Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove Etiquette

Formal attire, gloves, ballet, opera, balls

Confusion surrounds choosing attire for formal events, especially those that can be or should be grand. I receive countless questions concerning attire every year. Here are a few of my most favorites. You’ll notice, a few are a number of years old. Nevertheless, the advice is still the same.

Bolshoi Ballet Attire Advice

This wonderful young woman had asked for the proper attire for Bolshoi Ballet. I had thought it would be a bit more formal.

Thankfully she has shared her experience with us.

Visitor's Experience at the Ballet

“I thought I would let you know the dress code at the Bolshoi Ballet, which was absolutely fantastic. Most of the men wore suits—not dinner jackets—and most the ladies wore smart casual dress. I saw about four women wearing cocktail/evening dresses, others wore trousers and nice tops or even jeans!!!

We had a great time; it is a shame that people don't seem to want to dress up for these occasions anymore!”

Benefit Dinner Attire

Dear Polite One,

My husband and I have been invited to attend a benefit dinner for Diabetes, the invitation states to wear your best summer whites. Does this mean that everyone wears white and, if so, is a dress necessary for me, or are white slacks sufficient? Please let me know what you think is the proper attire for this event.

Thank you,

Dear JW,

It may be best to call and ask, because so many interpret this differently. It is supposed to mean that men wear a white linen suit and women dress in very nice dresses, typically white.

Must I wear long, elbow-length white gloves with the ball gown?

Dear Polite One,

I will be attending a very formal ball wearing a strapless, black, partially beaded, full-skirted ball gown. Must I wear long, elbow-length white gloves with the ball gown?

Sincerely,

Glove Etiquette

Dear Glove Etiquette,

When wearing a strapless gown, long gloves are considered part of the outfit. The bottom line though, it is your choice. And here's some glove etiquette: If you choose to wear them, please remove them when you begin to dance or when the meal is served.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

Similar Posts

How to Decode a Dress Code

Casual is More Than One Style

Attire Choices: Tenue de Soirée and '70s Theme Party

Comments

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing. At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests. I’m sure that’s not the case. Still... Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event. So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage. This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds. So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women. Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive. Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names. If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith. Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is a Doctor! How to

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog