Whenever people receive an invitation for a special occasion, one of the first things people think about is what to wear. Or they won't attend anymore because they have nothing to wear.  There is really no right or wrong answer to this, but I think what is important is that you end up wearing the “appropriate” attire.  Here are some tips for your next party:

Respect the Occasion

Usually the invitation states the attire you are suggested to wear.  Is it formal, semi-formal, Filipinana, costume, Hawaiian.  Or sometimes it says what color you should wear or bring a special effect – like a hat party, pajama party, and many more.  The host planned the party and hope that the guests will help to accomplish the overall theme by coming at least in proper attire.

Avoid being halo-halo

When attending formal parties, cocktail to formal is the requested attire.  However, the common flaw I always see is that some women overly do it.  Don't wear too much accessories.  Make sure your shawl, shoes, and bag blends with your dress.  This is stressful to see, people don't know what to admire anymore, its just so distracting. Don't be too excited to wear everything that shimmers in your closet!  Make good decisions, remember that there will lots of picture taking. You want to be remembered as part of the best dressed list. 

Mind the room temperature

Sometimes we like to show more skin in a cold temperature room. Sometimes we want to show off our new leather jacket in a hot summer night party. If that is the case, I have a solution for that!  In the first scenario, bring a stylish poncho, blazer or anything you can carry to be used as a wrap when you feel cold.  In the second situation, make sure that you have a trendy inner blouse or shirt so that when you feel warm you can remove the jacket and still feel the groove.  Comfort is very important when attending a party.

Shoe don't bother me

People usually wear new shoes when attending a special occasion.  Some new shoes are not comfortable to wear due to their new-ness. The shoes can be harsh on the skin, or the heels are difficult to handle etc.  The solution is to bring an alternative – which you can just leave in the car or carry in a bag. Make sure you enjoy the party whether as the host, the celebrant or a guest.  Especially in a party, you will have to walk around the venue for socializing.  But the best advice I can give is that break-in your new shoes before the party.

Look pleasant

Wear appropriate make-up, and wear your hair neatly, wear a perfume – as a cherry on top.  Most especially, wear a smile, it doubles your attractiveness immediately.

The author is currently a Celebrity Party and Events Planner (visit www.wishesnwhims.multiply.com), Traning Facilitator in EC Business Solutions and Career Center, Writer in Cosmolopitan Magazine Philippines. She can be reached at castillocg@yahoo.com.