I know…I talk a lot about dress codes.  But as a woman I feel it is super important to know what is acceptable and not acceptable to wear to events with a specific dress code (especially since at one point I had no idea!).

I have a corporate holiday party this Friday and the invitations read “Formal Attire” and I have received quite a few inquiries, from men and women, as to what black tie mean.  So, here is what you can get away with:

Men

It is really quite simple.  If you have a tuxedo, wear it.  If not, then a nicely tailored black suit will do just fine.  Pair that with black leather dress shoes (preferably patent leather) and a black tie and you’re done!

Classic Tux!

Keep it to a white shirt & black tie and you're set!

Ummm....yea...maybe not.

Okay, it gets a bit more complicated for us.  But very simply, you will look completely appropriate in a long formal gown or dressy cocktail dress.

Classic Evening Gown

If you're not into the long gown...LOVE THIS!

Totally Cute!!! But not for Black Tie.

Courtesy of Your Wedding Day Magazine

Last night, I had the honor of attending the Your Wedding Day Magazine Launch Party for San Diego.

The event was held at the exquisite Grand Del Mar, which provided yummy drinks and tasty food! Chameleon Chairs and Wildflower Linen were some of the sponsors for the decor as well as Kathy Wright & Co.!

I must say that YWD picked a great location that complimented their style and what they are all about and made quite the entrance to the San Diego scene! Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment provided a great ensemble for the evening, Plush Impressions’ lounge furniture was a hit and San Diego Stage & Lighting Supply did an impressive logo display on the lawn below the Manchester Terrace. And did I mention the food?  Mushroom Risotto, Mini Goat Cheese Pizza Slices & Pumpkin Profiteroles…delish!!

Centerpiece with Pomegranate....love love love!!

Chandelier of Flowers!

Belly Bars with Chamelon Chairs

Capella Chapel - Photo does not do it justice!

Vendors:

The Grand Del Mar - Del Mar, CA
Chameleon Chairs - Los Angeles & San Diego
Kathy Wright & Co. - San Diego, CA
Wildflower Linen - Orange County & Los Angeles
Plush Impressions - San Diego, CA
San Diego Stage & Lighting Supply - San Diego, CA
Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment - Carlsbad, CA

What I Would Prefer to Wear!

Love it!

“I have nothing to wear!”   Those are usually the words that come out of my mouth when I have been formally invited to any type of event.  Weddings are usually the worst for me because I have about 5 chic “go-to” type dresses….in black.  And perhaps it is the “old-fashioned” girl in me…but unless I’m working I cannot bring myself to wear black to a wedding.

Some modern etiquette outlets say it is perfectly acceptable to wear black or even white to a wedding (Wedding Channel.com), but I have my reasons for going against the tide.

• Weddings are festive occasions!  Black does not say festive.
• Black is the color of mourning…need I say more?
• My only exception to this would be if the event is black tie optional.  Then you can get away with a formal black dress.
• While white may be festive…it is the bride’s color.  Even if she is in champagne, ivory or any other color…unless the invite says “Dress in White” its a no.

So then what is the solution?  If you’re like me and love your little black dresses, invest in one or two alternates.  I have two lovely brown dresses that serve me well at weddings and just about any function for which black simply won’t do!