Ladies and gentlemen! The phrase "dress code" quite firmly entered our lives, along with many other words and expressions, the meaning of which should be known to every modern person. True, many still believe that a dress code is simply NOT jeans combined with sneakers and NOT shorts with beach slippers.
Some are sure that this is a free application for another chip called “face control”, which means a clean-shaven face without bruises, abrasions and scratches with proper expression on it, and decent clothes (in the sense of clean, ironed and possibly fashionable ), allowing to leak to parties and presentations of any level. Mmmm ... So, not really.
Armed with many years of experience and knowledge of London snobs that the best years of their life gave to Buckingham and other palaces, we will try to understand the intricacies of dress codes, and also consider their varieties from the point of view of local, emirate specifics.
White tie
“Where were you today, pussy?” “The Queen has the English!” ... Appearing in higher circles or at a reception in the royal palace without a “white tie” is an unheard of audacity! God knows from what times under white tie it implies a black tailcoat in combination with a white starchy vest, a white dress shirt with a shirt front, a stand-up collar and a white bow-tie. The vest and butterfly should only be made of cotton pique. Remember the famous "pique vests" from the imperishable work of Ilf and Petrov, "The Golden Calf"? Old veterans of the first State Duma honorably carried out what was left of the tsarist times and receptions of the most august persons. The “white tie” allows you to wear government awards, but then, of course, the presence of a scarf in your breast pocket is ruled out. A special requirement - the corners of the vest should in no case peep out from under the coat. Shirt for white tie and black tie can be without trims and buttons, then removable pins are used as fasteners, which are selected in the same collection as cufflinks. Jewelry and watches are not allowed.
Black tie
This equipment is suitable for all occasions where you need to look like a true gentleman. Often you can find a more familiar interpretation: "evening dress". By this is meant a black tuxedo with satin lapels (or, as they say here, tuxedo), a black butterfly, white or cream-colored starched shirt with French cuffs (for cufflinks), an ordinary collar, a stand or a stand with bent corners. The tuxedo can be both double-breasted and single-breasted. A black vest and a silk sash belt are acceptable, the same as a butterfly, but you can safely do without them. The modern protocol allows this. Shoes - elegant pumps, pumps or polished black shoes with thin leather soles to a mirror shine. From accessories: a starchy scarf in a breast pocket in the tone of a shirt, cufflinks are required. You can wear jewelry and watches, better pocket on a chain. And in white tie, and in black tie ready butterflies are not allowed - this is bad taste. You must be able to tie a bow tie yourself.
Black Tie Optional
In some cases, it is appropriate to replace a conservative black tuxedo with a bright evening jacket made of silk, velvet or satin. On a hot day, which are here almost all year round, a white jacket looks great. Velvet or patterned brocade jackets (a great option, by the way, are Chinese elongated jackets at the peak of fashion, with or without a picture), velvet or tapestry pumps will suit.
Another variety in the same category is creative black tie. Here, various accessories are put on to the black suit, depending on the degree of your creativity: a bright silk bow tie or tie, a silk scarf, conspicuous jewelry such as a diamond pin on the lapel. The main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to look like a Christmas tree. This kind of dress code is very appropriate at Oscar or Teffi level ceremonies.
Lovely ladies should not especially puzzle themselves. AND white tie, and black tie mean an elegant evening dress on the floor, with bare shoulders and a moderate neckline. Shoes - high-heeled shoes or sandals. Of the accessories - expensive jewelry, usually a necklace with diamonds or a pearl necklace, and a tiny handbag.
Formal
This dress code is fully consistent with the traditional business style and is suitable for any formal situation. Discreet and elegant. Double-breasted suits or three-piece suits, a scarf in a pocket, cufflinks, but not evening ones, without stones are allowed. Black or brown classic lace-up shoes, so-called "oxfords". Shirts can be both white and pastel colors, as well as stripes or small cells. Ties are suitable only monophonic, striped or with a small pattern.
Morning coat - This is the official clothing for receptions, funerals, weddings and other morning or afternoon protocol events. For such cases, it is worth having in your wardrobe a jacket-frock coat (“business card”), which is slightly longer than usual, as well as trousers to it - in tone or striped. Shirt - a strict, white or pinstriped light, black or gray vest, boots with laces. Cufflinks - preferably gold or silver, but modest, and from additional accessories a hat, cane or umbrella is appropriate. The funeral involves black colors and a minimum of accessories. Wedding - gray, light purple, beige and other pastel colors.
In formal settings, an elegant suit will always help out women, preferably with a medium-length skirt and a classic light blouse. In some cases, pants are allowed. The color of the costume depends on the taste of the hostess, but still it is worth remembering that even the most exquisite red will not be appropriate, say, at a funeral. It is also not worth it to shock the audience with large expensive jewelry, but a small hat and even gloves will be more than useful at a wedding celebration, for example. Natural makeup, well-groomed hands, a neat hairstyle and classic shoes with sustainable heels will only add charm to you.
Unformal
An informal suit is not jeans and a T-shirt. We are talking about a loose suit made of soft flannel or tweed (in winter), in the summer - from harvested cotton or linen. The best combination is a sports jacket or blazer with cotton or flannel trousers in a contrasting shade.
Shoes - leather or suede brogues (shoes on laces and soles of medium thickness) or shoes with contrasting inserts (correspondents) Allowed to be scribbled or striped shirt, ties with ornaments and even soft felt hats (suits us in the UAE). As a rule, this is a traditional style of clothing for attending polo competitions or horse racing.
Country suit - typical wording for the residents of Misty Albion. This includes a tweed suit, a flannel shirt, a tie, heavy brogues (already on thick soles) and a traditional English trilby hat. In the rest of the world, things are much simpler. In the UAE, for obvious reasons, this dress code does not apply at all.
Women should wear a beautiful dress with a floral pattern or polka dots of medium length. An elegant hat and gloves (as in the case of horse racing) are also appropriate, and sometimes simply necessary, from other accessories: a small handbag in the tone of shoes.
Shoes are classic pumps with medium comfortable heels. Remember the heroine Julia Roberts in the movie "Pretty Woman", where both the ladies and the gentlemen unanimously trample the pits of horse hooves on the polo field. On stiletto heels, you see, doing this is not very convenient.
In the Emirates, when visiting a hippodrome, a hat is a must-have female accessory. In addition, for the best outfit, you can also get a large cash prize. Therefore, horse racing for local fashionistas is almost the only reason for the year to show itself in all its glory.
Casual
Frivolously and almost at home. This style is often indicated in invitations, as well as voiced orally. Soft trousers, a cotton shirt, comfortable knitwear - combined with a sports jacket or a light jacket, as well as without them - this is a classic wardrobe in a "free style". Bright colors, slight negligence when choosing shoes and accessories are allowed (though, sneakers, more appropriate in the gym, are still not taken into account). If you are overwhelmed by doubts, then in this case it is better to "sort out" than to "pick out." This is especially true for the dress code. smart casualsuggesting classic impersonality or club chic.
Ladies finally have the opportunity to wear jeans. True, beautiful, can be shortened, decorated with rhinestones and embroidery, in combination with the original belt, ethnic blouse and appropriate accessories (diamonds are not very welcome, it is better to wear expensive shiny jewelry). Shoes - sandals with thin high heels. Large buckles, gold and silver colors of shoes and belts, large earrings and bracelets are allowed.
Local dress
This dress code is specified only in those countries where people wear traditional national clothes every day. In the UAE, for any solemn, official or not very occasion, citizens of the country are supposed to wear local clothes: men - white starched konduru, women - black abaya and a hijab scarf (often decorated with original embroidery or rhinestones). Particularly solemn events: weddings, meetings at the highest and international levels oblige men to wear a man’s abaya over a white kondura - a cloak with black or gold sleeves, the shelves and the fringing of the sleeves of which are decorated with gold embroidery.
Foreigners who are not related to the Arab countries, even with a developed sense of humor, should not wear local clothing, especially at any receptions and special occasions. It is worth remembering that such behavior can be perceived as an insult to cultural and religious feelings, as well as that kondura and abaya are not carnival costumes. It’s good that you and I always have something to wear for this or that occasion. And if you still can not make a choice, then start reading from the beginning.
Elena Olkhovskaya
