Got Etiquette Advice?

  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, Please tell me what semi-formal is for an evening business function?   Thanks, What exactly is semi-formal? Dear What Exactly is Semi-Formal, For women , semi-formal is party or cocktail attire. Since this is a business event, be careful with cleavage and nix sexy attire.  Avoid sequins, as they will appear too formal.  For men, this would mean a dark suit. Sincerely, 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? What is Summer Cocktail 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, What do I wear to a cocktail party? Thank you, A cool and fantastic ten-year-old Hello Cool and Fantastic, You are too young for a cocktail party!   (Grandmother advice)   Still, if you were to attend one, a nice dress or cool pantsuit would be best. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code What is Party Casual Attire? 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 ...

  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 ...

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...

   Primer of common dress codes for cruises and resorts. Proper attire for a cruise or resort is most often quality country club wear—no tank tops or flip-flops.    Resort Attire 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 Similar to what we would feel comfortable wearing to a country club in the evening. Slacks and a nice shirt (jacket optional) for men and a dress or nice separate are perfect for women--no sneakers, flip-flops, t-shirts, or shorts. Dressy Casual This calls for 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. Shorts would be fine, but these should not be too short or cut-offs—no t-shirts or flip-flops. Cocktail Att...