South Africa Event Planning

Deciding on what to wear to an event is not a dilemma reserved only for women. It can be difficult to know what is expected from you in terms of your wardrobe on many levels – the nature of the event, how formal or informal it is, who else will be attending and the purpose of the event as a whole. The style of the invitation can provide a great clue as to what is expected from the guests and how formal or informal the event will be. The colours, quality of paper and design elements of the invitations will also let you know whether you are going to be attending a casual, fun affair or a glamorous, grand event. The invitation may even specify a dress code, which is the most revealing indication of what is expected from your attire.

Formal (usually for operas, charity balls, gala dinners, etc…)

For him:

• Top hat
• White shirt (cuffed and winged) with bow tie or cravat
• Formal black jacket, possibly with coat tails
• Black dress trousers (no turn-ups or belt)
• Formal black lace-up shoes
• Cufflinks
• White boutonniere

For her:

• Ballgown or floor-length dress
• Tiara or fascinator
• Shoes should suit your gown
• Dress gloves are appropriate
• Clutch bag
• Cashmere, silk and faux fur with pearls, sequence and diamante
• This is your opportunity to boast your best jewellery

Alternatives:

• Traditional dress
• Naval or military uniforms (if you are qualified to wear this)

Cocktail (weddings, work functions, product launches, corporate dinners, etc…)

For him:

• Tie is required and more acceptable than a bow tie
• Dark jacket, or a coat if it is very cold
• Collared dress shirt (preferably white)
• Cufflinks
• Trousers to match the jacket
• Black lace-up shoes

For her:

• A dress that ends anywhere between your ankles and just above your knee
• A hat (if it is for a wedding or outdoors during the day) or fascinator
• Shoes can be open or closed, with a high or relatively low heel, as long as they suit the dress
• Jewellery is appropriate, but should be worn to compliment the outfit, rather than to create a feature

Semi-formal

For him:

• Tie or bow tie
• Black jacket with matching trousers (although other shades can be made to work, depending on the time of day that the event is being held)
• Waistcoat optional (colour depending on your overall look)
• White shirt with a stiff collar
• Black dress shoes

For her:

• A long, flowing evening dress OR a shorter cocktail-style outfit
• Coats should only be worn if the weather demands one
• Wool, cashmere, satin and silk are popular textiles
• Pumps or sandals that match your dress are perfect
• Jewellery should be worn to compliment the outfit, exercising discretion

Alternatives:

• Traditional attire
• Naval or military uniforms (if you are qualified to wear these)

Smart Casual

For him:

• Collared shirt or a golf shirt
• A jacket, if desired, is appropriate but not essential
• No logos or slogans should be on any item of clothing
• Good quality trousers (such as chinos)
• Moccasins, deck shoes or dark boots

For her:

• Designer jacket
• A fashionable top with a little bling or embellishments
• No logos or slogans should be on any item of clothing
• Smart trousers or a knee-length skirt
• Sandals, pumps, heels or boots are all appropriate, depending on how well they match the rest of the outfit

There is a lot to be said for a standard black suit or that tasteful black dress. These can be dressed up or down without making too many major changes. These are ideal if, upon attending the event, you are still not too sure what everybody will be wearing. Simply pack some gorgeous accessories and slip them on or off, as the situation dictates.

Image Courtesy of Allan Goldstein Photography