So you’ve been invited to an event and the invitation states the dress code is “Business Elegant”. What does that mean exactly? None of us want to look or feel out of place. Here’s a primer on how to start selecting what to wear.
The Impression
Sophisticated, graceful and polished. Take your best business suit and dress it up with some great accessories, but be careful not to overdue it. Simple is best. Dresses or skirts are a good choice, it should be at least be knee length or longer, but a floor length satin gown would be too dressy. Avoid fabrics that are too ruffled, multiple layers of flimsy and translucent materials. On the flip-side stear clear of casual fabrics like linen and nubby cottons.
Your Closet
Do you maintain the age old adage that you’ve got “A closet full of clothes but have nothing to wear”? It’s not uncommon. We don’t often go to events like these often. But shopping for a new outfit takes time and effort, sometimes finding what you want doesn’t come quickly or easily. Here’s a checklist to weed out the in-appropriates from your closet, you might find a hidden gem.
Take out the following items:
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• Your favourite everyday work clothes
• Business casual items
• Dresses and skirts above the knee
• After work and weekend clothes
• Any items not in excellent condition (eg. worn, faded)
You might find a suit that’s too formal to wear to work, a little black dress (LBD), a satiny or sequined top, a simple classic dress you could pair with a suit jacket, or some other item you’ve forgotten about. If you only have half the outfit you can buy a piece to accompany it. This is also a good time to see what jewellery, belts and handbags you might be able to accessorize with it.
Whatever you select it should be in good repair and excellent condition, including your accessories and footwear (freshly polished).
Tip: It’s hard to stay focused! When you’re weeding our your closet to find business elegant attire remember you aren’t organizing. If you feel the need to sort and reminisce simply move those items off to the side for another day. Unless you know.. you have the time, then it’s a great opportunity to do something we all tend to procrastinate about.
Gone Shoppin’
If you have a clean slate go shopping for an outfit that suits your colouring (hair and skin), and body type. The outfit must be a proper fit, not too tight or loose. If you have a black suit already then try something new like: charcoal, navy, chocolate, grey or white. If you go for a bold colour such as bright red or electric blue use it as an accent – a top under a jacket or accessories. Neutrals will make accessorizing in a flash easy and you can add colour with jewellery, pumps or small handbags. Choosing neutrals also means that you can change up the look, dress it up or down, the next time you wear it.
Tip: Take your items from home, or your just purchased article in the change room with you and try them on together to avoid last minute exchanges.
Accessorizing
One of my favourite quotes is “Simplicity, carried to an extreme, becomes elegance.” – Jon Franklin. When you want to exude a cosmopolitan yet elegant quality it’s better err on the side of less is more. But I’m not implying boring! A colourful beaded clutch, fabulous eye-catching pumps and statement jewellery are all great, but choose just one as a stand-out piece so the rest of your pieces flow easily into your ensemble.
The Classics
If you’re unsure of what to expect at the event, or don’t plan on going to another one soon, then select timeless classics you can wear again. Some styles endure so that you can bring them out when you need them and add a splash of sparkle that’s fitting for your next special night out on the town. Find a figure flattering LBD or a dress in solid colour that’s not too trendy such as: navy, charcoal, cream, white, tan or subdued colours. These are easy to accessorize with suit jackets, shawls, scarves, shoes you already have and timeless gemstone and pearl jewellery.
You deserve to shine
Keeping your outfit cultivated will ensure that people see you, not just what you’re wearing. You need to be comfortable in your ensemble so you can be yourself, and be remembered for your friendliness and charming personality. So go ahead and dress for success, and dazzle them with your winning smile.