How to interpret the invitation dress code?

It all started with casual, semi-formal and formal. Invitations to social gatherings often had a little note at the bottom subtly dictating what would be appropriate to wear for the occasion. Attire Semi-formal – those two words kicked off the grueling search for the perfect dress.

Later on, a new invitation dress codes emerged, causing a silent stir among the party-going population. Some creative fashionista probably decided to redefine the then existing invitation dress code into what party people now know as Casual Chic, Smart Casual, Relaxed Chic, Shabby Chic, Chic Simple, Fashionably Formal... and who knows what else will come up.

The invited guest, clueless and perplexed, either sits in deep thought in an attempt to pretend she knows or puts on a puzzled look and asks aloud, "What is casual chic?"

Mega Magazine’s Binky Ilusorio dissects the invitation dress code so we won’t have to stop, stare and think hard the next time we get one that says, smart casual or whatever chic attire.

Corporate events more often than not require guests to come in business attire. Hanging out in the Makati and Ortigas business districts should give you a clear idea. Michael J. Fox referred to these guys as the "Suits" for obvious reasons. "Designer Patrice Ramos-Diaz advises wearing a blouse, skirt and jacket ensemble in linen or light wool," Binky shares. "Also try lounge suits, button-down shirts with slacks, tunic tops with pants or long slim skirts in muted colors or neutral colors with an accent of fashion colors or prints. Minimal accessories are also recommended," she adds.

Casual chic, smart casual or relaxed chic are three perplexing terms with basically the same meaning. Telltale words that give a hint of what could be worn are "casual" and "relaxed." These words, combined with "smart" and "chic," create a so-called practical attire that combines style and spunk. Patrice advises, "Cotton knits, jerseys or even denim are okay as long as they look dressy enough. Shirt dresses, shifts or stylish separates would be appropriate. Color and fabric must be appropriate for the occasion and time of the event."

For designer JC Buendia, however, "Casual chic is hard to define. No rules apply. Think Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & the City." Sadly, boutiques don’t have signs in their stores that say "casual chic" and so on, to guide us in our shopping. So, if it is of any help, just take note of what designer Vic Barba says, "To be dressed in anything carried with enough attitude is the essence of casual chic."

If the invitation says semi-formal, Patrice suggests dresses in any length except a full gown. She also recommends pants with dressy tops in luxury fabric like silk, dupioni, lace, organdy or silk chiffon. "Pieces like dressy shifts, sheaths, slips or pantsuits are also good," she adds. A little black dress would make a safe yet elegant choice.

In a formal event, some try to get away with pieces in shorter lengths and come in a cocktail dress. "Strictly speaking, a formal event calls for a gown – meaning long. So a woman who walks into a party wearing a long gown isn’t overdressed, she is actually dressed just right." Binky notes.

More on these plus the Barong Tagalog attire, Black Tie and White Tie in Mega Magazine’s latest issue. Mega is the flagship publication of Mega Magazines & Publications Inc. (MMPI) and is now available at newsstands and bookstores for P125 a copy. Log on to www.ivegotst yle.net for details.