Dress codes for the party season: what to wear, what to avoid

RISE above the can’t-be-bothered crowd this party season. Just follow these tips for fab festive dressing.

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TIS the season to be jolly well party-ready as the end-of-year festivities get into full swing. Office parties, drinks gatherings with friends and the festive firework finale of New Year’s Eve are all upon us, which brings one question top of mind: what to wear?

It’s a fair observation that people aren’t super festive any more when it comes to getting dressed. At a time when less is more, and being seen to try too hard is passe for the every day, getting guests geed up to put on their finery can be a little like convincing toddlers that medicine is as good as sweets.

At a time when less is more, and being seen to try too hard is passe for the every day, getting guests geed up to put on their finery can be a little like convincing toddlers that medicine is as good as sweets.This phenomenon has not gone unnoticed by events supremo David Grant. “People don’t dress up any more,” says Grant. “I reckon if someone’s spending their hard-earned money (on a party), even if you don’t like the boss, maybe you could dress up and get in the spirit of things. Plus, it’s more fun for you if you make an effort. Wearing a suit and tie makes me feel a thousand times better.”

One thing that’s making wardrobe choices more difficult is confusion over dress codes — or complete lack thereof. “We’ve found that with the Christmas party thing people aren’t putting a dress code in there because there’s something about oppressing people,” Grant says. “I think it should be special for Christmas, you should make a bit of an effort.”

And so, some DOs and DON’Ts to help you navigate the events ahead. Happy festivities!

DO: Make an effort. Somebody has invited you and taken the time to organise the party in question, and the minute you have sent your RSVP you have agreed to their terms and conditions. So, put the glamour Grinch away and get into the spirit of the occasion in something worthy of a celebration.

DO: Follow dress codes. If you have been given a dress code, do your best to adhere to it — and that includes fancy dress themes, should they be inflicted upon you. There’s nothing more annoying to those who have burnt the candle over their Bernina or schlepped out to that costume hire joint than seeing someone who just hasn’t bothered. If you’re the only one in jeans when everyone else is channelling Bollywood beaux and beauties, you’ll just feel like a doofus.

DO: Wear some sparkle. Ladies, this is the one time of year that requires the sartorial equivalent of some tinsel on the tree. Consider a piece that includes sequins, Lurex, metallic brocades or other shimmering embellishments. Depending on the occasion and your penchant for such finery, this could be a dress, top or even a jacket. Alternatively, get your festive injection by way of jewellery such as bold chandelier earrings or a statement necklace.

DO: Add a final flourish. Gentlemen, where women may wear some sparkle, you should consider a small finishing touch, most especially when the dress code is a little, shall we say, ambivalent. For example, a colourful pocket square is an easy and effective way to smarten up a jacket or blazer — which should always be worn unless your event is a beachside barbie.

DO: Think ahead. Consider the evening before you: will you go from work drinks to dinner and then dancing? Then wear something that will pass muster at all events, not just one. There’s nothing worse than being the one member of your party to not pass the doorman’s scrutiny.

DO: Be the host with the most. If you’re the one hosting a soiree this festive season, you should begin as you mean your guests to continue. If that means putting everyone at ease while barefoot in a bedsheet a la Holly Golightly, so be it. More likely you will want to put your sparkliest or most dapper foot forward, in something that best reflects the evening ahead you’re hoping for.

DON’T: Be a constant juggler. Ladies, if you are adept at the canape-champagne-clutch manoeuvre and have just the two hands, this is an excellent outcome from years of party-hopping and good on you. If not, choose an elegant bag with a long chain handle to wear over your shoulder. The bag can still be embellished and party-ready but will leave both hands free for sustenance gathering and gesticulating.

DON’T: Carry too much. There is nothing worse than turning up at a party feeling encumbered with Too Much Stuff. And it’s also annoying for organisers and hosts to stash things beyond coat and handbag. If you’ve changed at the office, leave your work outfit there until the following day. That also means ditching your overstuffed work bag. In which case, do remember your house keys.

DON’T: Wear something uncomfortable. It may look fabulous, but if your strapless jumpsuit has you hitching up the top all night, or your biceps keep bursting through your buttons, you won’t be able to relax — and neither will anyone around you. And if you know you’ll be standing around for five hours, wear shoes that will go the distance. Choose something that feels as good as it looks, so you can forget about it and focus on where the champagne waiter is.

DON’T: Look like you’re hoping to get picked up. Same goes for men and women. To wit: ladies, Herve Leger knock-off bandage dresses and platform heels should have been ditched at the same time as Kim Kardashian’s second husband; lads, keep your shirt largely buttoned and your Eau de Desperation in check.