Leseprobe: Zehnder/Senn: How to Meet, Host & Dress

Many of us ask ourselves every day, what should I wear? Should I
dress comfortably in functional clothing or choose an outfit that will
make me stand out from the crowd? What style suits me best? Should
I follow a fashion trend? Every season, the fashion industry launches
new styles for every occasion while influencers and style icons in the
entertainment industry tell us the latest fashion “must-haves” and “nogos”.
Even seasoned fashionistas find it difficult to keep pace. In
addition, few of us are prepared to invest a vast amount of time and
money in our wardrobes. What to wear becomes even more difficult
when we are faced with an invitation to an event that has a specific
dress code, such as “smart casual”.
Dress codes are meant to clarify what to wear to a particular event.
However, the only time when this is made absolutely clear is at formal
functions, where men are required to wear “black tie” (dark suit, white
shirt, and black bow tie), “white tie” (a tuxedo, a tuxedo shirt, and a
white bow tie), or “morning suit” (a morning coat, waistcoat, and
formal trousers). These are described in more detail in Chapter 10
“Event Dress Codes – From Casual to White Tie”. For all other dress
codes, there is usually room for interpretation.
Dress codes also apply in a professional environment. Every industry
has its own, more or less specific rules for what to wear. (Chapter 11
“Dress Codes in Business”). Some organisations have a written dress
code, although strict enforcement can lead to resistance. Many
employees do not like to be dictated to about what they can or cannot
wear.
Dress codes differ according to the cultural region, business sector,
and status of the wearer. They also change over time.
The How to Dress section of this book is intended to provide clarity
on matters of dress. It describes specific dress codes for various event
categories to eliminate the most common uncertainties. It also lists the
main criteria for dressing appropriately in a professional context,
which will make it easier to make the right decisions. The first
impression counts. In fact, according to several studies, it only takes
the blink of an eye to form an initial impression of another human
being. This should guide you in choosing your outfit.
As a look at historical dress codes confirms, since time immemorial,
people have been concerned with who may, should, or must wear what
and on which occasion.
156 HOW TO DRESS