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manners MATTER What to Wear and When to Wear it! BY KAREN LA CORTE A s promised I am going to give you examples of appropriate dress for several different occasions. I will also share eight men’s and women’s fashion faux paus. In Emily Post’s 17th Edition of Etiquette, Peggy Post breaks it down better and more concisely than I ever could. So here it goes: White Tie Semiformal Men — Back tailcoat, matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid, white pique wing-collared shirt with stiff front, white vest, and white bow tie; white or gray gloves; black patent shoes and black dress socks Men — Dark, dressy business-type suit (usually worsted wool), with or without a matching vest, white shirt, conservative tie; dressy leather shoes and dress socks Women — Formal evening gown Black Tie Men — Black tuxedo jacket, matching trou- sers, formal (pique or pleated-front) white shirt, black (silk, shiny satin, or twill) bow tie, black cummerbund to match tie; dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional); black patent shoes and black dress socks; no gloves. In summer or on a cruise: may have white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers, plus other black tie wardrobe Women — Formal evening dress or short, dressy cocktail dress Karen La Corte is an etiquette and manners expert trained and certi- fied by the Emily Post Institute in Vermont. She has been teaching eti- quette and manners to children and adults for over thirty years. She is also a certified image and fashion consultant. Karen is happy to answer any personal etiquette or image questions you may have by emailing her at [email protected] Women — Short afternoon or cocktail dress or long, dressy skirt and top Festive Attire Men — Slacks, seasonal sport coat or blazer in color of choice, open-collar shirt, perhaps a holiday-themed tie Women — Short cocktail dress or long, dressy skirt and top or dressy pants outfit Dressy/Elegant Casual Men — Slacks, seasonal sport coat or blazer, open-collar shirt Women — Street-length dress, skirt and nice top, or dressy pants outfit Business Casual Black Tie Optional Men — Either a tuxedo (see “Black Tie” above) or dark suit with white shirt, conser- vative tie Women — Formal evening dress; short, dressy cocktail dress or dressy separates Creative Black Tie Men — Tuxedo combined with trendy or whimsical items, such as a black shirt or a matching colored or patterned bow tie and cummerbund; black patent or dressy black leather shoes and black dress socks Women — Formal evening gown, dressy cocktail dress or dressy separates; any of these, accessorized with items such as an ostrich-feather boa, a colorful brooch, or an elegant shawl Men — Khakis or slacks, seasonal sport coat or blazer, open-collar shirt Women — Khakis or slacks, skirt, open- collar shirt or knit shirt, sweater Sport Casual Men — Khakis or jeans; nice tee, polo, or casual button-down-the-front shirt Women — Khakis or jeans; nice tee, polo, or casual button-down-the-front-shirt Beach Casual Men — Khakis or shorts (cargo or Ber- muda), knit shirt, sport jacket optional Women — Sundress or khakis or shorts (cargo or Bermuda), open-collar shirt or knit shirt, lightweight jacket or sweater Holiday Casual Clothing is the same as for “Business Casual” with some holiday colors or designs. Just be careful not to overdo. 86 GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JULY/AUGUST 2017 gmhtoday.com