Decoding The Dress Code

By Sharmin Mosca, Personal Stylist on June 24, 2014 in Other

Only ‘It Girl’ Cara Delevingne could ditch the dress code and wear a revealing black crop top (showing as much skin as it covered) and white high-waisted trousers to one of the biggest red carpet events internationally. Arriving at the New York Met Ball on the arm of designer Stella McCartney, she and her outfit stood out in a crowd of attention grabbers that included Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé.

I suggest us mere mortals just stick to the dress code. There’s plenty of room for imagination and individuality within each defined framework. So how formal is black tie? Where does cocktail end and lounge suit begin? And what, really, is smart casual?

Here’s how I decode the dress codes:

Black Tie – This is often misinterpreted as cocktail wear by many women who opt for knee-length dresses rather than the full floor-length gown. It’s not often that a girl gets to really dress up, so I say go for it. In choosing a gown, it doesn’t have to literally sweep the floor. It could be ankle-length or layers of varying hem lengths. It needs to be a piece that you feel really glamorous in.

For men, black tie means a black tuxedo, white dinner shirt and bow tie. Bonus points for accessories like cufflinks, shirt studs and bow ties that you tie yourself.

Lounge Suit versus Cocktail Wear – This heads into murkier territory. Cocktail is above lounge, but in reality this look is really all over the place. Here’s a tip on how to get it right: for men, a cocktail suit should be black, whereas a lounge suit could be navy or a range of blues, greys or even lighter colours, but it still has to be a suit rather than separates. A normal necktie is a must for both lounge and cocktail.

It’s slightly more confusing for women, as the two are almost the same. What’s the difference then? Your accessories. Go all out with flamboyant cocktail rings, earrings and necklaces for cocktail and opt for pieces that are more understated for lounge. Same goes for your heels. Dress fabric, colour and embellishments such as beading and metallic finishes also come into play. Choose more striking or embellished dresses for cocktail and more subdued pieces for lounge.

A chic cocktail alternative for women is a classic tuxedo style jacket and cigarette pant worn with a pussy-bow blouse and feminine earrings to soften the look. Or try a glamorous jumpsuit in a luxe fabric like satin or lace.

Smart Casual – Linger on the first of those two words for direction. For men, the tie can come off now but a well-ironed collared shirt is key to rocking this look. Jacket and pants can now be separates, such as a navy blazer with a great chino. No matter how hot it is, the jacket stays on!

Women can move into separates for smart casual. Think beautiful blouses and a pencil skirt or trousers, still with a heel. A less formal jumpsuit is also appropriate, but save those maxi-dresses for summer holidays or garden parties.

On the streets I found:

Name: Maya
Occupation: Retail sales
Fave Item This Season: An emerald green mohair knit.
Street Style: Maya rocks a Scuba leather top, skirt and boots, all from Scanlan & Theodore. Her clutch is also from Scanlan & Theodore.

Name: Jane
Occupation: Store manager
Fave Item This Season: A Saint Laurent Sac De Jour in cobalt blue.
Street Style: Jane wears a silk shirt and Dynasty print skirt from Rodeo Show, Wittner boots, Mulberry bag and sunglasses by Prada.