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Decoding Your Invites
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Photo by
Daniel Doke
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The Invitation that you've been waiting for has finally
arrived. You excitedly open it and begin reading. As
you scan down the card, the words "black tie" jump out at you and
stop you in your tracks. It's amazing, you think, that these
two simple words can cause such consternation when you're trying
to decide what to wear to a party.
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If you find yourself in this quandary from time to time, the
following guide may help shed some light on your dressing dilemma:
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Black Tie
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Men should
wear a standard black tuxedo, complete with white shirt, tie and
cummerbund or vest. Depending on the event, women should usually
wear a sophisticated floor length dress or formal gown.
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White Tie
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The most
formal of events, men should wear a black full dress tailcoat
tuxedo with a white vest and pique tie. Women should dress
accordingly, aiming for an understated sophisticated or glamorous
look.
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Black Tie Optional
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Men may wear
either a tuxedo or a dark dress suit (usually black or gray) and
tie. Women should dress formally according to the occasion and to
match their date.
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Formal
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Like a black
tie affair, a formal event usually requires that men wear a tuxedo.
Women should really dress it up, going for full glamour and glitz.
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Semi-Formal
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If they
don't want to wear a tuxedo, men have the option to wear a dark
colored dress suit and tie. Women should wear something that is
dressy, though somewhat less formal than a full-length evening or
ballgown.
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Cocktail Attire
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Depending
on the occasion, men may wear a tuxedo, a dress suit or pants with
a nice shirt and sports jacket. Women's dresses are usually ankle
to ballerina length (mid-calf) and are sophisticated, though
somewhat less formal.
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Festive Wear
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This type of invitation gives
you some leeway to dress more creatively, though you'll want to do
so within the context of the event. For example, jeans and a
holiday theme sweater probably would not be the wisest choice for
a cocktail party, but could be perfect for a potluck dinner with
friends. When in doubt, you should err on the conservative side.
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Still can't
decide what you should wear? Then go straight to the source and
give the host a call. With a few quick questions, you'll know just
what to wear and will be on your way to having fun fashionably.
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About the Author
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Cyndi Swan, Rev., of Lady Slipper Gardens will help you Create
the Occasion of your Dreams. She insures you that you are a client
who is pampered, treasured and supported through the difficult
process of event planning. You can reach her at 877-394-616.
www.LadySlipperStationery.com.
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