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Dress codes     

These articles are protected by copyright: Simon Rademan Fashion Design Studio CC  Media request for an interview   Disclaimer:  I do not proclaim to be an authority on any of the subjects I write about.  I merely share my experiences with those who wish to learn from it, or just read about it.  Please contact us should you have additional information or information that proves otherwise.

The Style Bible is an easy to read style guide for women - by Simon Rademan - available in bookstoresThe "Simon Rademan " -guide to dress code (eg. weddings, formal affairs)

Interesting alternatives to the norm of "dressing up" are:  Chic, Just elegant, Black-and-white, Sundowner, any original theme of choice, specific colours, etc, but for this month’s free article we asked Mr Rademan to clarify some of the confusion that exists around “what to wear to functions”?

“I adore stylish dressing and ‘correct’ dressing and have dedicated my life to beautifying stylish women", says Rademan.   "There IS a correct way, (and this is not conformation of any kind).  It is merely respectful to dress according to an invitation’s dress code..." 

If you agree, read more.  If you do not agree with this:   read another article..

Etiquette suggests that:  A social event’s, or a wedding's invitations should always specify  the dress code required, eg.

   Formal      Semi-formal       Informal       Smart casual       Casual

Formal  -  This normally means 'Black Tie' (a pre tied boe-tie) for men, and 'Full-length Gowns' for women in the evening. Some weddings, such as Royal Weddings, might be 'White Tie' or 'Full Formal' events which would require 'White Tie' attire for the evening. Such formal occasions are very rare and should be indicated on the invitation - and nothing should stop you from organizing your own royal event!                                                                                    We specialize in formal wear – contact us

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    Formal       Semi-formal       Informal       Smart casual       Casual

Semi-Formal  -  This means dark suits (a hand tied tie) and 'Cocktail Dress' (short, ankle or full length) are required in the evening. 'Semi-Formal' (as opposed to 'Full-Formal') is also traditionally used to request 'Black Tie' and 'Evening Gowns' so this might be worth clarifying.                                                                                                                     We specialize in this – contact us

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    Formal       Semi-formal       Informal       Smart casual       Casual

Informal  -  This also means you should wear dark suits (no tie necessary) and 'Cocktail Dress' (not full length) in the evening.  Only the wedding party wear formal clothing before 5pm.  For wedding guests it is normally sufficient to wear 'Informal' wear during the day, which is normally a dark suit for a man (or a lighter one in summer), and a dress with/without a hat for a lady.  (This is a service that is reserved for our clients exclusively.)

Wedding attire should be reasonably modest. Try not to upstage the bride. 

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   Formal       Semi-formal       Informal       Smart casual       Casual

Smart casual  -  We will discuss this in detail in this month’s free article by Simon Rademan, because this is mostly what guests in general think is acceptable.   BUT … even this is misconstrued for casual wear.  Men  Women

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    Formal       Semi-formal       Informal       Smart casual       Casual

Casual  -  This is where you stay away from the public eye!  Casual clothing belongs to the "inner" circle, eg. with best friends, or in the privacy of your own home, your bedroom, your lounge, your garden, ...get the picture?  J

If none of the above works for you and you still want to be safe (when dressing up) … always?  Then try:

Says who?   …Says Simon

During a consultation, our aim is to show you the possibilities of looking your best!   Knowledge is power!   We shamelessly share information with you and enable you to experience the splendour of looking your best at all times!  Contact us  

 What does "smart casual" really mean?  ...for men  ...for women

Smart casual for him

Notes    Hat    Coat    Jacket    Top    Bottom    Ankles    Footwear    Accessories    Variants

Notes  -  In General - Wear something smart, comfortable, and inoffensive.  Informal?  Please note that there is a dress code known as 'Informal' which, although it sounds casual, traditionally means 'Lounge Suit' or 'Cocktail Dress'.  If the invitation says 'Informal' then this is normally worth clarrifying.  As always, you can always overdress.

Hat  -  Hats are not normally worn

Coat   -  If weather requires.

Jacket   -  Any Jacket If desired.  Avoid Denim.   Designer Jacket

Top  -  Shirt:  Collared.  Generally the safest option.  Polo Shirt or Tennis Shirt:  Or similar collared top.  Fashionable Top:  Avoid slogans and logos.  T-shirts should probably be avoided for most occasions as they do not have a collar which is normally one of the defining features of 'smart' dress, but can look smart, for example if worn with a jacket.

Bottom  -  Designer Pants:  With or without matching jacket.  Avoid wearing two different patterns for the pants and jacket - plain goes with anything.  Fashion Jeans:  Not suitable for all occasions.  If in doubt, avoid.  Always wear very smart or fashionable ones, if at all, and always in good condition.  Chinos:  Not @ all!

Ankles  -  Dark Socks:  Can't go wrong with black.

Footwear  -  Normally black or brown.

Accessories  -  Watch If desired.   Rings A wedding or engagement ring is always allowed.    Neck Chain If normally worn.    Earring If normally worn.

Dress Code Variants  -  "Spiffy" Casual Spiffy Casual is derived from the term Spiffy, meaning “cool”, neat, unique, or interesting and has it's (sometimes ironic) origins in the archaic English exclamation 'Spiffing!'.
This suggests that one should dress up but keep it modern and trendy. A designer suit with a black shirt with or without tie or even something more creative such as mixing a T-Shirt with the suit, or wearing a very fashionable or designer jacket are all good. A lady might also want to consider a cocktail dress. As always, consider the event your are going to and who else may be attending.

Interesting alternatives to the norm are:  Chic, Just elegant, Black-and-white, Sundowner, any original theme of choice, specific colours, etc, but this automatically takes us back to where this article started, so …

...do you want to rather read about the code for women?  or.  Do you want to leave it to the professionals to decide?  Contact us to have your next exclusive evening gown or wedding dress designed - We understand dress codes!

Read another article       Back to top       Back to homepage

Smart casual for her

Notes    Hat    Coat    Jacket    Top    Bottom    Footwear    Accessories    Variants

Notes  -  In General  -   Wear something smart, comfortable, and inoffensive.  Informal? -  Please note that there is a dress code known as 'Informal' which, although it sounds casual, traditionally means 'Lounge Suit' or 'Cocktail Dress'. If the invitation says'Informal' then this is normally worth clarifying. As always, you can always overdress.

Hat   -  Hats are not normally worn

Coat   -  If weather requires.

Jacket  -  Any Jacket If desired.  Avoid Denim.  Designer Jacket

Top  -   Knit-Shirt, Jumper, Fashionable Top - Avoid slogans and logos.  Blouse, Sweater  - Avoid slogans and logos.  Cardigan, T-Shirt - T-shirts should probably be avoided for most occasions as they do not have a collar which is normally one of the defining features of 'smart' dress, but can look smart, for example if worn with a jacket.

Bottom  -  Designer Pants - with or without matching jacket.  Avoid wearing two different patterns for the pants and jacket - plain goes with anything.  Skirt, Designer Skirt - With or without matching jacket.  Avoid wearing two different patterns for the skirt and jacket - plain goes with anything.  A dress - always welcome,  Fashion Jeans - Not suitable for all occasions. If in doubt, avoid.  Always wear very smart or fashionable ones, if at all, and always in good condition.

Footwear   -  Shoes, Boots, nice ones of course J

Accessories  -  Jewelry: Including watches. Whatever your personal style requires. (Consider your personal security though.)

Dress Code Variants  -  "Spiffy" Casual -  Spiffy Casual is derived from the term Spiffy, meaning “cool”, neat, unique, or interesting and has it's (sometimes ironic) origins in the archaic English exclamation 'Spiffing!'.
This suggests that one should dress up but keep it modern and trendy. A designer suit with a black shirt with or without tie or even something more creative such as mixing a T-Shirt with the suit, or wearing a very fashionable or designer jacket are all good. A lady might also want to consider a cocktail dress.As always, consider the event you are going to and who else may be attending.

Interesting alternatives to the norm are:  Chic, Just elegant, Black-and-white, Sundowner, any original theme of choice, specific colours, etc, but this automatically takes us back to where this article started, so …

...do you want to rather read about the code for men?  or.  Do you want to leave it to the professionals to decide?  Contact us to have your next exclusive evening gown or wedding dress designed. - We understand dress codes!

Read another article       Back to top       Back to homepage

Copyright: Simon Rademan Fashion Design Studio CC

During a consultation, our aim is to show you the possibilities of looking your best!   Knowledge is power!   We shamelessly share information with you and enable you to experience the splendour of looking your best at all times!   Should you want this information at hand, at all times, we now have selected information available regarding the following: Wardrobe-planning, Figure analysis, The little black no., How Simon Rademan lost 35kg, and The Elements of Fashion. 

Fashion has always been here.  It is yours…if you want it!

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