May 2003 Newsletter
Business Casual Relaxed and Fabulously Formal
Business casual dressing is a very confusing issue for today’s corporate men and women. Knowing what to wear and what image you are portraying is very important. Trying to decide whether your style is too dressy or is it too casual; this alone can bring you out in a sweat on your way to work. Over the last couple of months I have been helping you to wade through the confusion that is business casual dressing. This article will close this chapter as I describe for the pros and cons of wearing denim in Business Casual – Relaxed.
Add to that the other confusing issue of what exactly does formal dressing on an invitation mean. What are the true formal dress codes as stated on an invitation and what do I really write on my invitation to describe exactly how I would like my guests to dress for my party or function.
Finally I want to introduce to you my exciting and informative new Make-up courses. If you want to discover how to save time and money buy applying the latest looks, with a minimum of fuss then you will love this program I am offering.
Business Casual – Relaxed
Before I begin on the hows and wheres of relaxed business casual I would like to relate a conversation I had with a new acquaintance the other night. The conversation began after I mentioned that I was an Image Consultant and they stated how they wished they could get their boss to wear jeans more often. I commented how jeans are considered the lowest common denominator in business and by wearing them he would be displaying a lack of respect for his staff. Trousers are a much safer alternative. The comment was followed by the point being made that they are very comfortable and by that token then everyone is more relaxed to be around. I wish that this were true, the unfortunate truth in wearing jeans in the corporate environment, except to the company picnic, result in a general downturn in company loyalty and job performance. If you can slacken off in what you wear and approach the day with a more carefree air then why not your job requirements. Is it really that important to dot the i’s and follow the set standards and protocols of the company. Well yes it is and that is why, in many businesses, jeans are saved for the most relaxed of situations and circumstances.
Relaxed casual
* Denim
Female style
Skirts-Short, long or full in denim, corduroy, leather or suede.
Tops-Long or short sleeved or sleeveless. T-shirts may also be worn as line as they do not display an inappropriate logo.
Pants - Denim, corduroy or cotton jeans or trousers.
Jumpers-Crew neck, turtleneck, V-neck. Windcheater or thicker chunkier knits.
Shoes-Medium to thick leather or rubber soles with a stacked heel. Sandals or runners providing they are clean and in good condition.
Hosiery-Trouser socks in either solid colours or patterns. Sheer or opaque tights
coloured to match the hemline or shoe.
Scarves-Bright and bold -woollen or cotton.
Belts-Woven, leather or canvas
Watches-Gold or silver face; leather or plastic band as in a sports or diving watch.
Brooches/Necklaces-Of a medium-size in a matt finish gold or silver, craft designs of ceramic, beads or ethnic motif.
Earrings-Hoops, short, dangle or drop in a gold or silver matt finish.
Male Style
Shirts-long or short sleeved; collared, collarless or banded; knitted cotton or plain. Denim shirts, T shirts including white as long as they do not display any inappropriate messages.
Pants - Denim, corduroy, khaki or cotton jeans or trousers.
Jumpers-Crew neck, turtleneck, V-neck. Windcheater or thicker chunkier knits.
Shoes-Medium to thick leather or rubber soles. Sandals or runners providing they are clean and in good condition. Be wary of looking like Jerry Seinfeld.
Socks-Coloured, bold or Argyll.
Ties-Woollen or cotton.
Belts-Woven, leather or canvas
Watches-Gold or silver face; leather or plastic band i.e. sports or diving watch.
Making it work- All clothing must be clean and wrinkle-free.
Your clothes must not be too tight or too baggy.
Avoid at all costs inappropriate logos.
Overall impression-Creative, accessible, friendly, relaxed, innovative.
When it works best-The most informal and relaxed work environment.
If working by yourself and not meeting with clients or the
public.
OK for casual training sessions, off-site retreats and,
of course, the company picnic.
Fabulously Formal Black Tie or Dinner Jacket
Black-Tie/Dinner Jacket
Black tie formal wear should only be worn after six pm at night. It is the style of dress most requested at evening weddings, balls and gala events. What does it mean and what are the variations? I know of many men today who refuse to wear black tie even when it is stated and, well they may chose to show their individuality they are also insulting the organisers, especially if it is a wedding and they are friends. You do not necessarily need to wear a suffocating black bow tie, vest, frilled shirt and jacket to these functions. Mind you I have always been partial to the old powder blue dinner suit with the frothy frilled shirt underneath and the bow tie matching the suit. OK so I am joking.
Let me explain the variations open to the males of our species. In it’s true form this combination is made up of black shoes, fine black socks, black trousers (often with a satin stripe down the outside leg) and a black dinner jacket (also satin trimmed). Added to this are braces, bow tie and cummerbund or waistcoat. Ideally the cummerbund should be the same colour as the trousers and socks. It has become acceptable for the cummerbund to match the bow tie. A cummerbund is worn with the pleats facing upwards. The idea was that a gentle man could carry theatre tickets in the folds of his cummerbund and they would not fall out. The traditional white dress shirts have a simple pin tucked front with either a regular or a wing tipped collar. Add to that French cuffs (the kind that fold back on themselves) with a pair of simple and good quality cufflinks.
In a perfect world the bow tie should be hand tied and can be characteristically worn on an angle to give the wearer a rakish appearance. When worn with a wing tipped shirt the bow tie sits under the collar and if worn to with a regular collar it will sit over the collar points. Other options to the bow tie are the French cravat, a regular long knotted black tie, shirt pin and the flat crossover tie.
For the ladies the world is your oyster here. Your dress may be long or short, have long sleeves, short sleeves, ribbon straps or even be completely strapless. The main statement you will want to make is one of elegance and therefore it is advisable to give flamboyant styles a miss. As the function will most probably be a sit down affair you want to be able to sit comfortably without your gown frothing all over the neighbours. Evening pants are acceptable. When made from a crepe or equally light and airy fabric you will be perfectly appropriate. Keep in mind if it is a business event you do not want to be exposing too much flesh, as you will be dealing with these people again after the evening. This is a good night to pull out those great pieces of special occasion jewellery you have. Whatever you do don’t forget a gorgeous little evening bag.
Remember if you do not mind whether the men wear a tie or not you might like to alter your style of dress to After 5 or Lounge Suit. The ladies still get a chance to frock up for the event. Remember someone has chosen the dress style to go with the theme or the mood they want to create so go with their wishes and enjoy your evening.
Make-up Classes
MAKING MAKE-UP EASY
These workshops are designed to make applying your make-up easy.
You will learn how to:
Chose your best colours
Apply natural looking make-up expertly
Learn how to enhance your natural assets
On top of this you will be shown the secrets to choosing and applying your ideal foundation
Perfecting how to apply eyeshadow
Apply the 5-minute make-up
Evening glamour looks
Which brushes do what and how to use them easily and like a professional
The course is divided into two sessions to allow you to practice and perfect what you are learning in between sessions. The spaces are limited to ensure everyone receives all the advice and assistance from Clare, as they need. Included in the price is a complete set of make-up brushes for you to keep.
Session #1 dates are June 14th, September 7th and October 11th
*Session #2 dates are June 28th, September 21st and October 25th.
*It is a requirement that you have attended session #1 to attend session #2 as the information in session #2 will directly follow on from what you will have learned in session #1.
The cost for each session is $45.00. Discounts are available if you bring a friend or pay for both sessions up front.
Please call Clare on 03 9505 0106 for more details.
In next month’s issue I will be explaining some of the responses that colour can cause in our lives and how you can make it work for you. I will also be finishing up the formal dress codes with an explanation of Formal Day Wear and what is meant by the White Tie dress code
Once again please don’t keep me a secret and share this newsletter with your friends.
Return to top of page
| 
