Mar 12

Decoding Dress Codes – What do dress codes mean?

We’ve all heard the terms ‘Cocktail’, Formal’, ‘Smart Casual’, and ‘Black Tie’, but what do all these terms actually mean? How do you know what to wear for which occasion? Read up on these, most common, dress codes to help you understand what to wear, where.

Cocktail: Cocktail Attire generally means to a wear a dress that sits above the knee. Remember to not wear anything that is too revealing. Cocktail attire keeps hemlines, and necklines appropriate.

Don’t wear too many statement accessories, but rather choose one standout piece, and remember heels are a must.

Our Evening Sky Champagne is perfect for any Cocktail occasion. It has been designed and made in Australia and is made from High Quality Champagne Polyester Nylon Sequins. It features a ruffle champagne bust with sleeveless sleeves.

It travels well and is cool and comfortable to wear.

If you wish to stay with traditional black, then Evening Sky Black is just the dress for you.

This dress is trans-seasonal, which makes it ideal for any temperature, all year round. This black sequin knee length dress comprises a pure aubergine silk dupion contrast at the neckline and is ideal to pack and travel.

Crystal Amethyst is the perfect for a guest at any Wedding Cocktail reception. It is comfortable to wear and is designed and made in Australia. This dusk pink silk shantung above the knee dress outlines a pleated detail above the waist and stylish sequined bodice/bust.

Formal: This attire is floor-length. Your hair should be typically worn in an up-do. It is the one step below black tie.

Kiara Red is a stunning example of an elegant floor length gown. It is a gorgeous silk georgette dress, which features a lace cutout on the back as well as small pleating around the waist, giving it amazing fall and movement. This collaboration between Stokes Thompson and Melbourne designer Hanni will make any head turn at any formal function.

Zebra Long is a spectacular floor length dress, which has been made and designed in Australia. It’s high quality polyester nylon fabric comprises a silver and black patterned zebra sequin material. It highlights a feature neckline and is ideal for any formal affair.

Smart Casual: There is no set rule for smart casual. It does however require a degree of polish. Smart casual accommodates either flats or heels. It is associated with achieving a neat and professional appearance. Think of smart casual as attire you would wear on a dinner date.

Black Opal is the perfect “After 5” gown. Is accentuates black polyester microgette contrast ruffled sleeves and expresses double layered contrast black silk obi.

Designed and made in Australia, this dress is both stylish and comfortable to wear.

Rose Garden was designed as part of Stokes Thompson’s Spring Summer Collection 2013. It’s timeless knee length cream and viscose vintage style is extremely versatile. Making this an ideal choice for ‘smart casual’ wear.

Black Tie: This term, for women, gives them the freedom to choose either a full-length gown, or the option of wearing a cocktail dress. As long as the hemline isn’t too short and the style is not too revealing.