Got Etiquette Advice?

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? ...

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 occasion...

  When should I ask my date for the prom? Ask your date two months before the prom.  This is plenty of time to shop and prepare. How do I decide what type of flowers do I give my date? Gentlemen ask their date what color her dress is and orders what the lady wants, either a wristlet, nosegay (a small bunch to carry), or corsage in her color. Ladies purchase a boutonniere or small flower for her date’s lapel (rose or carnation). It is usually the same color as her flowers. Who pays? Typically, the young man would pay if he can afford it. However, some couples split the cost; this is becoming more common.  May I go to the prom by myself, or may I go with a group of friends? Sure, you may go with a group of friends because you can share the cost of travel.  Nevertheless, it might not be best to go alone because you will want to dance.  Similar Posts Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove Etiquette How to Plan for a Pe...

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...