It’s such fun getting dressed for a full-on formal dinner. What joy and excitement it brings to a night. But seriously, formality is a dying art in this hectic world we live in: it’s enchanting and refreshing to embody grace and propriety now and then.

Traditionally a formal dinner dress is a sleeveless, floor-length gown with gorgeous decolletage. The key difference between a dinner dress and a ball gown is that the ball gown has a full skirt. While the dinner dress can have either a full or fitted skirt.That appears  to be all in the past  these days much anything goes now.

This Chanel long dress is structured to perfection and is very wearable in that the white collar and sleeves are removable to  suit any occasion. A similar one to this dress will follow most codes.

Take full advantage of a formal dinner, where you  can practice the fine art of a structured , glamorous look. Take your time getting ready until the last minute. Enjoy the process.

Formal dinner dress implies a certain  austerity, but formal wear should never be stiff or stodgy. This is how you decode the party invitation to ensure you look your very best. Remember it is far better to be fashionably late than unfashionably groomed.

Casual: Whatever you want, within reason of course; it’s still a party. Don’t wear your cargo pants, and if you are going to wear jeans or denim, dress it up with a great statement blouse or fashion forward accessory like a peplum .

Business casual : Office attire will do here.

Festive: I like to think cocktail dress and  a tad more whimsy and glitter. Things that shine and sparkle to fit the mood.

Business formal: Basically   semiformal. But err on the more prim side

Semiformal or informal : Wear a cocktail dress.

Formal : Think evening gown or structured separates

Black tie optional : As the name implies, slightly less formal than black tie.

Black tie : For women, black tie equals formal; for men it means wear a tux.

White tie: The most formal of formal wear is required . Men must wear a white tie, with vest and the whole nine yards. Women are expected to wear evening gowns.