The meaning of dress codes
c o u rt e s y T o t h e h o st With a tailcoat you can wear a shirt with either a stand-up collar or a wing collar. There are even more choices to be made when it comes to evening gowns. Almost endless décolleté variants, colours, materials, cuts and styles of evening dresses and gowns not only allow for individuality, but they can also be chosen to fit the body silhouette perfectly, says Austrian designer Birgit Indra. Elegant stoles, boleros, maybe a pair of evening gloves, stylish jewellery and an evening bag complete the look. Stockings – which should always be worn, according to the classic dress code - are equally important, as are evening shoes with closed toes. For getting to the ball in cold weather, a floor-length cape is the most elegant solution. The cuts of tuxedos and tailcoats are usually based on the English style, but the modern, Italian version is also allowed. However, for formal occasions any styling fantasies should be kept to a minimum, for it is only too easy for colourful extravaganzas and exotic patterns to look contrived and embarrassing, instead of fashionable and innovative. Shoes should always be black, elegant and – except when worn with an evening suit – be made of patent leather. A white silk scarf, black top hat with a tailcoat or morning suit, a white dress handkerchief and – except if worn with an evening suit – white kid gloves guarantee a perfect appearance. The silk scarf, which can be worn with a tailcoat, tuxedo or morning suit, is taken off together with the coat or cape and is never worn with the actual evening wear. Black knee highs, ideally made of fine silk, go with all styles, simple socks, however, are an absolute no-go when it comes to evening wear.
„Knowing about dress codes is hugely significant. Especially young ball guests have gaps in their education“ Mag. Harald Willenig, Rudolfina Redoute
Spats, which are worn with cutaways, and tailcoats to provide protection from dirt and cold on the way to the ball and are handed in at the cloakroom, are a curiosity from bygone days. They are usually made of sturdy, white cotton. Nowadays, however, they are hardly used, but it wouldn’t be a faux pas to wear them. Occasion wear, evening wear, formal, semi formal, cocktail dress – if the desired type of attire isn’t expressly stated on the invitation there is so much room for interpretation that, without consulting the host, blunder is almost unavoidable. Dresscode • 025