With the holidays rapidly approaching, many are searching for the perfect attire for seasonal parties. Making sure one is function appropriate often proves more difficult than finding a fabulous ensemble. The following definitions cover most of the party attire requirements seen during the holidays and guarantee you'll look fab and function appropriate in whatever you chose.
Cocktail attire is a consistent party theme throughout the holidays. It's name is derived quite aptly from the concept of people gathering prior to a formal dinner or event for cocktails. Appropriate attire consists of dresses, ranging from mid-thigh to one inch below the knee. Tailored pants suits are also appropriate, however consider avoiding a business standby, instead add accents in a vibrant color, chose a fitted cut or incorporate a suit created from a unique textile. Silk, Chatung, Brocade, Polyester, Cashmere, Rayon, Velour, Velvet and Velveteen are all appropriate cocktail fabrics and embellishments with beading and sequins are also appropriate.
Every so often, you will find yourself being asked to wear semi formal attire to such events as weddings and award ceremonies. This form of attire gets the most attention, but often because of its universal use. Many associate other forms of dress such as cocktail attire, with semi-formal. However, Semi-formal attire is much more formal than cocktail attire. Pants suits may be worn if refined in construction and dresses ranging from an inch above the knee to two inches above the ankle are appropriate. Taffeta, Chiffon, Silk, Satin, Sateen, Gossamer, Brocade, Rayon, Velour, Velvet, Velveteen are all appropriate semi-formal fabric choices.
Occasionally business formal dress requirements are seen, often in work related or political functions. Business formal is the same as semi formal, however women should chose more tailored dresses or pants suits. Slinky, sexy or revealing attire is generally best suited for a NON-business formal affair.
Black tie, or formal attire requires cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates. Pants suits or dress suits are rarely appropriate for formal wear. Dresses rage from knee length to ankle and may vary from a straight sheath to a full skirt and fitted bodice. Sequin and beaded embellishment is appropriate and the fabrics Taffeta, Chiffon, Silk, Satin, Sateen, Gossamer, Brocade, Rayon, Velour, Velvet, Velveteen are all considered the textile norm. Colors vary seasonally, with black remaining a consistent standby favorite.
Following the above guide to the holiday season party circuit is sure to assist you in looking fabulous, and function appropriate. Happy Holidays and enjoy!
Prior to the 1960's jeans were considered mostly as a work outfit worn by blue collar workers and people working around their house. Then somewhere around 1965 they became popular with teens as a very casual laid back statement. Then about 25 years ago jeans started to step outside the blue collar environment into corporate America.
Today, while jeans have not taken over corporate America, they are still very much worn at work. Deciding what to wear to work is usually governed by the dress code your company has. Some companies have strict dress codes, meaning no jeans, no sneakers etc. Other companies have what they call "business casual" attire, which may or may not include jeans. Still some companies require strict dress codes Monday through Thursday, and have what they call "casual Fridays." This may be considered "business casual" or jeans and sneaker casual (Yes, it can get a little confusing).
So what does the employer think about when setting the dress code? About 25 years ago, some employers started to adapt to the concept that a relaxed dress code would make a more relaxed atmosphere, and a more relaxed atmosphere would make more efficient workers. However some employers feel that a casual laid-back dresser might be too laid back and careless about their work. They feel dressing up will cause employees to take their job more seriously. Also, depending on the type of business, they feel that customers or clients may not take a casually dressed office as seriously as an office where everyone is dressed in business attire.
So what do we really want to wear to work? At first thought, most of us would say, "It would be really cool if we could wear jeans to work all the time. After all, I paid just as much for my jeans as I paid for that outfit I wore to work yesterday." Then again, it depends on what type of business it is and what position you hold. The CEO of the company would probably like to wear jeans to work but he or she knows that a jacket and tie somehow seem to command more attention and respect from other employees as well as from customers or clients.
But even if you are not the CEO you still may want to set your own personal dress code. For example: If the dress code at your office is casual, you might want to show up occasionally in more business like attire. Doing this may show the employer that while you appreciate the relaxed dress code, you do take your job seriously, and its not to much trouble to put a little more effort into your appearance.
Let's face it, it is very unlikely that corporate America will ever hang up the suit and tie for good. However, jeans have taken their seat in the workplace and it doesn't look like they're going to give up that seat any time soon.
Both Sara Johnson & Victor Epand are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Sara Johnson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Jeans, Public Relations and Careers and Job Hunting. Sara is the co-owner and product buyer at http://www.velvetsiren.com - A Posh Plus Size Clothing Boutique For Curvy Girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant an. Sara Johnson's top article generates over 49500 views. Bookmark Sara Johnson to your Favourites.