What Is Casual Elegant Dressing?
Sometimes an invitation comes with its own code for appropriate attire, such as "dressy casual," "cosmopolitan," "fashion-forward," "business casual" or "casual elegant," just to name a few. Because the word "casual" is an antonym for "formal," this may sound like an oxymoron. But the phrase does have meaning.
Subjective Reasoning
"Casual elegant" can mean different things to a man than to a woman. For example, a man might interpret it as wearing a flimsy shirt over trousers, but for a woman, this could mean "put on a dress." Couples may want to coordinate their outfits using each other's input. Think of the word "elegant" as chic, tailored and spotless, rather than "casual," which is loose, comfortable and worn.
Time of Day
One clear sign of dress is the time of day the event takes place. Events held in evening hours are more formal. And because there won't be candles at a mid-morning brunch, fancy dress is probably not an option in mid-morning hours between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., which are more about casual, comfortable and daytime stylish in a simple shirtwaist dress and ballet flats for women and men in khaki and crisp shirts. Consider the region, too: What's casual in Washington, D.C., may be very different in Los Angeles.
Location
Take your cue from where the event will be held. A backyard fete can simply mean a cotton skirt in summer, but if you are going to an art museum that serves Champagne, you'll most likely want to up that to a little black dress or a chic silk pantsuit. A classical symphony invite or a summons to a ballroom should have you pulling out a cocktail dress or a knee-length formal while he should don one of his nicer suits.
Invitation Style
If the invitation comes in two envelopes and has embossed lettering on heavy paper, the event hosts are more serious about seeing you dressed nicely. It calls for a step up in style to what your mother made you wear to church when you were younger.
Event
If it is called a "ball" or a "dress ball," women should wear a floor-length dress and men should be in something resembling a tuxedo or a dressy black suit. Of course, "black tie" means you go all out and wear the good jewelry and gems.
Fabric
Sometimes the difference between casual elegant dressing and business casual is about the fabric. To be safe for casual elegance, opt for silk, charmeuse and chiffon, instead of cotton, linen and rayon fabrics. And don't let your shoes kill your outfit. Wearing flip-flops with a sheath is a fashion faux pas; they're meant for the beach, not the ballroom. And for men, tennis shoes should be upgraded to at least tasseled loafers.
Tips and Warnings
If you believe you've deciphered all the clues in the invitation and still don't know what to do, call the hostess and ask what she's wearing.
If the place is a restaurant or nightclub that has capitulated to the ultra-casual look, opt for something with a demur, upscale look of a shimmering blouse with tailored black pants. Better to be a little overdressed than to feel like a poor country cousin. Men, don a blazer and dress pants--you can wear a T-shirt underneath; just make it a designer T-shirt with no symbols or language on it.
Many high-end restaurants will not admit you in jeans, and men will need a suit coat (and sometimes a tie). If you go dressed down, you may find yourself seated next to the kitchen door.
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