Fashion March/April 2012

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Fashion

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HIM: FULL LOOK DISTRICT HOMME www.districthomme.com HER: CLUTCH IMI LUXURY HANDBAGS www.imiluxury.com, DRESS TULERIE 8629 1/2 Melrose Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069

A Black Tie Affair Party invitations usually arrive with simply a date and time and perhaps the phrase “dress casual.” But when it says “dress code: black tie only,” most of us are still confused and just a little intimidated. Traditional black tie always calls for unique formal garments. Events such as these are usually important social events, red carpet fundraisers, weddings, or very upscale parties. For men, a tuxedo or formal suit is required. A black dinner jacket is the basic component to any black tie ensemble: a single button is traditional and two buttons are modern. It is important to know that removing one’s jacket is against etiquette protocol. Pants must be of the same material as the jacket. It is the mark of an amateur if the pants and dinner jacket do not match. The dress shirt can be cotton or silk decorated with concealed buttons or shirt studs. For accessories, choose cufflinks, a handkerchief, bow tie or neck tie and fine socks of dark color. Lace-up patent or calfskin leather shoes complete the outfit. “A man should never underestimate the power of black tie. There is a history and tradition with wearing a tuxedo,” says Hratch Yeterian with Vintage and Rags clothing company. Risky Business: blazers, khaki pants, career wear, loafers, flashy jewelry. For women, casual materials like jersey, linen and cotton should be avoided. Instead opt for finer fabrics like silk, chiffon, taffeta and lace. Dresses should be floor length, but can be knee length depending on the type of event. A nicely tailored pant suit fits a black tie dress code for women as well. If pants are worn, they must be paired with a matching decorative blazer. Heels, evening clutch, shoulder wrap and appropriate jewelry are the norm for these types of events. Hair and makeup should be subtle and neat. Risky Business: mini dresses, bra strap exposure, fishnet stockings, overly trendy jewelry, animal prints, chunky heels and day bags.

irts at h s n a ii a w a H ns and , Leave the jea sing the black tie affair home. Surpasss codes are the most white tie dre ening attire. formal of ev White Tie Soiree Although it is very unlikely any of us will be dining with the Queen of England or attending a presidential ball, the grandest of occasions call for white tie. With formality decreasing in American society, the average person may not even know these events exist. Leave the jeans and Hawaiian shirts at home for this one. Surpassing the black tie affair, white tie dress codes are the most formal of evening attire. “White tie means jackets with tails. Think ball

gown, floor length, and very formal,” says fashion expert and author Kathryn Finney. Menswear is very specific for such events and must include a tailcoat, which is a cut front jacket with a back split in the tail. The dress shirt should be white cotton with a stiff wing tip collar. A waistcoat, also known as a vest, is a crucial part of the white tie ensemble. Black trousers specifically designed to go with the tailcoat should have a double stripe down the side and should 2012 March/April | 51

HIM: RING BY ROBERT ANTHONY DESIGN www.robertanthonydesign.com, SHIRT & SHOES REISS www.reissonline.com SUIT DISTRICT HOMME www.districthomme.com HER: CLUTCH LANCASTER PARIS www.lancaster-paris.com, DRESS BROSE www.marikabrose.com, SHOES BLONDE AMBITION www.blondeambitionstyle.com

Fashion

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a woman o t e iv t c a r re att Nothing is mo a well-coordinated than a man inht cologne and st yled ensemble. Ligl it all together. hair will pul

HIM: RING BY ROBERT ANTHONY DESIGN robertanthonydesign.com, FULL LOOK REISS reissonline.com HER: RING CHARLES ALBERT charlesalbert.com, PURSE LANCASTER PARIS lancaster-paris.com, FULL LOOK BY AURELIO COSTARELLA aureliocostarella.com, SHOES REPORT SIGNATURE reportshoes.com

fit at the waist not the hip. A handkerchief made of fine linen, suspenders, knee high socks and a white hand-tied bow tie are the corresponding accessories. Top hat, gloves and cane are optional. Men are usually asked to wear opera pumps which resemble a high quality dance shoe. Shoes like these are difficult to find, and most men probably do not own a pair. Risky Business: patent leather shoes, belts, facial hair, regular ties, any color other than black. A woman should wear a ball gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt. Suitable fabrics are taffeta, dupioni, brocade, sateen, or satin. A two-piece ensemble can be worn as long as the top and skirt match. For summer, a bolero or shawl is proper outerwear and a cloak is more suitable for the winter. Closed toe shoes with stockings are white tie etiquette musts; choose a pump in silk or satin that complements the dress. A small evening bag and your best jewelry will harmonize the ensemble. A tiara and gloves can be added as well. For hair and makeup, an updo is classic with natural makeup that highlights the eyes. A true white tie ensemble should exude sophistication. Risky Business: strapless dresses, watches, open toe sandals, trendy jewelry, risqué necklines, hats, and flats.

Dancing the Night Away Whether the shindig is a 21st birthday or a New Year’s Eve bonanza, dressing up to spend the night out has no strict limitations. One’s outfit should stand out from the crowd at these events. Men should dress to impress. Comfort is important, but a toocasual outfit may not pass the dress code at a trendy place. Dress shoes are a must for this type of evening as they can change an outfit. For example, a suede loafer, a laceless oxford or a traditional leather slip-on will work well. Men can wear jeans as long they have a dark wash and no holes or rips. Dress shirts, a long sleeve Henley, a T-shirt with a vest, and a leather jacket or blazer are all fashionable. Nothing is more attractive to a woman than a man in a well-coordinated ensemble. Light cologne and styled hair will pull it all together. Risky Business: sneakers, shorts, hoodies, hats, screen printed T-shirts, white socks, sunglasses, suits, and track jackets.

Dinner for Two Ladies, allow creativity to guide you and explore an outfit that screams flirty. Mini dresses, sheer tops, lame leggings, shrunken blazers, bright colors, interesting hosiery and platform heels are perfect. “For a girl’s night out, you have freedom to be a bit more revealing and wear more accessories. Sequins, stripes, and neon are super-in right now. This is a good time to try them out,” explains celebrity fashion stylist Dawn Del Russo. A clutch, bold fashion jewelry, and a flashy manicure are great accessories. Evening means glam, and makeup and hair should not be overly polished. Smokey eyes, faux lashes, red lips, hair extensions and blow outs are fun ways to feel ultra confident. Keeping it fashionforward and dance-friendly will ensure a fun evening. Risky Business: maxi skirts, sundresses, jeans, pencil skirts, espadrilles, flats, career wear, heavy jackets, cardigans, basic T-shirts and flip flops.

A preplanned date is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. There is almost nothing more difficult than coming up with the perfect dinner date outfit. “For a first date, consider where you will be going – out to dinner, just drinks, or a movie – and dress accordingly. This is no time to fall short on your style. Think first impression without overdoing it,” laughs Dawn Del Russo. With that said, dressing for a dinner date should be casual with a twist; show off your personality and look effortless. Men usually have it easier than women in this department. An ideal outfit would be dark or black jeans, a fitted button-down shirt, either tucked in or not, with the option of a casual blazer, and a pair of semi-dressy shoes. Loafers, slip-ons and leather sneakers are considered to be semi-dressy. A polished semi-casual look is the idea. 2012 March/April | 53

HIM: RING BY ROBERT ANTHONY DESIGN www.robertanthonydesign.com, FULL LOOK REISS www.reissonline.com HER: RING CHARLES ALBERT www.charlesalbert.com, CLUTCH LANCASTER PARIS www.lancaster-paris.com, DRESS TULERIE 8629 1/2 Melrose Ave West Hollywood, CA 90069 SHOES REPORT SIGNATURE www.reportshoes.com

Fashion

Risky Business: suits, shorts, holey jeans, sports team gear, hats, heavy cologne, dirty sneakers, wrinkled shirts. For women, outfits should reveal a flirty attitude. Here, jeans are great! Pair your favorite denim with a comfortable heel. Keep in mind, if you are wearing jeans, the top must be dressier. Feminine blouses, silk tank, off-the-shoulder knit sweater, blazer, sheer top with a shell, or a sleeveless long tunic are all appropriate. Other options include a high-waisted skirt with a tucked in T-shirt, black leggings with an A-line solid colored top or dressy shorts with tights and a cropped sweater. Hair should be casually styled with makeup that is a notch higher than daywear and accessories that are simple and not distracting. Risky Business: baggy pants, mini dresses, bandage skirts, flats, excessive cleavage, sequins, button down shirts, plain T-shirts, Lady Gaga-inspired pieces, and faux lashes.

Cocktails When the clock strikes six p.m., it’s time to break out the bubbly, mingle with the crowd and be festive. The first recorded cocktail party took place in England in the 1920s, and not much has changed since. Cocktail parties are appropriate for corporate events, casual get togethers, birthday bashes and weddings. For a man, cocktail parties allow a chance to be social and look sharp. If the atmosphere is business casual, khakis or tailored dark denim can be paired with a sports blazer and a button-down shirt. If the dress code is more formal, a dark suit without a tie always works. For any season, black is the usual color choice, but grey, navy and brown are good options as well. Dress slacks with a fine cotton button-down shirt, belt, and dress shoes are other alternatives. Opting for shirts with a pattern is suitable for these types of occasions. Stripes, plaids, and paisley are fresh alternatives to solids. Risky Business: athletic socks, sneakers, khaki shorts, polo shirts, turtlenecks, T-shirts, patent leather shoes. The term “cocktail dress” was first introduced by Christian Dior in the 1940s as entertainment and happy hours became more popular. Now is the time to whip 54 | March/April 2012

re body o m r a e w n a tails, k c o Women c c r o f s it outf contouring ight out at a nightclub, similar to a ne conservative. but a bit mor out the little black dress, ladies! However, as proper as the little black dress is, when it comes to cocktail time, women have an array of options that are not simply confined to black. The dress can be almost any color, strapless, long sleeved, one shoulder or with a plunging back. Women can wear more body contouring outfits for cocktails, similar to a night out at a nightclub, but a bit more conservative. Satin shorts, tuxedo jackets, exposed zippers, silk tank tops, high-waisted trousers, ruffles and trendy jewelry are appropriate alternatives to a dress. Fabrics could include metallics, silk, sequin, lace, lame or jersey. “A fashion must for a cocktail party is a fabulous dress, usually above the knee or knee length, perhaps bandage-inspired. This

is a time to have fun with your style and add on accessories,” shares Del Russo. Costume jewelry is popular in this area. Exaggerated rings, necklaces and earrings are all fair game. Shoes should be high heeled although patent leather or embellished dressy flats could work too. An oversized clutch, faux fur jacket or a bold lipstick is a good way to glam up the evening. Keep it elegant, classy, but not too formal. Risky Business: sun dresses, ball gowns, denim, sandals, suits, skin overexposure, knee high boots, leggings. Not all evening occasions and celebrations are created equal. For that reason, focusing on basic etiquette with a dash of creativity will build a well-rounded sense of style for even the most complicated social occasions.