Do you have a dilemma? Don’t know what to wear to an event, party, date, etc.? Well, I’m here to help. Below are some guidelines for what to wear.
1) A wedding.
First, is it formal, casual, or semi-formal? Look at the invitation. If it’s black tie, it will usually say, “black tie.” If it’s on the beach, it’s probably casual. If it’s in a church, it’s probably semi-formal. When in doubt, overdress.
- Formal: The little black dress with a punch of color like red pumps or a turquoise wrap is good. Winter weddings might require a longer dress.
- Semi-formal: This is most weddings. A nice skirt and blouse with heels, or a lovely, but not-too-sexy knee-length dress works well. Don’t try to outshine the bride and never wear white.
- Casual: These are mostly beach, outdoor, or backyard weddings. But don’t let the title of attire fool you; just because it says “casual” doesn’t mean you can wear sweatpants. A khaki skirt and pretty blouse with wedges would be appropriate. Or a pretty sundress and sandals. Don’t wear white unless it’s an all-white wedding on the beach.
2) A funeral.
This one is tough. It is traditionally expected that everyone will wear dark tones like black, navy, charcoal grey, or dark brown. However, with some modern funerals, the deceased has indicated that the funeral should be a celebration. But unless you are a close friend or relative, it is always advisable that you wear darker colors like navy, maroon, hunter green, brown, plum, etc. Clothing at funerals should always be semi-formal and conservative, out of respect for the deceased. A black A-line skirt, colored blouse (nothing too bright, though pale is acceptable), and black cardigan with sensible pumps and dark tights would be perfectly appropriate. Unless you personally knew the deceased, it is ill-advised to wear flashier or more colorful clothing.
3) A first date.
First dates are, naturally, full of first impressions. As always, dress in your own style, but keep to social conventions. For example, don’t show up for dinner in cut-off jeans and a sweatshirt. Here are some scenarios and examples:
- Dinner-and-a-movie date: Dressier, but still casual and relaxed. Depending on the fanciness of the restaurant, dress accordingly. A skirt and blouse/sweater with pumps or boots are acceptable. As are dress pants or dark trouser jeans and heels.
- Out-for-drinks date: A little flirtier than dinner-and-a-movie, with less commitment. Go for something sexy, but not too revealing. Dress pants, open-toed heels, and a fun, flirty blouse would be perfect.
- Coffee-house date: More casual than the others, feel free to wear your every-day wear, but dress it up a bit. For instance, you could wear jeans, boots, a cute tee shirt, and a leather jacket. Since this sort of date is more about conversation than expectations, be completely yourself.
4) A baby or bridal shower.
Dressy-casual is the word of the day. And since you’re hanging with women the whole day, don’t do anything sexy. People will think you’re trying to upstage the bride-to-be/new mom. A fun skirt, blouse, and cardigan with wedges or flats would be perfect. Girlie colors like pink, purple, and pastels are lovely, especially for a baby shower. Black is generally not acceptable, unless paired with other, brighter colors.
5) An interview.
Especially with this one, when in doubt, overdress! A suit is often expected at more formal interviews for career jobs, especially in an office setting. For less formal interviews, like for a temporary job, wear less formal clothes. For an office job, even a temporary one, a matching suit is not necessary, though a jacket is suggested. A jacket and dress pants or a dressy skirt with a sensible blouse or shirt is perfect. And don’t take off your jacket during the interview. A jacket gives a perception of power. Taking if off reduces that power. And if it helps, wear pumps that click on hard surfaces. I often feel more important when my shoes make noise!
These are just a few suggestions, and just a few occasions. In all things, remember to be yourself. These are not hard and fast rules, just etiquette guidelines. Make everything your own and you’ll let people know the real you.
