My husband and I have been invited to an awards dinner hosted by his employer, at a lovely venue. The invitation says "formal business attire is requested". I have looked all over the internet and have yet to find a consistent answer to what constitutes "formal business attire". My husband will be wearing a dark suit, white shirt. Since I am not the employee should I wear a cocktail dress? I have a "little black dress" that is not overly short (knee length) and has spaghetti straps. After I bought it I wondered if I had bought something inappropriate? I also have a sleeveless short dress, with a bolero jacket that is green (emerald green) and is made of a satiny like material....other than that my dress wardrobe is limited. I do have a long-sleeved velvet dress but since the awards ceremony is Sept. 14, was not sure it would be appropriate! I have also considered e-mailing to ask the woman who is the contact for the RSVPs but will that make make me look dumb!? Please help!
2007-09-05 06:43:54 · 11 answers · asked by holligolitelee66 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Don't stress about it. Business attire is a very general term. You can wear that black dress or the sleevless short dress with the jacket. You could also wear a nice pants suit, or nice black pants with a nice shirt (maybe a blouse). A nice, elegant skirt with a nice top is fine to. The long sleeved velvet dress may be too much. But trust me, there will be people who will be wearing beautiful dresses, and others wearing pants and a shirt. It's totally what you are comfortable in. Personally, my vote is for the black dress. Basically, they ask that on the invitation because they don't want people showing up in jeans or very casual clothes.
2007-09-05 06:51:43 · answer #1 · answered by Melissa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd wear the LBD. So you're not too "bare" I'd wear stockings and a closed toe shoe. Finally, add either a slim cardigan, tailored jacket, or a colorful--not sparkly--wrap. If you have budget considerations, pick the sweater. You should be able to find something appropriate at a discount store. Make sure it's a good fit and a light, non-bulky fabric. Keep your jewelry simple too. Pearls are always businessy and formal. Carry a simple bag, probably a clutch. And calm down and keep smiling. A friendly face is always more important than a fancy outfit. Or that's what my mom says. Good luck.
2007-09-08 18:48:12 · answer #2 · answered by July 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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What to wear husband's award dinner, hosted by his employer, when invite says "business formal"?
My husband and I have been invited to an awards dinner hosted by his employer, at a lovely venue. The invitation says "formal business attire is requested". I have looked all over the internet and have yet to find a consistent answer to what constitutes "formal business...
2015-08-06 05:41:35 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the time to be modest and dressy. Do not show any cleavage, or any dress more than a few inches over the knee. Office events lead to very judgmental thoughts. It can even effect promotions and office status. The day before the dinner read the news paper, and skim the internet for current events, Read the most recent sports page. In a social circle all one has to do is speak of a current event or ask a question above a recent sports news or event. Example, I heard such and such coach resigned, how is that going to effect the team?
Your social skills and appearance matters. Don't be stressed, just prepared.
2007-09-05 06:59:24 · answer #4 · answered by a2z_alterego 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Business formal is a suit or dress that is conservative. Nothing flashy or showing too much skin. Cocktail dress with a jacket would be fine as long as it's not too short. Green satin would be too flashy, I think. Velvet dress in September not right plus it's too formal. Cover spaghetti straps with a bolero jacket or sweater. Wedding attire would be too formal and pants/blouse too casual. Hope this helps!
2007-09-05 06:55:20 · answer #5 · answered by gitanafille 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well...business casual means no jeans and no ties. Business means a tie. I would assume business formal means ties, no spaghetti straps. Wear what you would wear to an office, but a little dressier. I would think a cocktail dress with a jack would be okay....then if you see people wearing spaghetti straps, you can take the jacket off. Either that...or take the jacket off when people start getting drunk .:)
2007-09-05 06:54:21 · answer #6 · answered by Helen Scott 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wear the "little black dress" and get a shaw (long scarf) that is black and sparkly maybe. Wear it with some nice black heals and you are good to go. You can never go wrong with a simple black dress. Also, do not wear the short dress or the velvet one. They sound like "no-no's". Do the black one and you will be good to go. Good luck and enjoy this event.
2007-09-05 06:54:01 · answer #7 · answered by crystal nw 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would wear a cocktail dress or a little black dress that would be the best thing especially if your husband is going to be wearing suit and tie. you don't want to be underdressed compared to everybody else.
2007-09-05 06:54:18 · answer #8 · answered by Lulu 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the black dress with a nice jacket is fine. Business attire most likely means the employees themselves.
2007-09-05 06:52:24 · answer #9 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
how does the green bolero match up with the "little black
dress" ? that sounds like the ticket, but seeing is believing.
2007-09-05 07:07:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋