It's the most wonderful time of the year! Or so they say. For many, the frenzied winter season is anything but wonderful. Crammed with trying family functions and an endless slew of errands, it can be invasive to our beat of life. Nonetheless, the season has already launched and with an often social holiday calendar, we are constantly reminded that it is formal wear high season.
Ah, truly reason to rejoice! I adore formal wear. Empowering, sophisticated, and sexy, it brings out a level of elegance not seen enough throughout the year. However, it is dangerous territory. The wrong move can turn a fabulous attempt into a reputation-killing gaff. OK...well, perhaps the consequences are less devastating. But still, it is pertinent to be on top of your game when getting dressed for that next soiree, or evening out. Here are some helpful pointers and a review of this year's top formal looks.
Men:
With an exciting comeback in Paris, Milan, and New York, the three-piece suit is the most impressive way to go this season. Confident, collected, and regal, it is the ultimate statement. Wearing a vest that is not a part of the suit, but pairs superbly well, is a great way to mix up this look.
Those feeling more adventurous may wisely vie for a double-breasted suit. My one warning for this, as with all suits, is to guarantee a nice fit. The double-breasted can often turn the svelte into a wide and broad linebacker, which is not flattering. Fur-trimmed or double-button trench coats and long military jackets add the perfect polish for formal outerwear.
As always, a tux makes for quite an impression if an event calls for evening wear, so long as it is well-fitted. Look for shorter-cut jackets that border on the creative side. The smartest colors this year for suits and jackets are grey, black, camel, silver, or subtle iridescent. Wool, cashmere, and fine velvet make for the best materials. Plaids, optical configurations, and pinstripes are hot patterns. The English or Lord-of-the-manor look is sizzlin' as well. Keep shoes and accessories shiny this year: Patent leather is king.
Faux Pas:
Men should always button all their buttons (including sleeves), tuck in their shirts, and always seek more fitted apparel for formal wear. Only button ONE button on suits and blazers?never more! Be aware of your tie coordination, although the fashion-forward man knows the foulard or scarf alternative is brilliantly progressive.
Never wear pastel pants for proper events. Shirts can be in pastel, but true formal wear NEVER involves pastel bottoms. Your belt and footwear choice should hover between black and brown for formal?thankfully, grey is now also acceptable. Lastly, use your iron. Too many unintentional wrinkles look sloppy.
Women:
Elegance has never seen better days. Paris and Milan fashion weeks reminded us to focus on dresses that highlight flows, ruffles, folds, and delicately wrapped or draped material. Dresses must impeccably measured to your shape's strengths. Excessive fabrics should playfully accentuate the body, radiating a gentle yet mysterious beauty.
While suits set a more professional tone, they negotiate well into formal wear. Keep suits grey or black, wearing them either lean and snug or hourglass with a 40s attitude.
Obviously, nearly any shade of evening wear can tantalize, but for winter, ensure that shades are bold, rich, and full. Eggplant, grey, ruby, jet black, and metallic hues will be the visual hits of this winter. Seek pieces composed of sequins, plumage, silk, organza material, and beads. Geometric and "multi-culti" styles ought to spice every fashionista's formal wardrobe. The Empire waist, Flapper chic, and the Little Red Riding-hood are three highlighted styles that I favored on the runways for this season.
To me, the most attractive parts of a woman are her shoulder blades, back, neckline, and collar bone. Find dresses that expose the back or another suitable part of your body that you fancy.
Don't forget to use those accessories, such as your clutch and footwear to your advantage. Keep these elements shiny, metallic, in patent leather, sequined, weaved, or bejeweled.
Faux Pas:
Wearing cut-off leggings to any formal event is social suicide in the chic world. Again, select well matched stockings, tights, or nylons instead (black is best for formal). Be aware of your skin tone and how it coordinates with your color. Pale is making a comeback (I'm sure to the relief of many Bowdoin ladies) but do not get washed out by your outfit. Be tactful in your choices: avoid anything that screams "Prom."
Additionally, keep in mind that poor footwear selections will kill any of your efforts. Most of all, have fun and take risks!
Combating Snow:
Nothing makes me happier than the thought of laying fresh tracks at Sugarloaf. However, sand and salt on snow-cleared streets can severely deteriorate the quality of materials in our garments. Roll up those pants when trudging through the snow until you reach your destination. Torn, wet, stained, and destroyed cuffs or pant-bottoms are NEVER chic.
Likewise, preserve your finer footwear, by holding off on them until snow has been moved or has melted. Consider a hardier pair of snow-friendly boots or change into your footwear at an event. Nothing ticks my OCD-bone more than salt-damaged footwear.