Dress Code 101: What to wear to a formal dinner?

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:15
Peter Pilotto
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As the World Gourmet Summit is officially underway, fine dining events are aplenty. Impress everyone seated with our picks of formal dinner ensembles.

The much awaited World Gourmet Summit (WGS) series is back this April, with a whole bunch of exclusive dinners at restaurants around town. Judging by most of the sold out dinners, we can tell everyone is excited about the fine wine and divine dishes coming their way. But while Singaporeans might be connoisseurs of fine food, they’re a little more challenged in the sartorial department.Posts

It’s no surprise that Singaporeans prefer to dress up as casually as possible. The culture here is more laid back and the heat doesn’t encourage much fashion experimentation. Turn up to any formal function in the Lion City and most local attendees have ignored the black-tie request and instead are spotting the most informal formal attire they can get away with.

Well, you know what they say; there’s a time to be casual and there’s a time to dress up, and the WGS dinners are a time to go all out and doll yourself to the nines.

WHAT TO WEAR WHERE

1. For Sunday brunch, choose your Sunday best. Opt for a breezy yet formal knee length dress, pair it with open toe pumps or ballet flats in a colour that corresponds with your dress. A small handbag, or preferably a day clutch will work best to complete the outfit. Accessorize, or don’t, (best keep the bling for the evening) the Sunday brunch is all about looking effortless without trying too hard.

2. If you’re going for a cocktail event right after work, a chic shift dress can take you from office to evening effortlessly.  You might not want to bling too much in the office, so save the jewels for later. Accessorize with a cuff bracelet and a clutch or a small sling bag.Leave the cartoon prints and floral motifs out of this one. Something black and glittery would be apt. If you’re coming straight from the office with a big handbag, that’s fine too. A statement necklace could work wonders as well, if your dress shows off a lot of décolletage. Shoe wise, the higher the heel the better. Whatever you do, avoid wearing flats or jeans!

3. If you’re going to a cocktail party from home you have more room for experimentation. Conventionally, women wear a Little Black Dress or the archetypal cocktail frock, but if you’re feeling adventurous, (read: confident) you can opt for a fitted tux or pant suit. Choose something that fits you and shows off your silhouette. Don’t go tweed, instead opt for more formal fabrics like satin or silk. A simple clutch in a suitable colour will go a long way in complementing your outfit. Avoid wearing a necklace with a tux and instead go for drop earrings as accessories. Heels of any kind will work with your tux although the pointy pumps or stilettos have been known to give the outfit that extra oomph.

4. For a formal evening dinner, the skirt and shirt combo is a major no no. Glam up in an elegant floor length black evening gown that shows off your silhouette. Your evening dress will look best with footwear that adds length to legs, so high heels of any kind will work well with these outfits. This being a formal dinner, leave the metallic, plastic and bright coloured jewellery at home and instead go for something more understated and polished. Your accessories should compliment your outfit, not detract from it. In this situation, pearls are a safe bet. A necklace, bracelets, earrings, never wear the whole trinity at one go to a formal dinner, opt for one or two accessories and you’re good to go. Complete your look with a clutch, preferably in a smaller size than the one you brought to the cocktail party. Again, it’s best to leave the bright colours and cartoon prints for a less formal event.

So there you have it, your WGS dress code in a nutshell. If you still need a little inspiration, lick through the gallery for an idea of how to navigate the sartorial side of these events like a pro.

Karen George


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