How to decipher the dresscode for any event
Trying to work out what is appropriate to wear to a function has become harder than fitting into your favourite pair of jeans after a midwinter holiday. We’ve pulled together a team of experts to help you decode the dresscode.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Deciphering dress codes has become harder than fitting into your favourite pair of jeans after a midwinter vacation.
Does black tie differ from formal, is lounge suit the same as cocktail, and isn’t smart casual an oxymoron?
Even Australia’s leading fashion industry figures differ on what codes mean and how relevant they are today, so what hope do we mere mortals have?
There are clearly defined codes that stand the test of time because they are tied to traditional institutions or events, such as the races or the members section at the MCG.
Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Edwina McCannsays while dress codes are diminishing in relevance, some rules are not meant to be broken.
“It depends on the institution, it depends on the host of the evening and it depends very much on the trends of the day,” she says.
“We definitely have a more casualised way of wearing clothes and in Australia it’s a reflection of our attitude. We don’t like to feel overly dressed or that we’re showing off.
“Obviously evening wear dress codes are incredibly important and racewear clearly is. It’s a wonderful excuse for people to dress up.”
Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival chief Graeme Lewsey says dress codes should only be used as a guide.
“Some dress codes are coming from a historic point of view and keeping custom, others are designed to set the tone of the event,” he says.
“Fashion should always let you have a playful interpretation that empowers you. Just use it as a framework. It’s absolutely about you feeling great and confident, not awkward or forced.”
Celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson says she sees a lot of confusion around what constitutes a particular dress code.
“I get bombarded with people asking me to clarify and often it’s open to interpretation,” she says.
“Social media has played a large part in the confusion. It’s important to bring your own personality and style to the dress code but also important to do so in a way that is respectful to your host or event.”
Wilkinson, who regularly dresses the likes of Rebecca Judd, Megan Gale and Zoe Foster Blake, says certain events deserve a stricter adherence to the code.
“You don’t want to be disrespectful by going off on your own tangent, especially for an event like a wedding. However, you should interpret the code and make it your own,” she says.
“A wedding is more traditional than perhaps a charity ball or a red carpet event. I always remind my clients to be aware of who is at the event or what the event is for.
“For example, a work ball will require you to be more conservative than a charity ball with your friends. Always remember to check if you’re unsure and to honour the host’s wishes.
“I went to a wedding recently where the bride wanted each female guest to wear a long maxi dress (versus a short one). Style wasn’t an issue, rather length. The code was black tie.”
Fellow celebrity stylist Elliot Garnautis more of a stickler about style, though he admits he sometimes strays.
“I think it’s of utmost importance to adhere to a dress code out of respect to your host,” he says.
“They’re not just slapped on invites to be ignored. Event dress codes are set in place to reflect the nature of the event one is attending. As such, I would say for the most part it is not event dependent.
“Certain exceptions can be made for high-impact fashion events such as the Met Gala in New York or, on home soil, the NGV Gala. These are a fashion free-for-all.”
McCann agrees the flamboyant Met Gala offers a rare opportunity to go all out when other high-profile red carpets have become more conservative.
“Clearly the most extreme dress code is the Met Gala and I think that’s where it becomes more themed. You’ve got people dressed up as hamburgers on the red carpet, while the Oscars I’d say nowadays are very tame and safe,” McCann says.
Local red carpet regular Nadia Bartelsays even she gets confused about what’s appropriate for certain occasions.
“I know there’s always confusion within my friendship group when we see particular dress codes for events,” she says.
“Smart casual, cocktail, semi-formal and lounge suit can merge. It also depends on the timing of the event, so cocktail during the day versus cocktail at night is very different.”
Denim and trainers are now sneaking into “formal” events, particularly for men.
“One of the most interesting things in menswear we’ve seen is the huge rise of casualisation,” McCann says.
“Less and less men are wearing suits and I think that has a lot to do with the fact success — once upon a time — looked like a banker in a suit. Now it looks like an entrepreneur in a pair of trainers.
“It’s what people are aspiring to be or what the aspirational look is that has meant the workplace in particular has become more and more casualised, as have some events.”
Garnaut believes women continue to push the dress code boundaries.
“Women have more lenience when it comes to dress codes,” he says.
“In more recent times, we’ve seen women pushing the boundaries in the area of black tie, with shorter hems, and some women even opting for suits.
“It’s never been a more exciting time for fashion, and I am all for it within respecting the overarching traditions of the dress code in place for the event.”
DECODING THE DRESS CODES
COCKTAIL
EG: The female version of lounge suit. Women must wear a dress appropriate for a cocktail party. This comes down to things like fabrication and cut.
NB: This can cover lots of looks. When I see a cocktail dress code I typically wear something midi or short length but in an interesting fabric, texture or colour. It’s dressy but not too red carpet formal. I also steer away from fabrics like cotton.
I also like to wear a dressy pants suit or jumpsuit under this dress code.
LW: There are no limitations on length, just think refined evening wear. A power suit or a beaded dress is always a good idea. For the boys,
a tie is optional but preferred.
RACEWEAR
EG: Racewear is a dress code unto its own. As ostentatious as it can be conservative. As race meets fall during the day, evening wear is to be avoided, as is anything too casual such as summery, beach-inspired frocks and inappropriate footwear.
NB: You must wear headwear, even if it’s something small like a headband or clip. And try to make it classic — no short hemlines or too much sparkle.
LW: It’s important to understand the dress codes of the racetrack. Definitely no party or nightclub attire. Think bold colours, mix-and-match prints and textured fabrics. Getting the balance right is key. If you’re showing your legs, don’t be overexposed in the chest. And millinery should be worn unless stated otherwise.
BLACK TIE
EG: Traditional black tie is reserved for social events starting after 6pm. Men are to wear a tuxedo and ideally women a gown. However, black tie has softened for women. We have seen hemlines rise in recent years.
NB: This is an ultra-formal dress code. A lot of people think you need to wear a floor-length gown but I don’t think it’s necessary. It just needs to be glam. I like to go all out with amazing hair, make-up and accessories so the whole look is flawless fromhead to toe and good enough for a red carpet. If you’re going to go for a shorter dress style, make sure it’s not too short. Keep it classy and don’t show too much skin.
LW: My view is providing it’s either a floor-length gown, beaded cocktail or a mid-length dress, you are within the code.
SMART CASUAL
EG: The amalgamation of two entirely different dress codes. To be smart is to dress in traditional tailoring. To be casual is to wear something like denim. Smart casual is the balance of these perfectly. Think Ralph Lauren ad campaign and you’re set — denim with a sports jacket and a sneaker.
NB: I love this dress code as there are no rules. It’s basically what you love to wear but elevated. I would make sure
I am well-groomed and looking smart in something tailored. I would wear a low heel, but if it’s a day event, flats work, too. As long as you look finished from head to toe. You don’t want to be too dressy.
LW: No denim or leisure wear or thongs. For the boys, steer clear of denim and opt for tailored pants paired back with a chic blazer to really elevate your look. For the girls, don’t be afraid to play with separates and layering.
LOUNGE SUIT
EG: The men’s version of cocktail. Men to be in tailored suits, however, the wearing of a tie is optional. Traditionally a dress code seen in the warmer months.
NB: To me lounge suit is the same as cocktail. I think it is traditionally meant to
be a little more formal as it sits just under black tie, but
a touch more casual. But cocktail and lounge suit merge in my book.
LW: Sophisticated suiting, however, a tie is optional. Not
as formal as black tie but a cute cocktail dress, two-piece or dress that falls below the knee is a fabulous choice.
DRESS CODE CONFIDENTIAL
IS IT EVER OK TO WEAR WHITE TO A WEDDING?
EM: I’d say no because I feel like the bride is wearing white. While I think it’s appropriate for the bridal party, it comes back to not stealing the host’s thunder.
NB: I don’t think it’s OK. I’m a little traditional with weddings. I know the lines can get blurred as people are becoming more relaxed, but unless the bride directly tells you it’s OK to wear white, I don’t think you should.
EG: Absolutely not. White is reserved for the bride unless stated otherwise by your hosts.
LW: My first instinct is 99 per cent of the time … no. However, I do think it depends on the kind of wedding you’re attending and also your relationship with the bride. If you’re unsure, it’s always courteous to ask first. With the rising trend of bridesmaids wearing white, I would steer clear from both off-white and white and more towards delicate tones or pastels if that’s the vibe you’re going for.
HOW SHOULD YOU REACT IF YOU TURN UP TO AN EVENT WEARING THE SAME OUTFIT AS SOMEONE ELSE?
EM: I’ve had this happen. I think the only thing you can do is walk up to each other and have a good laugh about it.
NB: I’ve been at an event when another guest was wearing the exact same thing and I think it’s best to own it and have a laugh. I went up to her and we got a selfie. It’s not the end of the world as everyone styles it differently.
EG: Don’t be shy, ask them for a selfie. You know you’ve made the right choice if someone else has too.
LW: Make a new friend and take a photo together. Appreciate that you both have amazing style.
IS IT BETTER TO BE OVERDRESSED OR UNDERDRESSED?
EM: It depends, if you’re underdressed to the point of being rude to your host then it’s disrespectful. However, if you are completely overdressed and feel like a peacock, it will look like you’re trying to take the attention away from the host or the cause.
NB: I am a girl who likes to dress up so I must say I would rather be overdressed than underdressed every day of the week.
EG: Always better to be overdressed. You’d hate to rock up to a cocktail function looking like the wait staff, right?
LW: Overdressed, always
Brewery puts name on global sporting stage
It’s the little brewery that could. A South Gippsland craft brewer is putting its name on a motorsport event with a global audience of more than 100 million people.
West Gate Tunnel build set to close key Docklands route
Brace for more traffic pain linked to the West Gate Tunnel project with a key route in the Docklands set to close.