I can’t count how many times I’ve been asked “What do you think I should wear?” by my boss or their partner (or friend for that matter!). Dress codes are not always as prescriptive as they are in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot, but they are stated in a few cases, and in others it’s often something you will have to investigate.
Again, this is a case where my trusty Debrett’s comes in. This is wonderful as it has definitions for ALL dress codes that you are likely to come up against.
Most formal is “White Tie and Decorations” – which is usually attributed to functions hosted by Aristocracy or Senior Politicians. If you work for the kind of person who will be invited to that kind of function, don’t concern yourself. They will know what they’re doing (and probably won’t require your advice).
“Black Tie” – considered by the gentlemen of Downton Abbey to be some kind of sports dress, is the modern equivalent of “Let’s get dressed up”. It’s easy enough to navigate this code, it’s always for an evening event, sometimes for an evening wedding, and is well known/documented for gentlemen.
For ladies, the formal definition of Black Tie is a little less strictly observed in this modern age. Debrett’s is very relaxed about this whole thing stating that a “Smart Dress” is appropriate and it can be “Long or short, as long as it’s not too short”. The key to elegance is to be slightly enviable without being shocking.
The social minefield is thrown up by “Smart Casual”. This is a hideous thing to be told… I loathe it… It’s daunting to all. And as it is the most common of all the dress codes that fall into the mire of less formal entertaining, which is on the increase. Of course Debrett’s are definitive on the matter and this is real help – however, in the offices of the younger generation of up-coming executives this is often a “code” which is touted but seldom fully observed.
With a continuing trend of very expensive, designer “sportswear” and credit-card weakening jeans those with the cash to splash often want to show off their latest acquisitions at such occasions as being seen in company.
If you are asked, ask host, or the host’s office. Only enquire about this if you are asked to. Giving advice such as this, unbidden, could cross a line into your boss’s personal relationships that you are not at all welcome to cross. However, it is imperative that if there are concerns from your end that you must enquire and advise. If your boss’s boss’s wife is hosting her weekend BBQ in a pair of Alexander McQueen jeans and a Chloé hoodie then that is her prerogative, if your boss’s wife turns up in similar and the host’s wife is in a beautiful tea dress… then you have a problem. Or your Boss does.. and you’re there to make sure these things don’t happen.
(Follow the links – they link to all the relevant pages).
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