Last week I received a ‘fashion emergency’ call from a new client who was trying to decide what to wear for her 20 year class reunion.  As I inquired of the date,   she breathlessly said ‘tonight!’   Within hours she would be attending the Friday night alumni only event at a local restaurant and lounge.  She explained her feelings; panicked, confused, uncertainty and lack of confidence.  Certainly not the message she was hoping to convey…. Especially to people she had not seen in twenty years. 

Generations ago expectations around appropriate dress were common place.   Business dress, business casual, dressy casual, semi-formal and formal were once terms taught in our homes, in our education system then reinforced out in society.  The slow progression of ‘casualization’ in  American society leaves most people feeling like my client… uncertain and confused.

How did the Friday night event turn out?  What did my client decide to where? How did she decide?   A few quick and simple tips when considering dress casual:

1. Read the invitation.  A thorough invitation will typically include attire for the venue
2. When in doubt – ask your host.  This is best done at the time of your RSVP.
3. Feel free to ask for clarification, your host will be appreciative. (TIP: A polite guest responds to a written invitation within 48 hours of receiving the invite).
4. If you are the host, help your guests by including dress information. Ask yourself a few simple questions? Where am I going (location)? Who am I with and what is my purpose (Business or personal)?  What is the message I desire to communicate (Approachable, Influential, Credible….)?   Your answers will assist you to make the appropriate choice for your event.  Remember, dressing appropriately often means taking time to regard others.

My client changed out of her beautiful salmon colored cocktail dress, hung up all the clothes that were tossed across her bed and proceeded to dress with purpose and clarity.  She chose a pair of stylish chic dark denim jeans along with a structured halter top with attention getting jewelry pieces and wedge sandles.  The invitation said “dressy casual” and stated jeans and a nice top.

She phoned me the next day with rave reviews.  She felt appropriately dressed, attractive, approachable, beautiful and full of confidence.  She was so glad she called, so glad she left the little salmon colored dress behind. A great first and lasting impression I’m certain!