The Polite One's Insights

  Proper Attire Etiquette Advice Q & A Most questions I receive, as an etiquette professional, concern attire choice.   Many are about what to wear to a wedding, especially for the mothers of the bride and groom.   Occasionally, questions are unique, like, "What to wear for a movie premiere".     From the flood of questions I receive about attire, it seems likely that you might have your own.   What follows are a few of my favorites.   Hopefully, your question will be answered here. What is proper attire anyway? Q: What is the definition of proper attire ? A: Proper attire is the expected clothing choice for places we share with others:   the public forum, function, or situation.  What is cocktail attire? Q: T he invitation states "cocktail attire" for the August evening wine and cheese engagement party for my son and his fiancée.   There are 100+ guests invited to this Louisiana party.   Most likely people wi...

  We have become a very casual society, which is positive in most situations. However, please dress up to attend live performances, such as ballet and opera. Although you may find others wearing jeans to the ballet or opera, it is in 'good taste' to dress up. Since many go to the ballet directly after work, in most cases, business attire is perfect.   Please avoid wearing jeans.   For Weddings Yes, wearing black for weddings is quite common now and very appropriate. It is no longer considered a faux pas.    More by the Polite One Casual is More Than One Style How should cotillion staff handle inappropriate attire? Are Good Manners Dead?

  This dress can also work for smart casual.) Casual Dress Code Definitions This dress code requires quality clothing, such as slacks with a classy top (for either gender), a knee-length skirt with a sophisticated top or a dress appropriate for visiting a restaurant. A jacket is optional but is an excellent addition. Business Casual Business casual doesn’t imply sloppy or t-shirts and jeans.  This dress code stresses quality slacks, sweater sets, polo shirts and sweaters, and dress shirts.  A sports jacket is a nice addition and gives instant credibility.   Smart Casual   This dress code is commonly used in the UK, where the word "smart" isn't automatically associated with a person's intelligence.  Smart casual refers to dressing "smartly".  So, clean, neat, dressy, yet not too formal attire is best.  Confused?  Well, there is a good reason for this, as there is no clear-cut definition for it.  Basi...