‘Tis the season for White-tie balls, which are being held from Palm Beach to Vienna! I was asked recently by a Millennial, “What is appropriate for a lady to wear if the invitation indicates ‘White-tie’ on the bottom, right side?” Well, here is a definitive overview for the most formal of occasions!
The Essentials of White-tie Attire for Ladies:
THE GOWN:
The only appropriate dress is a floor-length gown. If you always wanted to wear a Cinderella ball gown, this is your moment. Ball gowns/floor-length gowns contribute to the gracious old-world elegance of a White-tie Ball.
No-No: Cocktail attire, semi-formal dresses, and pant suits are not worn.
The Shoes:
Elegant evening shoes, a must! Heels with closed toes are traditionally worn. Glass slippers? Doubtful! What about Dorothy’s “click-your-heels-sequin-sparkly” shoes? Definitely! Glittering silver or gold is always festive! The most classic shoe is covered in peau de soie (a silk/satin weave) and may be in any color to complement the gown. Make sure your shoes are comfortable enough for dancing!
No-no: Open-toe shoes.
The Gloves:
Traditionally, long evening gloves (opera-length) are considered the glove of choice. Gloves are not required but considered de rigueur (meaning required by old-world etiquette). They should be kept on while dancing or greeting guests, but removed during dinner. You can drink with gloves on. If you do choose to wear opera-length gloves, a bracelet may be worn over one glove, not both.
No-no: Rings are not worn over a glove, and I doubt they would fit anyway!
No-no: One does not eat with gloves on. Remove your gloves when dining, fold them in half, and place them on your lap, or unbutton them at the wrist so the hand portion is tucked inside.
The Jewelry:
A must! This is the perfect opportunity to sparkle! Drop earrings, diamonds, and pearls, or other gemstones chosen to complement your gown, will enhance your overall glamorous aesthetic. Brooches/pins are worn over your heart, on your left side. They can also be pinned on the backside if there is a bow or embellishment on the dress that would be enhanced by one.
What about Tiaras?
Tiaras (preferably inherited from the family) are only worn by married women or a bride. While appropriate for a White-tie event, they are traditionally worn only when the invitation indicates White-tie “with decorations.” This is the traditional signal that tiaras, military medals, or civil orders may be worn. Although protocol has become more relaxed in America, many still opt to wear a tiara to a White-tie event.
Your Hair:
If your hair is long, it should be pulled back or swept up in an updo. (Your drop earrings will have an opportunity to be seen and shimmer!)
The Evening Clutch:
Elegantly small in size, and in silk, satin, kid leather, or one that is jewel-like (my preference!) are appropriate.
What is inside MY evening clutch?
~ A driver’s license and one credit card
~ Pink lipstick (of course, a must!)
~ A little gold powder compact by Estee Lauder
~ A tiny silver purse pen
~ Two personal calling cards
~ A petite comb
~ “Mad Money” a $20 bill (an old-school expression for cash… if you have to dash!)
~ A sample perfume vile, because it is small enough to fit into the clutch
~ A safety pin, just because!
~ Two breath mints or cough drops (you never know!)
~ AND, if space allows, a pair of small needlpoint scissors… for some reason, they always come in handy!
What about my cell phone and eyeglasses? They never seem to fit into my evening clutch! So, it is the perfect time to delegate these to your escort. My darling husband Stuart gets that honor… one that he would gladly relinquish!
Now, you’re ready to gloriously dance the night away!
Xx
Holly