JenniferRel
Newbie
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2007
- Messages
- 5
- City
- Rouen
- Country
- France
what are the dress code and unspoken rules for a "white tie" affair as gala or ball among aristocratic and royal society ? thanks ! Jenni
Jaya said:Back in the days when I went to finishing school ladies invited to "white tie" affairs did not wear ballgowns without gloves.A long gown usually was daring with bare arms and black was reserved for certain ladies that were distinguished for wearing the colour.If the gown was full then our hair was upswept and if the design had contoured or draped lines more liberty with hair was taken regarding curls.Generally when we were in doubt about our footwear we would adorn our feet with pumps.{sometimes patent sometimes matching our gowns}
I have not seen a man in tails last except to accept the Nobel Prize and that protocol is not being adhered to exclusively.Nowadys I sometimes make the sign of the cross when I see "white tie" events as the gowns are so theatrical and contrived that they are like costumes without the wearer appearing to feel natural in them.Simplicity in dress has been exchanged for simplified practice. Genuine innovation has been exchanged for novelty.
Hope to see exceptions and a renaissance in thought,design and colour.
The old ettiquette books define "white tie" much more easily for men than for women. For men it is:That was from Vogue's Book of Ettiquette copyright 1948. The best definition for women came from Emily Post's Ettiquette copyright 1965.
- Coat of black or dark midnight blue with satin lapels. Tails of this coat should hang to a point just behind the knee.
- Trousers to match the coat with a braid trimming down the outside of the trouser leg.
- Waistcoat of white pique; single- or double-breasted, with or without revers.
- Shirt of fine white linen with a stiffly starched bosom made for one or two studes and with stiff cuffs. The only collar is a wing collar, stiff and white.
- Tie - white, usually made of pique
- Shoes - black patent-leather oxfords without toecaps
- Socks - black silk
- Overcoat - black or very dark midnight blue with or without a velvet collar
- Hat - opera hat or top hat
- Gloves - white buckskin; never white kid when gloves are worn out of doors. White kid always used to be worn for dancing.
Generally speaking it is easier to wear a formal dress for men than women! I received the first set from my parents when I was 18 (morning coat, white and black tie) and I used them till the age of 30, than I bought a new set...
- Evening dress - sleeveless, sometimes strapless; cutlow in back, and usually in front; made of the most elegant materials (satins, brocades); with endless variations in decorations and embroidery.
- Long gloves
- Their most brilliant jewelry.
For a woman...first of all a dress can be used only 1 time, or if you attend parties where there are not the same pople, maybe you have the chance two wear the same dress twice! three is difficult...