashion,” she said. “It’s almost insulting to the host if you don’t. But if I was invited to the inauguration of the president I would wear whatever he told me to wear.”
Black Tie
Still formal, a black-tie event indicates a man should wear either a tuxedo or a dark suit. The color of the shirt and tie may vary. Women may wear either long, formal dresses or cocktail dresses, but Beard said a shorter dress should be a true cocktail dress and not just a dress stepped-up with accessories.
Black Tie Optional
While a “black tie optional” event still calls for a dark suit and a tie – something that allows men to blend in with the crowd – Beard said what to wear depends on the event and how much creativity it grants. She said men can try some different tie options or come up with a creative interpretation of the vest or cummerbund.
Formal
Formal events that don’t specifically call for black-tie attire allow for more freedom. Women can choose a cocktail dress – even pants – if the fabric is right.
“Fabrication has a lot to do with it, how the fabric flows,” Beard said. “As opposed to a stiff fabric, something that’s softer you can almost misinterpret as a skirt when the person comes through the door.”
**Business Formal
When it comes to business wear, Beard said there are three different looks – the power suit, the general business suit and casual business. Power suits aren’t usually appropriate for business-formal events because it might give the wrong impression at a social function. But she said she would still lean toward a more formal look. Men can probably get away with not wearing a tie, but women should know the function and the person inviting people.
Mouton said she would wear her outfit to an interview, a semiformal dinner or perhaps to church. However, she said she felt restricted in the outfit.
“I’m limited to what I can use for expression,” Mouton said.
Semiformal or Cocktail Attire
Both types of events usually indicate the same dress code. Women should wear cocktail dresses and men should wear a jacket and nice pants. Jeans likely would be inappropriate.
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Myers, who wears her black cocktail dress to events such as weddings and parties, said people should be willing to step out of their comfort zone and try something different with evening wear.
“It’s more exciting to dress up, more fun, you definitely get to stand out,” Myers said. “If I’m going out, I dress up more to impress people.”
Dressy Casual
Jeans may be acceptable at a dressy casual event if the person is smart about it. For example, paired with a nice belt and a suit jacket, Beard said. Runyan said he would wear his outfit of dark jeans with a tweed jacket and button-up shirt out to dinner or to work, if he had a professional job.
“It’s not super dressy – I’m not wearing dress pants and nice shoes – but I still have the blazer and nice jeans,” Runyan said. “Kids our age could wear that to an internship.”
Dressy casual also can be thought of a stepped-up version of what a person would wear every day, Beard said.
However, the type of event should be kept in mind while getting ready because clothing can affect the mood of the event.
“People somewhat act the way they dress,” Beard said. “I think behavior and dress are closely tied together.”
