Disentangling Dress Codes

What do you wear to the date that's not quite a date? 

If its for lunch, drinks, or dinner?

Do you know your dresscodes?

Casual:

  Casual equals comfy. This is the outfit you would wear all weekend if you could. You are not aiming to impress anyone, or make a statement. You are simply putting clothes on that you like because you need to wear something. Looking good at the same time doesn't hurt! A pop to the shops look..

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Casual Chic:

This look is based on 'casual' but slightly more thought has gone into it; maybe an accessory or two. Still very dressed down with flat shoes, this is the date look that claims " I look like this every day" "I didn't try at all".  Lunch with friends look..

 

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Smart Casual:

This is a difficult one to perfect; can heels turn a casual look smart? A tailored blazer can work miracles with a pair of jeans and heels. This look can be made up by combining wardrobe essentials: jeans and sparkle, a lace dress with a solid jacket, and almost always heels.  Daytime sparkle, dinner with friends and family, your date..

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Smart:

Everybody loves dressing up for special occasions. A good excuse to splurge on a new dress and heels! A tailored blazer works well with this look.  If you need to take the outfit from day to evening, stick to a strong colour palette. Off to the races, a wedding guest, dinner at an up-market restaurant, a party...

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Black-Tie:

This is the dressiest of dressy dress codes. Men are to wear black; preferably a tuxedo and a bow tie. Women are not restricted to the colour black but it must be an evening gown; preferably floor length. Ellie Saab and Jenny Packham will get you brownie points, as will Jimmys, Louboutins, and Manolo Blahnik's.

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These dress codes are pretty standard. Once you get the basic 'rules' of each code, adapt them to suit you.

The real difficulty comes when an event makes up their own dress code (I know!)

Can anyone describe "Daytime Glamour?"

2pm on a busy Monday afternoon in Central London for champagne and canapes?

Nope.. me neither...