Reception Clothing
Recommendations to men
For every reception, which starts before 8 p. m., men can dress in a suit of any soft color, only if such receptions are held in honor of the Head of the State of the Minister. For receptions, which are given in the same reasons, but start at 8 p. m. and later, it is recommended to dress in a suit of black or dark color. The dinner-jacket must be, as a rule, buttoned on, except of the bottom button, which is never buttoned. In buttoned coat one goes to visit friends, to the restaurant, to the cabinet for conference, to the theater, or sits in presidium or makes a report. One may be unbuttoned during the breakfast, supper, dinner or sitting in the arm-chair. On all kinds of receptions, it is recommended to dress in a white (not knitted) shirt with any color, except of bright and black colors, collar and tie. Black tie is dressed only as a sign of mourning or, if it is stated, to brand clothes. It is recommended to wear dark-brown or black shoes to black tie. Light-brown or brown shoes absolutely do not give fit to black suit, as for the black shoes — they fit brown suit. At summer time, one may wear color shoes to light suit. One is prohibited to wear sandals, platform or athletic shoes to the reception. Patent-leather shoes are worn only to tuxedo. Socks’ color should differ from the suit color by darker color; it creates the shift from suit’s color to shoes’ color. Dark-blue, dark-grey, black — are the most appropriate colors for socks. Striped or checked socks do not fit the black tie.
Some recommendations to women
For receptions or formal affair, women should follow the strict lines and soft tones. If the reception starts before 8 p. m., she should dress in two-piece dress or top dress. During receptions given in honor of national holiday, it is the convention to dress more trim dresses or top dresses of normal length. For receptions and dinners after 8 p. m., women dress in evening gowns — more glamorous and opened, with/without sleeves, the length — as it is in the fashion. Leather or chamois shoes, on any type of heels, are worn for receptions; for evening official affairs — evening shoes. Gloves: the shorter the sleeve of the evening gown, the longer gloves should be. A handbag: for official affairs — a leather one; for evening receptions — a small one of brocade or chamois. The color and thickness of the fabric must be appropriate for the given season, and, of course, the reason of the given reception. More fine and light fabrics are used in summer, more dark and thick — in winter. We would like to highlight one more time that the clothing must correspond to time and obstacles.
Some pieces of advice to those, who are going to be present at the reception
If a man sits, crossing his legs, while speaking with his business partner, he must keep an eye on his trousers, for it is unallowable to let the bare leg be seen above the socks. It is impermissible to shake the leg, or put the arms round the knees. It is indecent to sit, sprawling about on the armchair, rock on the chair, to sit on the very brink of the chair, armchair, or sofa. A woman, while sitting, should not pick up her dress or coat. She can cross the legs, while sitting on the chair, but she should not permit herself to do this, while sitting on the low chair or sofa. In such cases, she must hold her legs together, in other words, to press her knees to each other, benting them aside. Without fail one must control his/her own actions. While coughing, one must turn the head aside and cover the mouth with hand; during the suffocating cough, one must cover the mouth with handkerchief. Desire to sneeze should be abstained if possible. Therefore, selection of suit, color aesthetics of the whole set of clothing (shirt, tie, shoes, handkerchief), ability to “behave” in the suit — all these issues require the strictest attitude from a businessman, and even such trifles, as usage of eau de toilette or perfumes. You should remember a French saying: “The one, who smells too good — smells bad”.
See also
