MORE TIPS ON FASHION AND STYLE ETIQUETTE (101)

WHAT TO WEAR TO A FUNERAL OR WAKEOld etiquette : If you are in mourning, you are in black
New etiquette : Your outfit doesn't have to be black, it has to be respectful. What's most important is to covey the somberness of the event which can be accomplished with toned-down clothing in dark neutrals like navy, brown and forest green. Dark and discreet patterns are also fine as are quiet and classic accessories like pearls and stud earrings. This is not the time for your statement necklace. If you suspect something might be pushing the envelope, skip it.Click on read more below to continue...WHAT TO WEAR TO A BABY DEDICATION, BAPTISM OR SOME OTHER RELIGIOUS CEREMONY


Old etiquette : Trot out the Sunday finery. Florals and hats welcome.
New etiquette : Honour the occasion in attire that is tasteful, not stuffy. For starters, choose an outfit that's appropriate in a religious facility-not-too-low or clingy. For a baptism, wear a little bit of colour like a bright suit or a pretty day dress. I once attended a baptism of a child and one of the guests that came to the church was a young girl, apparently an undergraduate who had on a very short skirt with a back slit. You could see the look on everyone's face; like what she is wearing, totally wrong choice for such an occasion.

 WHAT TO WEAR TO A FIRST MEETING WITH FUTURE IN-LAWS OR FIRST DATE
Old etiquette : A conservative top and skirt or pants to show how lady-like you are.

New etiquette : Dress true to your personality but this isn't the time to take risks. First and foremost, you should select an outfit that makes you feel great about yourself. If there's a particular colour you look really good in or a pair of pants, you have gotten a lot of compliments on, start with that. The cautionary note : as the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression so avoid potential eye-brow raisers. Don't ever wear anything too short or too tight and don't try too many trends at once. For a first date, pick an outfit that's colourful and feminine and leaves something to the imagination like a wrap dress. When meeting the in-laws, look to your partner for cues about how formal or not his family is. Definitely find out their expectations and how they like to dress.

 WHAT TO WEAR TO A WEDDING
Old etiquette : Don't wear white or black.
New etiquette : Black is fine but white is still the ultimate no-no, reserved for the bride. No one should try to share the white colour with the bride. Black-tie dresses as short as knee-length are acceptable provided they have a semi-formal or formal cut and fabric would be appropriate. Wearing a floor-length evening dress to a morning wedding is inappropriate. Many of the ladies at Naeto-C's wedding last weekend looked really nice in their choice of dresses though a few missed the mark.
WHAT TO WEAR TO A STORE LAUNCH
Old etiquette : Semi Formal since it's a business setting.
New etiquette : Be free and be creative, wear whatever you feel comfortable in .A cocktail dress, denim or maxi dress, sexy top and pants. If you are the store owner, you want to look good as your potential clientele should see some of the selling points of your products in your looks.
 Culled from Life & StyleSavvy with Susan Ikhine Column,City People Magazine
Photo credits: Bella Naija