Black Tie Optional
Translation: Dignified glamour. But
a full-fledged to-the-floor, walk-the-red-carpet gown isn't de rigueur; and
subtly witty touches keep stodginess at bay.
To pursue: Rich color, dressy
fabrics like velvet and lace, frothy details.
Variations:To make a quieter
(but still grand) entrance, long and flowing is always good.
AKA: "Black tie," "creative
black tie," "black tie and long dresses," "bohemian black tie," "white tie,"
"Texas tuxedo," "gala garb," "formal attire.".
FESTIVE ATTIRE
Translation: Be playful. Pick a
hotter color than usual and take a chance on flamboyance with rows of ruffles,
lots of leg, shoulder-sweeping earrings, even a tiara.
Variations: If you're
happier in a low-key mode, do a single showy item (bright silk wrap, antique
kimono, a little tasteful glitter) with simple black silk.
AKA: "Holiday
threads," "holiday chic," "festive holiday attire," "colorful gowns," "carnival
attire," "exuberant shindig," "glitterati gear," "fiesta
fashion."
Cocktail Attire
Translation: A little black dress
with a deliciously modern twist—like an off-the-shoulder neckline, shorter
length. "I can take classic black from day to night," says New York publicist
Desiree Gruber. Of her husband, actor Kyle MacLachlan she says, "He likes sexy—I
like a little black dress, he likes the littler black dress."
Variations: Since
black reads as more formal than navy or camel, it's the best base if you're
coming from work.
AKA: "Fun cocktail attire," "simply fabulous,"
"gorgeous garb," "dress to kill."
Suit & Tie
Translation: With this dress code, women wonder, So what do I wear? The answer:
pulled-together, not-too-naked stuff. The flared skirt here is flirty but not
risqué—silk and satin evening fabrics add a certain mad
extravagance.
Variations: Its slightly formal connotations make
black-and-white totally appropriate. Bare legs? No problem. And you can go a
little crazy on accessories.
AKA: "Bring your suit," "dark suit," "jacket
requested," "dark and chic," "semiformal."
Casual Chic
Translation: The rule—mix a dressy
element, like this elaborate velvet jacket, with something more informal, like
jeans. "Slacks and a leather jacket are usually as fancy as I get," says actor
Djimon Hounsou.
Variations: Contrasting fabrics are key. A
charmeuse blouse lends razzle-dazzle to gray flannels; a sharply tailored shirt
tones down palazzo pants.
AKA: "Smart casual," "dressy casual," "casual
threads," "informally fabulous," "simple and chic."
Business Attire
Translation: A suit is shorthand for
"I'm professional"; all you have to do is glam it up. Wear red satin heels, a
beaded bag, and crystal earrings to finish the job. You can show a bit of
décolletage, but be prudent: You want to look approachable, not overtly
sexy.
Variations: Suits in brighter, lighter colors are
showing up now.
AKA: "Business casual," "trade-show chic," "town
dress," "urban chic," "city dress."
Come as you Are!
Translation: Flexible but not
sloppy—even a laid-back daytime happening is still a party. You can wear
anything from jeans to a dress to a relaxed suit, like this camel ensemble on
model and actress Carol Alt.
Variations: Infinite. Sporty clothes at a party?
Controversial, but we approve if they're well cut and a bit dressy (velours,
cashmere).
AKA: "Dress as you please," "day clothes," "smart
day," "smart attire."
