Deciphering Dress Code: What is Casual Chic?~Packing for a Upscale Ranch Weekend

 

In theory, dress codes are meant to make choosing an outfit easier.  Words like ‘black-tie, business-casual, or semi-formal’ help draw a neat little box around the appropriate clothing choices.  Lately, it seems like event planners are either trying to be more creative, or are just plain bored, because the dress code descriptions are veering off into the obscure.  Although these “new” dress code monikers are clever, they are also confusing.  I recently received an invitation for a party that said “Dress code is Hollywood Festive and Fabulous.”  That immediately read like a big ol’ can of worms.  One woman’s Bettye Davis throwback is another’s Bjork, you know? Festive and fabulous is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

I found myself swimming in murky dress code waters again when I was invited to spend the weekend at the Inn at Dos Brisas.  I was particularly concerned about hitting the right note with my clothing choices because I was going for work, and I wanted to be sure I was representing myself appropriately. After researching the venue, I learned that it was a very upscale ranch (an oxymoron, I know) with a Five Star restaurant.  From the description, I could easily figure out what NOT to wear, but I was unsure exactly what to pack for the weekend.

~The Beautiful Inn at Dos Brisas in Chappell Hill, TX~

Not wanting to flounder too long, I emailed the event planner to ask for some clothing clarification.  To my dismay, the event planner was a guy in LA, so while there is a possibility that he knows a bit about clothes, he definitely did not know anything about ranches. His suggestion was, and I quote, “casual chic with an upscale flair.”  Thanks buddy.  That clears it all up.

So, I did some digging around and learned that “casual chic” is a real thing (kinda) and although it sounds like the two terms are in complete opposition, taken together they have meaning.  Casual Chic is put-together, but not too fussy.  Tailored, but not boardroom traditional.  Sophisticated, but not overdone.  Basically, it’s straddling the line between everyday casual and all the way dressed up.

Rules for Dressing Casual Chic

1.       No Denim, but if you have to do denim, make it dark wash and trouser cut.  Denim is like the reigning queen of casual, so if you are trying to do a little bit better than a day at the lake, it’s best to leave the jeans at home.  If denim is the only option, make is a dark wash with a trouser cut and pair it with a shoe with a heel.  And for the love of lycra, no rips in the jeans please.

2.       Wear a shoe with a heel.  Any kind of heel on your shoe gives an outfit more of a classy polish.  Definitely no flip-flops, even on the beach.  A sandal with a kitten heel is a better casual-chic choice.

3.       Bring on the layers.  A tailored jacket or wrap can instantly bring up the class of a casual outfit.  Plus, they are practical.  Goosebumps are neither casual, nor chic. 

4.       Add accessories.  If arm party bracelets and statement necklaces were ever really needed, it’s now.  Exciting accessories give the outfit a little something extra.

5.       Pump up the makeup.  A little extra in the makeup department is always fun, but a tiny bit of extra glam can help give an outfit the right amount of chic to balance out the casual.  Never underestimate the power of a bold lipstick.

6.       Be on trend.  An outfit that follows the current fashion trends is an easy way to hit the right casual chic note. 

7.       Watch your length.  The chic part of the dress code dictates that dresses and pants be at least knee length.  Any length that hits at mid thigh (or heaven forbid, above) is just too casual to be chic.

(In the interest of full disclosure, I broke at least one of my rules with every one of my outfits.  Really, I'm just making this up as I go along.)

A Hilarious End to My Dress Code Distress

After all my worrying, I actually felt pretty confident about my ‘casual chic’ choices and was able to relax and enjoy the weekend.  At our first dinner (in the only Forbes Five Star Restaurant in Texas, no less), I looked around to see that I was dressed in the same vein with the other ladies in the room.  All except one.  One lady was wearing a corset style dress likely from the Snookie Couture (yes, that’s a really thing) with cutouts down to her belly button.  Her male dining companion was had kicked off his loafers and was enjoying his six course gourmet meal while twiddling his naked toes.  Apparently, they didn’t get the casual-chic memo.

~Today I am linking up with The Pleated Poppy and Get Your Pretty On and The Life of the Party~