Style Cheat Sheet

"Dressing is a way of life."

                                                                 -Yves Saint Laurent

As a continuation of the blog post, "The Party is Here", I've been searching the internet for articles of various dress codes that seem to be popping up on party invitations.  I decided to gather up all the information from these articles and put together a "cheat sheet" to help you discern what is what when it comes to dressing for a party.

Business Formal

        - A business suit or business dress.  A dress with a jacket.

Business Casual

       -Women should wear a combination of a skirt or dress slacks,                 blouse, sweater, twinset, jacket (optional) and hosiery(optional)               with closed toe shoes.

 Casual 

         -If it's a work function,  see business casual and leave the jeans,            shorts and flip-flops at home.  If it's a party with friends, you can            go with jeans and flip flops.

Dressy Casual

          -A seasonal look that's a little more than casual.  Try a sundress             in a bright color with heels/wedges or dressy sandals or a                       jumpsuit/romper. 

Smart casual

           -See "Dressy Casual" above.  Cynthis Nellis at About Style                      defines "Smart Casual" as, “dressed-up versions of casual                      looks.”  A knee-length skirt is acceptable as well. Again, avoid                shorts, worn and holy jeans,  t-shirts, and flip flops for this                      casual dress code.

Cocktail  (aka semiformal)

           -A "Little Black Dress" (LBD) and statement jewelry always                      works for this dress code .  Women can wear knee-length skirts            or dress pants with a nice sweater or blouse, or go for the                      classic “little black cocktail dress.” or short dresses that are                  party-ready.

Garden Attire or Beach Formal

           -A maxi dress with flat sandals (no flip-flops) is the perfect                      option for this up and coming dress code

Barnyard Chic 

            -If the event is in a barn or on a farm, you really can wear                         cowboy boots with a dress. Checks are really popular this                       season, so a cute checked dress would be fun!

Black Tie

             - A long gown and heels.  If you don't want to invest in a long                  gown, you can get a way with a very dressy cocktail dress.

Black Tie Optional (aka formal)

              -A long or short dress with bold jewelry work well.

White Tie

              -This is the most formal dress code of all and usually                               pertains to balls and state dinners. So when you're invited to                   dinner with the President, wear a floor-length evening gown                   with long gloves.

Creative Black Tie

               - You can wear a Formal evening gown, dressy cocktail dress,                your dressiest black dress with fun statement jewelry.

Semiformal

              - Short cocktail dress in black or color.  A long dressy skirt                      and top or other dressy separates.

 So get to that party in style!!!