Whether you are invited to a wedding, a baptism, a Bar Mitzvah, or any other event, you may have received instructions regarding the dress code to follow. Color, theme… If your hosts wish to impose a dress code, you must adhere to it (even if powder pink or a country style are not usually your allies). If it is a wedding, it goes without saying that white is to be avoided as it is reserved for the queen of the event: the bride! The same goes for black, associated with mourning, which is best set aside during the ceremony.

Another rule: such events often take place in places of worship, which are sometimes governed by standards of propriety. To avoid any discomfort in the assembly, inquire in advance about the codes of good conduct specific to the venue: bare shoulders, low necklines, short dresses, (too) open shirts… are sometimes frowned upon during these religious ceremonies.

In any case, regardless of the celebration you are invited to, elegance is essential: your hosts will appreciate that their guests are dressed to the nines for their event. So, play along!

For this ceremony, the idea is not to steal the spotlight from the star of the day (the bride, for example) but to be chic without overdoing it. And to be elegant, you have two options.

Option number 1: you choose a simple outfit (for example, solid-colored), or even casual chic, because you want to be able to easily wear your look again after the party. Focus on details and accessories to enhance your outfit: gold jewelry, perfect manicure, matching shoes and belt, a bag that is original in shape or color… Everything is allowed to brighten up your look (and the evening).

Option number 2: you prefer to do the opposite and choose an outfit specifically for this occasion: lace, ruffles, and other frills are all yours! Then adopt understated accessories, without embellishments, to lighten your look; a clutch and black, white, or neutral shoes, discreet jewelry, and light makeup are recommended.

No matter which option you choose, the ultimate rule is as follows: think about clothes in which you feel comfortable. Ceremonies are often long and full of twists and turns, so your look must carry you through the duration. Be careful, for example, with very high and/or thin heels if you are not used to wearing them, or with new leather shoes that could become your worst enemies on the dancefloor!

To be at the height of elegance, favor noble materials (linen, satin, silk…) that will inherently give a refined aspect to your outfit, and pastel colors or even downright flashy shades to bring cheerfulness to the ceremony. Extravagances are, of course, allowed, but with distinction: Ladies, if you do not like wearing a dress, consider a tailored suit or Bermuda shorts. The epitome of masculine-feminine chic, it becomes more-than-charming when paired with a pair of pumps and a shoulder bag or handbag. Gentlemen, say goodbye to the three-piece suit version of “café boy”: today, it is reinvented through patterned fabrics (houndstooth, Prince of Wales, checks…) and increasingly original colors. If you prefer a more understated version, replace basic black with trendy navy blue or fir green. Finally, twist your suit with a bow tie or a tie (take advantage of it, it’s making a comeback!), and a leather wristlet.

Let’s get the party started!