Putting yourself together for a party is worthy of a plan.  In the social media age where everyone’s got a camera, control your brand by making sure your makeup and hair are camera ready.  Even a “casual” party doesn’t mean it’s not still a party.  What you wear, how you wear it, and how well you behave at a party is how you control your visual brand message even when someone else captures you on candid camera.

Gracious hosts should indicate the expected mode of dress for an occasion in the invitation.  But some of these modes have no common definition.  It’s not enough to consider the manner in which an invitation is extended, although it is generally true that an e-vite is more informal than an invitation by phone.  One sent through the U.S. mail is the more formal level.

When you see the words Creative Black Tie on an invitation, you are about to have a formal experience with a twist.  Perhaps the setting is a tad strange, or the décor is eccentric.  But the real star of the party is going to be its guests.  Ideas like this black ostrich feather dress by Milly and Lanvin black knit double-breasted merino blazer are each on point for something totally creative and different when the occasion allows for it.  The dress is shorter than typical for black tie, but when worn with black hose, it gives a creatively elongated silhouette with an unusual feathery focal point.  Double-breasted jackets are always dressy, but worn tieless and with a formal shirt spin a whole new creative look when you don’t want to be predictable.

Cocktail Party Attire should be flirty and fun.  Guys always seem to underplay their outfits.  But if you take my suggestion and use my Casual Chic suggestion [see below] and top it off with a great velvet blazer with some subtle detailing, much of the outfit is repurposed, and you’ll look super up-to-date without looking like a cheesy stuffed olive.  Women might think about taking a tribal moment like this Nanette Lepore garnet colored embellished dress.  With all the built-in beading, there’s almost no need for added jewelry, other than a stellar ring.  Just add shoes, a wrap, shake, stir, and serve.

Your eyes may roll when reading the words Casual Chic in an invitation you receive.  This happens all the time.  Don’t despair.  The key is to create a look that seems like you put no planning into it, while still appearing stylish and even elegant.

Refrain from fashioning a faux pas.  Focus more on the chic and less on the casual.  Own your look and go for something a bit unconventional, but keep up with the spirit of the season: simple yet sophisticated.  It’s a tall order, but you can do it.  Wrap up in this wool and cashmere Pucci printed poncho.  Worn with a simple pant or legging and a stellar pair of heals, you can walk out the door and look effortlessly chic.  Turn into a total chic geek with a fresh shirt.  This example by Versace elongates the body with subtle striping and imbibes a bubbly effect with jacquard dots.  Wear with dark jeans or pants and a cool, simple belt and coordinating shoes, and you will personify casual chic.

Creative Casual dressing is quite complex.  The creative idea puts your focus on being imaginative, which requires a game plan, while being casual is all about no planning.  So do you plan an outfit or not when the invitation says ‘creative casual’?  The answer is yes.  Just don’t let your outfit appear overly engineered.  Try mixing pieces of varying volumes or textures by using shawls, scarves, shrugs, sweaters, even jewelry and belts.  I like examples like this outfit featuring this open front cardigan with handkerchief hem by Line or this asymmetric wool and mohair Valentino knit jacket.  Don’t settle for the conventional; choose something creative.

While we’re on the subject of parties, perhaps you’re planning on hosting one of your own sometime soon.  Interior designer Valentina Cirasola shares suggestions about how to serve aperitifs and digestives in her weekly blog post.  Dress and drink responsibly!

Joseph Rosenfeld helps high-profile individuals revitalize, manage, and be secure in their personal visual brand. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.

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