Afi Ruel Last weekend my husband I went to see Shen Yun. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a ballet based off Chinese history and culture. The artistry is amazing and the overall show is superb. The only thing I dreaded was the cold weather that was supposed to befall us that night. I don’t know what the weather may be where you live this time of year. But here, it is up and down with some very chilly nights and those chilly nights make it challenging to stay warm AND adhere to dress codes for nights out. This night made that painfully obvious to me. I was definitely not dressed in a way that met dress code. My husband was, though, because he does not get cold like I do. I had on slightly baggy turtleneck ribbed knit sweater dress, tights and slouch boots. Oh, and a parka!
I wasn’t alone. I saw a wide variety of styles worn and it drove me to research and ask what IS the appropriate dress code for ballets. Well, the consensus seems to be after 5 cocktail attire with neutral or dark colors. That’s easy to achieve in warm weather, but it becomes a bit of a challenge when it’s cold outside. So, here are a few things to do (that quite honestly I should have done) when you are attending an event in the winter that requires after 5 cocktail attire:
1. Consider heavier fabric: Fabric is key to any garment. So, picking garments with heavier fabrics that look appropriate for the dress code is what you want to do. Crushed velvet is heavier and can make a dress look more formal. It will do a better job of keeping you warm and giving your dress that after 5 flare and look. Sweater materials can work if the material is more decorative or festive. If you’re aiming for a pantsuit, a festive sweater with after 5 slacks could work.
2. Invest in the right coat: In this instance, I should have opted for my long, almost ankle length wool coat. However, I didn’t feel like wearing a hat and I also didn’t want to risk losing said hat. But this would have been the perfect option for this event. Capes are also a great option. I would go with one that is at least knee-length.
3. Update your accessories: Unless the ankle length wool coat or cape comes with a hood, you’ll want to wear a hat designed for cold weather. Two examples that I personally like are the beret (and its variations) and slouch caps (with decorative fixtures). Again, fabric is key. Wool or fleece are good options. You also want to consider thick stockings, leggings or tights (with feet). You can get a pair to match the color of the garment (or most dominant color), or you can try the flesh toned fleece leggings that are growing in popularity now. For shoes, I would stick with pumps or very low cut boots.
If you’re going out to more formal events in what’s left of the Winter time, what are you wearing?
