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From Cannes Film Festival to Etiquette Dress code tips!

Tami Lancut Leibovitz

Fashion is a significant and undeniable part of the magic of the glamorous Cannes Film Festival. Besides the magnificent movies and the prestige film competition, it’s also heaven of celebrity sighting this time of the year, and a favorite to many of the rich and famous, among the thousands of film industry professionals, taking part in the festival as visitors and organizers.

The film stars are not the only ones shining on this festival, the mesmerizing outfits and unbelievable looks are always stealing the show, when the stars are not shy to flaunt their most outrageous and unique suites and dresses. In terms of style events, Cannes is up there with the MET gala and the Oscars. So much glamour in this chic, star-studded town, truly inspired me to think back about the origin of fashion and image, subjects I write and work with every day for the last 30 years.

And how convenient for us, the Cannes Film Festival takes place in France, the birth place of etiquette! Take a moment to learn a few history facts about the origin of etiquette, who started it all?

The Formal dress code was developed in the court of King Louis XIVth, where agreements were reached to choose rules of proper behavior. Since those rules were established, It was customary for each guest to be handed a card of instructions on relevant do's and don'ts: what to wear, to whom to bow low and to whom to bow slightly, to whom one could speak and what subjects were allowed for conversation, etc. Sounds pretty simple, but it was the first step to a complete etiquette code.

This card, which in French was called "etiquette", marked the honor granted to persons of high standing to rub shoulders with people of "blue blood". Since then, the subject of etiquette branched out, expended and traveled to countries all over the world. But one might ask - why did the French even start with this etiquette thing back then?

The purpose of this ancient dress code was to give a special touch to a variety of events, by establishing a setting on the one hand and, and creating a social code on the other, so that guests would follow the dress instructions and behavior proscribed for different events. The idea works successfully to this day and enables certain events to be especially festive. When a person comes to a function after putting unusual effort into his dress and everybody around him is dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns, the atmosphere is extraordinarily special. Most of us can only watch Cannes on our television set, but we sure can learn some tips about the formal wear code conducted in Cannes’s most luxurious events.

Fancy Invitations: Get to know the Formal Dress Code

The tuxedo is a timeless icon that gets less and more popular by changing trends. To today, it is still considered a timeless style in the Western world.

 When you are invited to an event and the dress code is "Evening Dress" in all its styles, you will know it’s a formal festive event and the host is interested not only in your company but also in your agreeing to participate in the event, by HIS fashion codes!

So how do we know what to wear? In most cases, the host specifically requests it on the invitation! In different parts of the world, it’s common that you will have to observe this code at formal opening events, balls, elegant weddings, and at various state and diplomatic events in order to adjust to the local tradition and dress code.

If the dress code is not specified on the invitation, you must call and ask the hosts what style or dress code to come in. None of us wants to arrive too formal or too informal. Remember that the dress code is intended to make us feel and look our best!    Dress to impress!

Black Tie - Create Noire  

This is the best known and customary official dress code, with styles that always go in and out of fashion.

Generally the tuxedo is worn with a bow tie and white shirt, cuff links, polished black leather shoes and black satin socks. A matching sash can be worn around the waist. 

Tuxedo shirts really makes the difference and can change the whole look. First of all, choose the shirt style that you look best in but more importantly - feel best in, a shirt that allows you to have free movement. Tuxedo shirts differ in the types of fabric, collars and styles, such as: elegant to simple and plain with clean straight lines and classic collars to the traditional shirt with a pleated front and "wing" collar.

For women, a long classy dress or a sophisticated pant suit is acceptable. In a formal business environment, choose less loud colors and patterns and more solid colors as well as long silhouettes. In terms of sleeves, straps are recommended and a black dress is a great choice for any event! Adding darker legging with a skirt or pant suit and leather shoes will assure you are maintaining the etiquette dress code for the night!

  Creative black tie

This style allows men to turn the formal appearance into a somewhat "trendy" one by exchanging the traditional white shirt for a black colored shirt. Another possibility is to exchange the bow tie for a straight tie or go without a tie with the top button of the shirt unbuttoned.

The trend nowadays is to add expensive sneakers to the mix, suites and sneakers, what do you know? Looks like that are most likely to be found among creative, expressive individuals that are not afraid to make a statement and stand out. But if you are not Rihanna and just heading to your cousin's wedding or going to your office Christmas party, you might want to show off with a complete polished look. Another American version for the Tuxedo is the “Texas Black Tie” - a style which allows one to wear boots instead of black leather shoes. Howdy for that!

Women has plenty of room for creativity here – cocktail or long dresses are acceptable and strap shoes as well as different kinds of heels – not boots- can be worn.

   Black Tie optional

We love choices! This dress code allows you to choose whether to appear for an event in a tuxedo or dark suit. What means for you basically is that your host expects you to be dressed formal but does not want to insist you wear a tuxedo. Your host will wear a tuxedo but if you choose not to wear one you must come dressed in a dark suit or, better still, in any other even darker colored suit. It is important that the color of your shirt should not be too daring, but in one of the plain, lighter business colors. Instead of the bow tie, a regular tie can be worn.

Women can wear classy dresses in any color, preferably not a short outfit or a light-colored. Have fun dressing up and keep the make-up at ease level, don;t look like you tried too hard!

Always be ready and use common sense to make sensible, smart fashion choices and have fun while you do it, make it into an adventure and not a chore!

If you need more specific tips about colors, styles, dress and fashion codes, As part of my latest book “The IBL Code”, the International business language, you will be able to find a complete etiquette guide, a styling and fashion guide and so much more!

For more details and a copy of the book, visit my website  or Amazon to inquire about my book, The IBL Code: International Business Language. Thank you!