I Don't Want to be Overdressed...
I hear it all the time, not just from my clients but from friends and family too. Women have this ‘fear’ of being over dressed to a function but what you really fear is being more dressed. Let me explain…
By definition, over dressed is when you are dressed in a way that is too elaborate, ostentatious, or formal for a particular situation. The perfect example of this is wearing a gown to a BBQ. In this situation, a gown is clearly too formal for a BBQ. You would be overdressed and look out of place.
By (my) definition of more dressed is when you are dressed in a way that is perfectly styled, put together, accessorized and elevated. Let stick with this BBQ example with a casual dress code. At a BBQ you might see people in shorts and a tank top, a sundress, maybe even a free T-shirt with a logo of a local company on it. These are all examples of a casual outfit, all appropriate for a BBQ, but are at varying levels of casual with some being more elevated or ‘more dressed’ than others. Why are we afraid to be more dressed?
Personally, I’ve never understood why women are so concerned with being more dressed for a function. This should be a good thing! If you got a new maxi dress and you feel hot AF in it, rock it! Who cares if you’re girlfriends are all wearing leggings. I wanted to discuss this topic as we enter the season of holiday parties and family gatherings. There is absolutely noting wrong with being more dressed to a function. It will showcase your personal style, you’ll look put together and you’ll enjoy looking at the pictures for years to come as they pop up in your memories on social media.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you are actually over dressed or if you’re just stylishly more dressed:
Is what I’m wearing appropriate for the function? - This goes back to the gown at a BBQ situation. Think about what the function is, what you’ll be doing and whether or not what you’d like to wear is right for the function, regardless of what your friends may or may not be wearing.
Will my outfit allow me to engage in all activities at the event? - I always think about what I could be doing at the event and determine if my outfit will allow me to participate in everything. For example, if you’re headed to a BBQ where you could be playing cornhole, a drapey top or short dress will give your fellow guests a show… and I’m not talking about your cornhole skills. Similarly, think about if you’ll be sitting a lot… is what you what to wear comfortable for that?
Is my footwear suitable for the logistics of the event?- Is there a lot of walking involved? Uneven grounds? Sometimes what I want to wear on my feet dictates my outfit.
Could I see someone else at the event wearing something similar? - Its fine if your besties won’t be in the same thing… but can you picture anyone at the event in something similar?
Just because its a dress doesn’t mean its too dressy! Ok this isn’t a question to ask yourself, but it is a point I wanted to stress. When did dresses become the epitome of dressy? Just because its a dress doesn’t mean its too dressy! There is a dress that is right for every occasion out there, so if that’s what you are comfortable in or want to wear, do it up! In my option, the girl with the sweater dress on and the girl with the jeans and sweater can go to the same party!
If you can answer ‘Yes’ to all of the above, you’re good! Still questioning what to wear to your upcoming events? Let me style you! Contact me here to make sure all of your upcoming party outfits are perfectly styled and you’re not over dressed (LOL)!
xo, Ashley
