Keep your tux modern: Ditch the cummerbund and don suspenders instead
Ever been dumbfounded by an invitation asking you to dress "festive"? If so, you know just how confusing dress codes can be. Before you don an 80s Christmas sweater and reindeer antlers, make sure you know exactly what "festive" dress entails. We've decoded the most common party attire lingo to save you from a fashion faux-pas.
What It Means: Put down those antlers! Festive attire is actually something between business attire and cocktail attire.
How to Pull It Off: Dress up your work attire after leaving the office, or dress down your usual cocktail clothing by donning something more casual or covered up.
Ladies: Wear a jacket over a dress or silk fabric (with pencil skirt) to work. For the evening, leave your jacket off and add a bold necklace for some sparkle.
Gentlemen: Wear a suit paired with a lively button-down to work. For the evening, remove your tie and unbutton the top one or two buttons on your shirt. If the party is more casual, remove your jacket as well.
Both have the word "casual" in them, but this may not include jeans in your attire.
What It Means: be comfortable and relaxed while still looking put together.
How to Pull It Off: Dress nicer than usual for the office, and bring a few things for a quick change on your way to the party.
Ladies: You can wear a flowing skirt, relaxed dress, pants or even nice, tailored jeans. Pair it with a cute cotton top, a belt and jewelry. Don't forget to wear heels or a smart pair of flats.
Gentlemen: Pair a nice button-down shirt with casual slacks, khakis or well-fitted, dark wash jeans. Roll up the sleeves on the shirt and wear it untucked for a more casual feel, but don't forget to wear nice leather loafers -- no tennis shoes allowed!
Does creative mean painting pink dots on your favorite black tie? Think again.
What It Means: Feel free to try your own interpretation of traditional black tie dress. You can add your own trendy touch or personality to formal wear.
How to Pull It Off: Channel your inner fashionista and pick something traditional with a modern twist.
Ladies: You aren't required to wear a long gown. Mix it up by choosing a knee-length cocktail dress, but make sure to keep it very formal with an evening fabric and preferably a dark color.
Gentlemen: You should probably still wear a tux, however you don't have to stick with the traditional black tie with white shirt. You can forego the tie altogether, or choose to wear a colored or black shirt underneath the jacket.
HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
