Style Tips

Are You Event-Appropriate?!

Last night I was on the invite list for this Congressional Black Caucus event that took place at B. Smith’s restaurant in Union Station in Washington, DC.  After a long week, I opted to go, but didn’t feel like getting dressed up so, I donned dark skinny jeans, flesh-colored platform peep-toe heels, a fitted white/cream blazer with a flesh-colored belt, a dark green v-neck sweater underneath, and the right accessories to make it pop.

I jumped into my vehicle mentally fatigued, but hopeful.  40 minutes later, I pulled up to the event, waited and watched for about seven minutes, and then pulled off!  90% of the people had on business, business casual or After-5 attire.  Of the people that were there, 70% didn’t look great in their garb (bad fit was the biggest offense) and, although I looked better in my outfit, I didn’t feel comfortable.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Is it better to look good and not be appropriately dressed for the occasion, or is it better to be in the appropriate attire even if it doesn’t work or fit you well?

Blueprint for Style‘s advice: the right answer is to know what you’re getting into and dress accordingly! A little thought and I would have remembered that it’s CBC so, business attire was a minimum.  It was from 6pm – 9pm so, again, the time would have dictated business attire as well.  Whether or not my clothes had the best fit, most important is to be appropriate for the occasion!

xo, mo
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Monica Barnett

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