That was AMAZING!

Invitation for a dance

 When it is time for a gentleman to invite a lady for a dance, he must follow some simple rules that will ensure he makes the best impression. Those simple rules are summarized in this extract from “The Gentleman and Lady’s Book” written in 1830 by Mme Celnart.

When you are sure of a place in the dance, you go up to a lady, and ask her if she will do you the honor to dance with you.If she answers that she is engaged, invite her for the next dance, but take care not to address yourself afterwards to any ladies next to her, for these not being able to refuse you, would feel hurt at being invited after another. Never wait until the signal is given to take partner, for nothing is more impolite than to invite a lady hastily, and when the dancers are already in their places; it can be allowed only when the set is incomplete.A lady cannot refuse the invitation of a gentleman to dance, unless she has already accepted that of another.

Invitation to the dance starts with the bow of the asking person. Response accompanies with the bow as well. When dance finishes, a gentleman should escorts his lady to the same place where he asked her to dance, or to any other place according to a lady’s wish.

Evening dress or suit is welcome but not a must!

Ladies and gentlemen! Yesterday our core team got together to check one more time the room, sound and other tiny but important details which make our ball the most thrilling event of this Autumn. I have to confess. I was stunned by a level and quality of performances which are waiting for us! Listening sound check, discussing master-class and program make me feel like in a fairytale. I found myself in a sublime state. And I can’t wait to witness and participate in our Autumn Ball.

This evening is specially planned for our Toastmasters community and our friends. Hope we didn’t intimidate you with dress codey. Take the loveliest dress you have or suit you like and be ready to spend 4 unforgettable hours next Saturday with Toastmasters!

How to knot a bow tie

The white or black bow tie is a great component of the suit ensembl. Tieing your own bow tie is not obligatory nowadays. Bow ties can be bought ready tied and only need to be adjusted to fit the collar. However, it is also undeniable that tying your own bow tie shows a lot of class.

How it’s done:

1. Lay the tie around your neck so that the end on your left is longer than the one on your right.
2. Fold the longer over the shorter end.
3. The long end should now be brought up towards the chin and pulled forward. It can then be left hanging down.
4. Then fold the short end in the middle of the broad part, making a bow – the loop should be pointing to the left. Fold the long end over the knot you have just formed.
5. Now bring the long end up towards the chin, back and over to the front again.
6. Flip the long end up – in the shape of a bow, as before – and then pull it from the left through the part you have just folded
7. & 8. Finally, align the bow by carefully pulling at both „wings“, making sure it’s symmetrical.

Elements of attire

Accessories add the finishing touches to your ball outfit

The Bag

An evening bag should be “small but mighty” and naturally match the ball or evening dress. Sequins, embroidery, satin or metal – as long as it glitters, you’re on the right track. Shapes range from pouches over small strappy bags to the classic clutch – the latter being particularly trendy, but, as it has no shoulder strap, always has to be carried in the hand.

Shoes

An elegant heel is more or less a “must“ – ballerinas are not usually worn and only allowed if they are very “eveningy”. According to the correct dress code – but in marked contrast to popular belief – a ball shoe must be closed at the toes but can be open at the heel. Patent leather, satin or rhinestones are to be given preference, straps give the necessary support. Those who wish to be prepared for all eventualities will chose professional dancing shoes.

Gloves
Evening gloves are most often made of satin or lace. An off-the-shoulder ball gown calls for long, shiny ball gloves, etiher in black or some other colour matching but contrasting the dress. They should be tight fitting, which is no longer a problem in this day and age of lycra, and must at least reach up to the elbows.

The Watch
Elegant attention to detail becomes apparent when it comes to the watch. According to the strict dress code rules only jewel-watches are allowed, preferably those with hidden faces that can’t be discerned as timepieces. These small, delicate, elegant watches should always have an evening look about them and be adorned with stones, whether genuine or fake makes no difference here. Sporty and everyday watches are not appropriate – better to go without. When wearing gloves, the watch is to be worn over these.

The dark suit

Every man should own at least one elegant evening suit that can be worn to events like Autumn Ball. Experts passionately argue about the exact dress code for occasion wear – no other form of attire inspires such differences of opinion. Elegance is a good point of reference when it comes to the quality of an evening suit.

Material & colour

Elegance is the name of the game – beginning with the material. Pure wool or wool-satin mixed fabrics, gabardines or satins with a lightly shimmering surface are preferable to sporty flannels. For formal occasions the suit should be black, anthracite or midnight blue and can also be pin striped.

Jacket & trousers

Elegant evening suit jackets can be cut in the Italian or American way, usually have 2 or 3 buttons and – regardless of whether they are single or double breasted – have no slit in the back. A single breasted jacket can be combined with a waistcoat. These days, 1-button-versions can also be found among Italian designs. The trousers are always made from the same material in the same colour as the jacket.

The shirt

The shirt must be white and have double cuffs, at least when attending a ball. When it comes to the collar, all forms are possible – with the exception of very sporty or button down versions. A tuxedo shirt is the best option for a black suit. By the way: these shirts never have breast pockets, but always boast French cuffs.

Ball gown

A formal ball gown is a big investment for women who want to make an impression at a special occasion. Ball gowns can range from tea length (mid-calf to ankle-length) to full-length (to the floor).

Select the right colours.  Black is still a classic and very popular for ball gowns and evening wear, but colours are getting more intense and stronger at the moment. Autumn colours, such as warm oranges or all shades of brown, are popular. There is a particular trend towards “berry colours” like blackberry, purple and lilac, but also strong blues like aqua and turquoise

A summer dress, no matter how beautiful, is never worn to a ball! It’s suitable for a garden party, for an elegant dinner “al fresco” or for a concert.

When trying out ball gowns, think of the music, the company, and the impression you want to create. Be the princess at the top of the staircase, flash your best papparazzi smile, hear the clicks and shutters of the page-six photographers as you walk down the red carpet to the front of the ballroom. Your ball gown should bring out the best in your personality and your sense of style while showing you off to your best potential - after all, a ball doesn't come along every weekend! (Or at least not for most of us!)

No matter what the specifics, the perfect ball gowns will always make the wearer feel comfortable, sexy, classy, and gorgeous, and in general it's important that these qualities are what draw you to the garment you decide on. Some say fashion requires sacrificing comfort, but if a ball gown is a good fit for your form, taste and personality it will also make something in your heart flutter with anticipation, and once that happens, you'll know you've been hooked by the perfect gown.

"Elegance is not to strike one’s eye, but to linger in the memory" GIORGIO ARMANI, Designer