Planning out what to wear to everything from special occasions like weddings to job interviews can be challenging since some events have become more casual while others have not. Weddings, baptisms, wakes, job interviews, picnics, holiday gatherings, and baby and bridal showers are just a few examples of the different types of events to deal with. What you wear also depends on other factors, including the venue, the formality of the invitation, the weather, and often what everyone else plans to wear.
Did you know that most people in a social gathering who are not socially known are approached simply because of what they wear and how they combine their accessories?
Here are some practical tips on picking the best outfit for each of the following events:
Weddings
The dress code specified on the invitation determines what you should wear to the wedding. What you wear to a wedding largely depends on where the wedding is supposed to take place and the type of wedding you are going to.
If the couple opts for cocktail attire, ladies can wear a knee-length cocktail dress or an A-line skirt you can pair with an elegant or glamorous top. Also, a column or A-line dress is sophisticated, but you could wear a well-tailored, chic, and formal suit.
Tip for men: You can wear a great, well-tailored, colored suit to convey that you are comfortable with what you are wearing.
What not to wear:
- Avoid wearing revealing clothing or a dress you would wear to a club, as it could give the impression that you are desperate for attention and can put you in a bad social spotlight.
- Do not wear casual fabrics like jerseys, chino, denim, and cowboy boots to a wedding.
Remember, you can be elegant, but avoid appearing as someone desperate for social attention.
A Baptism, or Other Religious Ceremony
Review what can offend the faith before attending the religious ceremony and avoid those specific no-no in your attire. If unsure of what to dress, check in with the people who invited you or seek advice from guests who practice the same religion for specifics.
You may also bring a light sweater, blazer, or neat jacket to cover sleeveless garments. Wear a cocktail dress or stylish slacks with a jacket or wrap to cover up in the temple or church if the reception will be held right after the ceremony, and there will be no time to change.
What not to wear:
- Avoid anything that is clinging, short, or low cut.
A Funeral or Wake
Black is the traditional color of mourning in most countries and customs, but in some cultures, the family can wear white or ash-colored clothing. Moreover, you can also wear dark neutrals like brown, navy, or forest green.
Keep your dress modest, neat, and respectful for a wake or funeral. A knee-length dress is usually a good choice with a cardigan or jacket.
What not to wear:
- Do not wear clothes that are revealing or clothes that are festive or excessively casual.
- Avoid wearing distracting accessories that can draw attention or shiny jewelry that might be misinterpreted as disrespectful.
Job Interview
When going to a job interview, one of the most essential things that judges or interviewers will watch out for is your attire. It would be great to appear classy, stylish, and yet professional.
You can also wear a plain shirt or blouse or maybe a striped shirt or blouse. It is the safest option for you to wear for a job interview. You can use this with a button-down or a blazer. Remember, your fashion has to speak of your confidence and self-worth.
What not to wear:
- Do not overdo your hair and make-up. If you pin your hair, make sure you can pin it into a stylish bun. If not, however, you can comb it very well and stylishly pack it or leave it free but neat, depending on your choice.
- Likewise, be careful not to over accessorize.
- Avoid wearing too much perfume. You should smell good, but not so much.
- Do not wear jeans or a T-shirt to a job interview. It may convey a message of irresponsibility. Also, avoid wearing clothes in flashy colors.
- Do not wear flops or sneakers for an interview. If you must wear heels, make sure they are comfortable for you and that you can walk easily in them.
Work Conferences, Training Events, or Workshop
Put your best foot forward when attending an event to represent your company. In this instance, it also means that you have to be fashion-forward.
Maintain a professional appearance by using neutral colors. The traditional and timeless tailored suit is risk-free and always makes a good impression. If suits are out of your budget, you can still achieve a sleek yet chic look in a black, navy, or other neutral-colored dress.
You can dress more colorfully or daringly to show off your style if you work in a field like fashion or design that is less picky about traditional apparel. If it is a major fashion event, you can showcase your most eye-catching pieces or proudly wear your favorite designs.
What not to wear:
- Do not wear anything questionable or provocative, such as super-revealing tank tops, barely-there ripped denim shorts, or T-shirts with eyebrow-raising messaging or graphics.
A Work Party or Business Dinner
Keep to formal dresses like gowns or A-line-shaped clothing if the company’s values are more conservative. To complete the look, you can pair a neutral-colored shirt with a skirt and wear heels.
In addition, you can also go for a smart skirt or pants with a stylish top and moderately low heels. The same is true for suits, which you can pair with a lovely shirt and elegant low heels.
Moreover, it is advisable to dress professionally and avoid distracting accessories if you are meeting a client or having dinner with VIPs.
What not to wear:
- Do not wear miniskirts or too-tight skirts or anything too provocative.
- Avoid wearing casual outfits, and avoid wearing any flashy jewelry or accessories.
Ball Events or Black-tie Evenings
There are strict specific dress for this type of event that require women to wear long dresses, but some can still make exceptions to some of the regulations. To be safe, you can wear a lovely long dress that is not too revealing.
A simple make-up is advisable for this event and you can use a clutch purse. You have to look sexy and classy, not sexy and trashy.
What not to wear:
- Avoid wearing trousers with blouses for this event.
- Likewise, do not wear anything too sexy, and avoid using large handbags.
A Baby or Bridal Shower
Bridal or baby showers are less formal than baptisms or weddings. You can dress in something that lets you move easily and interact with other guests. A casual yet feminine outfit, such as a summer dress or pants with a festive top, will be appropriate for the occasion. A sweater and skirt combination will also look great if the shower is happening during fall or winter. You may pair any of these outfits with comfortable footwear like flats, wedges, or boots.
Reminder:
For bridal showers, wearing white should be reserved for the bride unless she or the shower hosts specify otherwise. Although, black is not forbidden, make sure it leans more on the side of elegance than somber.
A Graduation
During graduation events, wear nice and neat but not super dressy. If you are a graduate, remember you will have tons of graduation photos or at a celebratory lunch with your grandparents. A knee-length colorful, white, or floral dress is a great option that fits the exciting occasion. Also, wear comfortable heels, flats, or wedges to walk across the stage smoothly.
Meanwhile, visitors can pair a nice top with fashionable pants or a festive-looking shirt with a skirt. The best clothing for this occasion is a sundress because it keeps you cool while seated throughout the summer or late spring occasion.
What not to wear:
Avoid being inappropriately dressed for the weather.
On a Cruise
Most likely, the cruise line of your choice has a website explaining what to bring for a trip and its specific cruise ship dining and event dress codes.
Pack clothes you would wear on a warm-weather beach trip for the daytime on a cruise, such as shorts, breezy blouses, sundresses, skirts, swimming suits, sandals, and shoes.
On the other hand, for a cold-weather cruise, pack things you might wear, like jeans, leggings, slacks, sweaters, sneakers, winter coats, boots, and flats. You may also bring a bathing suit for an indoor hot tub or pool bath.
Many cruise ships have multiple restaurant options, with settings ranging from totally casual to smart casual and formal. For only one main dining room, the dress code may change throughout the cruise, for example, casual the first night and formal or black tie to celebrate the last night. Bring a few dinner outfit options for each requirement.
You cannot go wrong with a knee-length sundress or white jeans and a nice top paired with sandals or flats for a casual dinner. Fancy tea- or floor-length dresses, heels, and a pretty wrap work perfectly for formal nights.
What not to wear:
Avoid wearing bathing suits without cover-ups. Likewise, bare feet and ripped jeans.
In conclusion, these outfit choices are perfect for the many events you want to attend. The best dress etiquette is to dress appropriately for an event by wearing the appropriate clothing.
Also, keep in mind that different cities have their dress codes.
Lastly, do not forget to have fun and do your best to be comfortable in your skin.