Hey, Style Slayers — Happy Moda Monday!
Welcome Inside the Closet! In this edition, we’re sharing 1 quest, 2 tips, and 3 looks to help you embrace your unique style superpowers — Let’s step in! 👇
1 Quest for you to try
It’s the season of summer celebrations! From garden weddings to rooftop soirées, and backyard baby showers to formal festivities, summer is prime time for events that ask us to showcase our best dressed selves. But with every invitation comes a classic conundrum: What does “cocktail attire” and “formal attire” mean, and what’s the difference between them? More importantly, how do you follow the dress code and still feel like yourself?
At Vostra Moda, we believe your style should shine through no matter the occasion. This week, we’re sharing tips on how to honor the dress code and bring your personality to the party, and we challenge you to create an event-worthy outfit that will be ready to wear for your next invite!
How to participate
- Choose: Think of one upcoming event you’re attending (or would love to be invited to).
- Create: Put together a look that fits the dress code while still reflecting your personal flair. Play with silhouettes, color, or accessories that fit the theme while emphasising your own interests and self-expression in the process!
- Capture: Even if it’s just a try-on for this challenge, snap a pic for reference and share your outfit with #VostraModaQuest, or reply to this email with your entry!
The most inspiring outfit will be featured next week! Please let me know if you would like to remain anonymous.
2 Tips to help you slay
For this week’s quest, we’re going to decode the dress code lingo you may see on your next invite, and some styling tips that can be applied to any category!
— Casual: Think daytime, but still put together. This could look like a sundress, lightweight trousers paired with a nice polo or button-up, or coordinated sets. Footwear can be more playful or practical, and lighter colors and fun prints are a great option.
— Cocktail: A more elevated step from casual, think polished! Mid-length dresses (at or right below the knee in many cases), jumpsuits, or sleek separates. Opt for more luxe fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet for evening events (be mindful of the temperature, though, so you don’t overheat!). Lean toward darker or richer colors for cocktail attire during evening events with this dress code.
— Formal/Black Tie Optional: Get the gowns (think floor length and elegantly structured) or tailored suits out for this dress code! A tux is encouraged, but a fitted, darker-hued suit paired with a crisp button-down and tie is also acceptable! Fun and elegant embellishments or prints are welcome in this category, and accessories, shoes, and unique statement pieces can really elevate your look while still allowing your personality to shine through!
— Black Tie: Possibly the most intimidating dress code for most guests to receive, but I say, embrace the opportunity to instead think of yourself as a celebrity walking the red carpet in this moment while wearing a tuxedo, full-length evening gown, or formal jumpsuit! You can’t be too overdressed for this category (unless you wear a wedding dress and aren’t the person getting married yourself – which is a bit of a faux pas and I would NOT recommend doing)! Stick with dark colors or deeper jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or burgundy.
— White Tie: TBH, this is a VERY rare dress code nowadays, and you’re more likely to see a Black Tie invite for a formal wedding or event. That being said, for White Tie, think Met Gala or a Royal Ball with VERY specific stipulations! The tux for a white tie dress code means you will need to have a black tailcoat with real tails and matching trousers paired with a stiff white winged collared shirt featuring a pleated or piqued front. This is paired with a white vest and bow tie. Any gown worn needs to be floor-length, and typically leans toward a dramatic silhouette, and loud patterns or bright colors should be avoided. Gloves are encouraged with this outfit option, and keeping your accessories elegant and elevated, including your shoes and bag.
— Theme/Destination Events: You know I love a good theme for inspiration! A beach wedding might call for breezy linens in a requested color so you stay cool as a guest, but adding something like bold jewelry can help elevate your look while again, emphasizing your own style.
Our style suggestions
- Choose color with intention: I recommend double-checking if the couple or host has color guidelines (some weddings request guests avoid certain colors, while others request guests to please wear specific colors). If there isn’t a color guideline set and you don’t know where to start, darker jewel tones for evening, lighter pastels for daytime, or going with a classic navy option are all safe bets for any event not specifically outlined!
- Respect the code without conforming: Dress codes shouldn’t be thought of as a restriction — think of them instead as a starting point. If a suit feels too boring or stiff, try one in a non-traditional color or cut. If dresses aren’t your thing, a chic jumpsuit or tailored coordinated set might be your go-to instead. There are a lot of options out there – don’t be afraid to try something new…just give yourself plenty of time before the actual event so you’re not panic shopping!
3 Looks for you to shop
Upgrade your wardrobe with just one click! Shop these fresh looks to trend the multiverse and never go out of style.
The Mr.
The Mr fashion flatlay showcasing a cocktail dress code – think “polished” with more luxe fabrics or darker color options for evening events, but still fun with a printed shirt and cohesive color palette. This outfit features a burgundy and black color palette with a few pops of color thanks to the floral print shirt!
The Mx.
The Mx fashion flatlay showcasing a casual dress code – think fun but still put together! This outfit takes the idea of more formal attire, but uses more casual materials and styling to simplify and keep it interesting, like these linen pants with a unique wrap style waist! Accessories, prints, and patterns are also a great way to play with your look in this dress code option!
The Ms.
The Ms fashion flatlay showcasing a formal dress code – floor length gowns are recommended for formal, but this particular dress creates a showstopping look with a high side lit that shows some leg while still being floor length and creating a dramatic silhouette with the one shoulder sleeve. Unique statement pieces like the pearl dripping gold earrings and a dripping gold clutch add some personality while still maintaining elegance!
Until next week!
👉 Share your quest success with #VostraModaQuest or reply to this email for a chance to be featured in next week’s email. Please let me know if you would like to remain anonymous.
“Life is a party. Dress for it.” — Audrey Hepburn