Got Etiquette Advice?

  Hi Polite One, I have been invited to a party where the dress code has been cited as "Formal, semi-Formal or Traditional Scottish".  The host announced to all the women that a black cocktail dress would be suitable.   There will be a large group of us attending and I would like to dress a little different than the others.  Do you think a sequenced spaghetti - strapped top and black pants would be considered formal enough?  I would pair it with appropriate jewelry and strappy sandals. Thanks for any information that you can provide.  Great site, highly informative. PS.  I am writing from Alberta, Canada. Dear Visitor from Alberta, Canada, Yes!  You will be the belle of the ball.  I love sequined tops with nice black slacks.  It is such a great look.  It sounds like an interesting party .  Enjoy! Please visit again soon and thank you for the compliment. Also, thank you for letting me know where you are from. ...

  Dear Polite One: May I wear low-healed or flat shoes with my formal gown for a formal black-tie charity event and cocktail party?  My balance is not that great due to health reasons, so I need to go with the lowest heel possible. Falling off my heals Dear Falling Off My Heals, Black tie means formal, so typically you would pair your formal gown with heals.  However, balance problems trump all, as it would be much more embarrassing to fall.  The good news is that there are so many beautiful ballet slippers that could work well.   Pay close attention to your accessories, smile and no one will notice your shoes. Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What to Wear In Freezing Winter for a Minnesota Opera? What to wear for the company holiday party? What is a dress code between semi-formal and formal attire?

  Dear Polite One, Would it be appropriate to attend a formal evening charity event solo?  Also, what would be appropriate attire for a woman ? New York in the Snow Dear New York in the Snow, Of course, you can attend solo. There's no reason not to.  In fact, you may meet new friends.  The most common attire would be an elegant black cocktail dress.  But you could wear anything within that formality.  If you chose a different color, you would stand out in the crowd, which is probably a positive.  Include some sort of wrap to keep you warm. Sincerely, The Polite One Did she enjoy her experience?   Read on Ms. New York in the Snow shared that she enjoyed every second and met other singles.  She was even invited to a few parties as a result.  Bravo! More From The Polite One What to wear to a B-movie premiere in Nashville? What to wear to the movie premiere in New York City? Is a linen suit appropriate year-...

  Dear Polite One, My husband and I are attending a Bat Mitzvah at a synagogue hall, in a suburb of Detroit.  Black tie invited is expected.   So is a long, black, crepe skirt with a silver gray, crushed crepe top and black sandals for me and a black suit with suitable shirt, tie, and accessories for my husband appropriate? Bat Mitzvah Attire Dear Bat Mitzvah Attire, Perfect. You might see some tuxedos though.  But a suit is fine as well.   Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One Change of attire between red carpet premiere and gala? What is country club casual for a fund-raising charity event? Visitor’s Advice About Wearing Nylons in DC

Dear Polite One, We have been invited to a Fund Raiser Charity Event at the Claremont in Berkeley, CA.  They list “Country Club Casual” on the invitation.  Can you help what we should wear?  I’m going to wear a nice dress and heels, but I’m concerned with my husband.  What should he wear? Thank you Attire Conscious Dear Attire Conscious, Country Club Casual is golf country club attire, like nice slacks, shirts with collars, and shoes with laces.  However, as a fundraiser attire should be more formal.  I would suggest business - appropriate might be best: slacks, nice shirt, and sports jacket.   Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What to wear to the movie premiere in New York City? Formal Look for a Charity Function in Seattle Change of attire between red carpet premiere and gala?

  Dear Polite One, I'm wearing a beautiful gown to a red-carpet event but am unsure if I should change into a cocktail dress for the gala afterward.  What is red carpet/gala attire etiquette ? Red Carpet Etiquette Dear Red-Carpet Etiquette, If the gala is directly after the premiere and it is part of the event, which it is, there is no reason to change. I doubt very much that the men would change. Wear what you want to wear. This is the type of event that gives us the chance to 'dress up'. Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One Formal Look for a Charity Function in Seattle What to Wear In Freezing Winter for a Minnesota Opera? What Jewelry to Wear to a Formal Navy Ball?   

  Dear Polite One, Since business associates and clients will accompany me, what should I wear to a dinner charity auction.  Appropriate business attire is imperative.  The event is a formal gala; however, the invitation didn't reflect it. Formally Confused in Seattle Dear Formally Confused in Seattle, Formal and Seattle doesn't add up sometimes as the populace is fairly casual, somewhat like Davis , CA. The number one rule would be to nix sexy attire, but I think you realize this.  A long black gown with a jacket or shawl might be perfect.  Something with more color is fine as well. Because it is Seattle you have more choices.  The invitees will probably be dressed in a variety of styles.  But please avoid sequins and anything ultra-formal.   Enjoy! The Polite One More From The Polite One Do I remove the gloves when eating? What to wear to a B-movie premiere in Nashville? What to wear to the movie premiere in New Yo...

Dear Polite One, My husband is in a horror film based on a true story, somewhat like "The Exorcist". Many of the actors are first-timers in a "big-budget film" and are excited about experiencing a red-carpet gala event.   So, I think they may dress up for the 8 pm premiere in New York.  What should we wear? Red Carpet Here We Come Dear Red Carpet Here We Come, Dress codes for these events are varied, and depend somewhat on the stars involved, the location of the premiere, and the content of the movie .   The tux would be a perfect choice since this is New York City.  Still, considering the genre of the movie, and the many "first-timers," the suit may do it.  Of course, women will probably dress up. This is what we women do.   If men in tuxes, they just may customize them by wearing a t-shirt with the name of the movie on the front of it under the jacket.  This is most common. Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One...

  Dear Polite One, My daughter and I will be on the red carpet at the Nashville premiere of the movie where I was an assistant producer and my daughter acted in it.  A well-known actor stars in this crime investigation movie.   What should we wear? Rhonda Hello Rhonda, Congrats! The safest attire for women would be a dressed-up cocktail dress (little black dress).  It's an all-purpose middle-of-the-road choice. Choose high-quality, trendy accessories. Hair and makeup should appear perfect. The Polite One More From The Polite One What to wear for a formal ball in New York? Appropriate Dinner and Dancing Charity Event Attire? Do I remove the gloves when eating?

Dear Polite One, I'm attending a very formal ball and dinner is included.  I will be wearing long gloves with my long formal gown.  Do I remove the gloves when eating?   Glove Etiquette Dear Glove Etiquette, It is proper glove etiquette to remove gloves before the meal begins and lay them across your lap.  Fold your napkin in half and lay it on top of your gloves. After leaving the table, and before the dance, put them back on.  Before dancing, remove them again.  Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What Jewelry to Wear to a Formal Navy Ball? What to wear for a formal ball in New York? Appropriate Dinner and Dancing Charity Event Attire?

  Dear Polite One, My husband and I are attending a charity function that includes dinner and dancing and is held at an old formal old mansion in New Orleans.  I recently gave birth and don't feel comfortable wearing a sleek cocktail dress with the baby fat still intact.  So, would a very high-quality, black pantsuit suffice? Baby Fat Dear Baby Fat, Sounds good.  Black is always a great choice, and a pantsuit could be dressed up to appear more formal.  Just include high-quality (or appearing as such) accessories, make-up, and hairstyle and you should be just fine.  Of course, your best accessory is a smile.  Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One   What to Wear In Freezing Winter for a Minnesota Opera? What Jewelry to Wear to a Formal Navy Ball? What to wear for a formal ball in New York?

  Dear Polite One, I am a female attending a formal ball at an upscale New York venue and don't have a clue what to wear .  The invitation states that it is "Black Tie".   Dressing for the Ball Dear Dressing for the Ball, This calls for a formal evening dress, which could be a short, or tea-length cocktail dress. If the formality of the outfit is formal, you'll be fine.  I would suggest no train. Typically, black dresses are not worn to balls, but they are worn for black tie.  And this is New York; women wear a lot of black there. Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What to Wear In Freezing Winter for a Minnesota Opera? New York City Ballet Nutcracker Attire? What Jewelry to Wear to a Formal Navy Ball?

  Dear Polite One, I understand that a  female spouse attending a Navy Ball wears formal attire.  So, I am wearing a multi-colored beaded black satin cocktail dress to the formal Navy's ball with black satin wrap and black satin ribbon around the ankles and strappy shoes.  The small beads are rich copper, gold, and deep vibrant green.  What type of jewelry would complement such beads?   Navy Wife Dear Navy Wife, Your choice of dress is outstanding.  I doubt very much that you could choose jewelry that would be inappropriate.  I would suggest choosing a matching necklace and earrings in one of the colors of the beads, perhaps the green color on a gold chain, or base. They don't have to be expensive, due to the fine costume jewelry available these days.  Plus, the pieces could be smallish because your dress is a showstopper.   Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One Attire for NY Met Opera La Traviata? ...

  Dear Polite One, Thank you!! I leave on Tuesday, and I just heard that it is ceremony attire.   Is that different?! I groomed for the Belgium Olympic Event Team, and I was invited to a reception for everyone who participated in Belgium at the Olympics. Thank you for your help!! Best regards, Courtney Dear Courtney, It would be best to contact the person who sent the invitation to find out what attire is expected.   Most often there is an office "attached" to invitations where you could get pertinent information.   If not, most likely the attire expected would be a conservative skirt suit with no cleavage. Do not touch any of the royals unless they offer their hand.   And don't ask any questions unless they engage you in a conversation. Simply follow their lead. Enjoy! Most sincerely, The Polite One Read Courtney's Previous Question More by The Polite One What is Proper Attire for Meeting Royalty  Proper Formal Attire: Ben...

Hi Polite One, I received an invitation for an 11:30 am reception with the king and queen of Belgium. On the invitation, it says proper attire. Would you explain what proper attire would mean in this case? Thank you! Best regards, Courtney Hello Courtney, How wonderful!   What a great experience!   Yes, reception attire should be a suit with high-quality accessories.   Please let me know about your experience.   Enjoy!! Most sincerely, The Polite One Please Read Courtney's Follow-Up Question More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove Etiquette Attire Choices: Tenue de Soirée and '70s Theme Party

Attire choices for grand events are never easy to gauge.  Fold into that drama a movie premiere event for all involved.  Yikes!  Here are two examples of Red-Carpet appearances. What to Wear to Movie Premieres in CA? Dear Polite One, My husband has a small part in an Oliver Stone movie, and we are invited to the premier.  Is it okay to wear a dressy black, backless jumpsuit or should I simply stick to the little black dress? Thanks for your help, Dressing Up Dear Dressing Up , Your idea sounds great, especially if it is in the same formality as the ‘little black dress’. If you can share some pictures of the event, I would love to post them.  You wouldn’t believe how many questions I receive from others concerning this and pictures help. Dear Polite One, This wonderful young lady and her husband were lucky enough to obtain tickets to the movie premiere of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in CA. She was concerned about her attire. Who wo...

Dress Code Definitions   New dress codes arrive daily.  Some may be confusing since they are new. Still, most are descriptive, and we can decode them. Below are the most common dress codes.  Hopefully, you can decode any new dress codes with these.  If not comment below and ask. Dressy Casual Slacks with a nice top (for either gender), a knee-length skirt with a quality top, or a dress that you would wear to a restaurant is fine. Shorts may be fine in certain situations, but these should not be too short or cut-offs—no t-shirts or flip-flops. Resort Attire This means good quality summer attire that you would feel comfortable wearing to a golf club or country club.  This could include good quality shorts, button and polo shirts, short skirts, sandals, and newish sneakers—no flip-flops, tank tops, t-shirts, or too much skin. Evening Resort Attire Very similar to what we would feel comfortable wearing to a country club in the evening. Slacks and a nic...