dress codes

euronorris

liney wrote: »

Everyone is entitled to their own tastes and has activities they enjoy. If the person giving the party would like everyone to dress up, then that's up to them, and you should respect their views or not go! You don't have to go, but at their house and their party, you do have to respect their decisions.

I'd go as far as to say that a dress code could be considered a condition of the invitation. They probably wouldn't turn you away, just view you as abit of a xxob, for spoiling the effect they tried to create.

Fair point.

I would say though, that 'glamourous' can be interpereted in different ways by different people. It wouldn't be hard to dress comfortably and just add a few accessories to make it 'glam'.

I do agree though, either follow the request or don't go. Not sure what the OP is moaning about as she has said they won't be going anyway, so still at a loss to what the problem is exactly?!

Is it just because they stipulated a dress code? I don't see why that's such big problem as you don't have to go.

Anyone got a clue?

nickyhutch

red_devil wrote: »

I dont feel lucky getting an invite its a pain in the backside.

Well shut up whining and don't effing go, then. I'm sure you wont be missed.

Katie-Kat-Kins

OP you sound really churlish.

Your "friend" has invited you to a party, for their birthday, they want it to be special and they want everyone to make an effort and look a bit more special than they would for a more run of the mill occasion.

I suspect that they are worried that because it is in a garden people will think it is a BBQ and dress accordingly whereas they want party clothes as if they were having a do in a bar or restaurant. Maybe they have been watching a little bit too much come dine with me or maybe they are sick of their friends turning up to events at their houses in overly casual clothes.

Personally I think in any invitation it is fine to specify a dress code, and if you don't like it then you shouldn't go. However I think that dress codes should be "morning dress" "evening dress" "black tie" "smart casual" or an actual themed fancy dress, I think going as far as specifying tie colours is a bit controlling.

I don't think shorts are appropriate wear for an evening garden party, even smart tailored shorts with a shirt. I think for a garden party with no dress code stated I would suggest chinos, and an open necked shirt is the appropriate thing to wear. Smart shorts for an afternoon BBQ.

I think you are getting hung up on the fact that this is an event held in a garden and not focusing on the event. If this is a cocktails and canapes do then dress accordingly regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors.

Caroline73_2

I would class a 'garden party' the same standard of dress as a 'dinner party'. It's a smart thing.

If they had invited you to a barbeque I would say that is the equivalent of going around for supper and it's a much more informal event.

References to high heels I would take to just mean smart dressy shoes. I'm sure flat pumps or smart sandals would be more than appropriate depending on the outfit.

jimbms

Turn up in smart flipflops and a glittery thong

SandC

It's a lot of effort and stress to host a party in your home so my thoughts are it is the least you can do to follow the theme and join in.

Most people don't bother to organise parties on a regular basis so this couple are to applauded in doing so.:T

adouglasmhor

This thread has inspired me.
For my 50th birthday we are having a Jeeves and Wooster themed party.

bylromarha

Make sure you don't invite red devil...they wouldn't come anyway, or get all ancy and put you down on an internet forum about you asking them to not wear casual gear to your party. :rotfl:

adouglasmhor

bylromarha wrote: »

Make sure you don't invite red devil...they wouldn't come anyway, or get all ancy and put you down on an internet forum about you asking them to not wear casual gear to your party. :rotfl:

nonsense of course they could wear casualwear.

Tropez

I think this thread highlights one of the few fortunate things about being male. When I go to dinner parties, formal or informal, I can pretty much get away with wearing the same outfit - shoes, trousers and a shirt with an optional tie (that I usually carry in a pocket, making an excuse to pop to the bathroom to put it on if I notice everyone else is wearing one ).

While in my circles it is rare for people to throw parties with a dress code sometimes it does happen. One of my friends had a party last summer to celebrate his promotion at work and because he went that little further with the catering and the drink, even though we largely spent the evening in his garden, he requested that the men dress smartly and the women wear some sort of evening dress with a bit of jewellery. It was just that sort of occasion and we all complied because at the end of the day, our friend had something to celebrate and we all wanted to be part of that.

But regardless whether your friend has a specific celebration in mind or whether they just fancy a little more lar-de-dar than normal, I don't think it is that odd that they have a dress code. I lounge around the house wearing jeans or cargo pants and a t-shirt/hoodie most of the time and it's nice to have an excuse to put something a little more upmarket on from time to time. We buy these clothes, they usually cost a bit more than our normal ones and then we never wear the bloody things! You should indulge your friend I think.