Funky Fresh Dressed to Impress Ready to Party

Greetings Gentle Readers,

We know it's been a minute and you may have missed us, and for that, we sincerely apologize. We had a slight case of computer AIDS and are just now getting back on our feet. But that's neither here nor there... But remember, you can always keep up with your daily Sartorially Savvy tips at http://twitter.com/SartoriallySvvy Even if you don't Tweet, you can still see our style-tip and fashion news-filled page! Alright, now, to the matter at hand.... Often times at various functions we'll see people who are severely underdressed for the occasion, obviously a case of misunderstanding the attire. So we decided to decode what those attire buzzwords on invitations really mean so that you, our dear gentle readers, are always in the know... Let's take it from the top!

White Tie: The most formal of formal, traditionally meaning for gentlemen, either a black or white tuxedo jacket with tails, a white cummerbund and white bow tie. For ladies, a ball gown or floor length evening gown. The President here has demonstrated a more updated White Tie by donning a black jacket w/o tails but still with the white bow tie and cummerbund, nonetheless, he and the First Lady are Classic and Glamorous.

Black Tie: (included here are Formal, Black Tie Optional, and Creative Black Tie) Black Tie for gents means a black tuxedo and black bow tie. Black Tie Optional is used to set the tone of what's expected of guests. And Creative Black Tie is what we've demonstrated in our picture here on the left... While yes, that's a traditional tuxedo, the twist is the black dress shirt underneath, and no tie at all. For ladies, all of the Black Tie options generally mean, an evening gown or evening separates, with variations depending on the occasion. Obviously you'd have more leeway w/Creative Black Tie than you would w/Formal.

Semi-Formal: For the fellas, this means a dark suit and tie, ladies, a long dress, evening separates, or a dressier cocktail dress.

Cocktail: For him, a dark suit, or jacket and slacks or dark jeans, not necessarily a tie, perhaps even a lightweight V-neck sweater underneath the jacket. For her, a flirty cocktail dress (here's where you can break out the shorter and sexier options ladies)

Dressy Casual: Often the most confusing of all the categories, it's very similar to cocktail attire for the gentleman, but for dressy casual options, a full suit would probably have you too over dressed. A blazer, button down or lightweight sweater, slacks or dark jeans and loafers is a pretty fail safe option for the fellas here, switch it up, with vests, and ties instead of the same ole' blazer/button down/jeans combo for a more stylish look. For the ladies... it's a bit more tricky. That's because you can wear pretty much anything. For dressy casual a dressier top, dark jeans, and heels are pretty much the standard, but you can play it up with a dress and leggings, pencil skirt and blouse, cardigans and A-line skirts, you get the point, limitless options. As a general rule, dressy casual for the ladies requires heels, and if you're going to wear jeans they should be darker.

Casual: For both sexes, pretty much anything goes here, and it really depends on the occasion. You'd lean more towards a dressy casual option for a dinner party than for a BBQ even though both invitations might say, "casual." For outdoor occasions, tees and jeans are fine for the fellas, and the same is true for ladies, and of course you should always be weather appropriate. However, gents, if it's an indoor casual occasion, try throwing a cardigan or vest over your tee, and if you're going to wear sneakers, they should be simple, classic, and clean. Ladies, once again, you have the benefit of being able to wear pretty much anything at a casual function; be it a tee, jeans, and heels, or flats, a skirt and a tank top. It really depends on the occasion.

Well gentle readers, that about covers it for this installment. We apologize for the lapse since our last post. We won't let it happen again!!! Oh, and just a tiny tip from our personal arsenal: It is ALWAYS better to be a bit over dressed than under dressed. When you are slightly over dressed, you stand out in a good way, looking more polished and put together, and leaving spectators wondering what fabulous soiree you've either just come from, or are going to... When you are under dressed, those same bystanders are wondering why you didn't understand what the invite said... and questioning your comprehension.... Not Sartorially Savvy at all. Until next time...

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy
"Fashion fades, style is Eternal" - Yves Saint Laurent

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