Got Etiquette Advice?

  Etiquette is basically the protocol we use in any given situation.   It is the behavior expected of us.   Still, not everyone is comfortable with their knowledge of what is considered proper or appropriate.   On an average day, I will receive questions about all aspects of etiquette. Here are a few questions from some of our readers.   One thing you may notice in my responses is that the etiquette I suggest makes sense.   It is logical.   Shirtless Party? Hi Polite One , Is it improper to go shirtless on a hot summer day at a backyard barbeque with friends and close family members? Shirtless Dear Shirtless, If this is a pool party, it would be fine as many would be shirtless and in swimsuits.   However, if it is simply a dinner party or gathering, it is best to remain clothed.   Ask yourself if it would be an appropriate time for the ladies to be wearing swimsuits or go shirtless.   If the answer is no, then the men s...

  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, I am planning a party and I want guests to dress in nice clothing that isn't too formal or too casual.  Is there a dress code that is in between semi-formal and formal attire? Party planning Dear Party Planning, Basically, the dress code you want is semi-formal, but cocktail attire would probably be best. These two are basically the same term.   Men would be in sports coats, ties, or suits.  Ladies dress in cocktail dresses made from finer cloth-like crepe, satin, or velvet, or outfits in the equivalent formality.  Sincerely, The Polite One More From The Polite One What is the Etiquette for A Ballet Production in the Sydney Opera House? Attire? What to Wear In Freezing Winter for a Minnesota Opera? What to wear for the company holiday party?

  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, I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of clothing to wear for a gathering labeled "party casual "?  Would it be dresses for ladies or pants?  And would it be ties and a shirt or a casual shirt like a nice polo and pants for men? Thank you, Jill Dear Jill, Sigh.   There is no such dress code.  Unfortunately, this makes it more difficult for guests.    Deductively thinking, this attire is dressy casual: the attire you would wear to a very nice restaurant. Enjoy your party! Sincerely, The Polite One Jill’s Response Dear Polite One , Thank you so much for your reply.  Both my husband and I thought there was no such thing.   With his job, we attend numerous events a year and never hear of " party casual".  Silly!!  I think they are just messing with us.   And you were correct about the attire choice.   We both dressed as you suggested and fit in nicely. Thank you!   ...

  Me in the ‘70s Decoding the dress code doesn’t get any easy through the years.   In fact, it has become even more difficult as many don’t care to research what norms are already in place.   Here, we have two distinctive questions.   One is mostly about style—time-period specific—and one is a standard, known dress code —nevertheless confusing.   What to wear for a 70’s theme party? My friend and I are invited to a semi-formal '70s style party and are confused about attire choices.  Both of us purchased truly short disco dresses.  Mine is gold with sparkles and hers is black. We want to fit in, but don't want to look slutty. Confused Girls Dear Confused Girls, The '70s were a very confusing time for most of us and there was a variety of expected attire —all very different.  There was the disco attire, down to earth style – earth tones, no makeup, down-with-establishment – and then there was the sweet, trying to get ...