What to wear if the Dress Code for an event clashes
with your wardrobe?

By Li-Kin Pang

What do you do when you receive an invitation card to an important event that says 'National Dress' and you have
nothing in your wardrobe that looks like a country you belong to? Will 'red and white' do for Singapore or must it be
a 'racial harmony day' kind of attire? Do you ignore the dress code or dash to Chinatown or Little India to buy
something you would probably never wear again?

First, try your utmost to adhere to the dress code and make it work for you and your host:

Imagine your host or organiser who has painstakingly planned and organised the event and decided on a 'theme'
and dress code. The whole idea is to create an ambience or atmosphere that reflects the mood and purpose of the
event. How would they feel if everyone comes in their 'usual nobody-cares-what-I-wear' attire? The truth is they do
care and they will feel that you really did not care that this event is special enough for you to dress accordingly.

Tip : Don't do a last-minute shopping as you may end up buying something you will never wear again! Start your
planning as soon as you receive the invitation - you may need to do some alterations or find a matching accessory
so it's never too early!

Next, your plan should start in your wardrobe to see what you can use to match the occasion:

You never know what gems you could have hidden in your closet and have been long forgotten - could be a top or
bottom which you wore once for a theme party! If it still fits and looks great, create a new look around this piece.
Start looking for complementary accessories which matches this piece and the theme. Could be a scarf, tie,
jewellery, shoes, bags, etc. At the end of the search, you may end up with a full outfit and your search ends here!
Most likely, you will have to make a list of 'missing' items you may need to borrow or purchase.

Tip : It is easier to start with a basic piece you like and work around it to create the ultimate look you want. Do the
same with your partner if you are going with one so you look compatible (but not alike!).

Borrow or Buy?

If you do not have the budget to invest too much on this event, then 'borrowing' is a wise move. I once went to a 
theme party where one whole table of 'peranakan' ladies wore sarong kebayas (beautiful ones too) from one lady's
entire wardrobe!

Think of someone about your size who may have hidden in their closet the kinds of clothes/accessories you are
looking for. You never know unless you ask!

Tip : To find the right 'lender', visualise the personality of your friends to match the theme you are dressing for.
For example, if it was for 'National Dress', perhaps one particular friend wears the 'quipao' (or cheongsam) almost
everyday - ask her first! And most likely, her partner (if any) would have matching ones as well!

Set aside one day to shop for everything you need:

You achieve the best results when you plan your shopping with a list and do some research on the kind of shops
 that stock what you need and decide what budget you need. If it is a specialty shop (eg costume party shop), look
them up or call first to check if they have what you are looking for. Take along with you the basic piece you are using
(if any) to get the best match. If possible, pick all the items you need and try them altogether for the complete look.
If not, you need to try everything together each time you buy an item.

Tip : If you have time, try surfing the net for any good online buys. Again, you never know something may be waiting
there for you to grab! If you prefer shopping, choose a good hair day and wear comfortable shoes! You buy mistakes
when you are moody or tired!

Try tailoring if you feel you can splurge on this one:

Look up or ask around for some good tailors who can create the look you want. This would have to be important
enough for you to want to stand out and be different! Remember, if you buy any item from a department store or from
a shop with stacks of the same items on the rack, there is a chance that you could meet someone wearing the same
thing! If you are paranoid about this, note the look of the design you like, and get a tailor to adapt it with a different fabric
or cut.

Tip: To stretch the shelf-life of your tailored outfit, it is best to go for a two-piece so you can mix and match for other
occasions. This way, you can use the items for another 'similar' theme party without looking exactly the same!

Match the hairdo:

If you have a great look from the neck downwards, and your hairdo is totally not in line with your theme, you have a
disaster on your hands! For example, don't wear a 'retro' theme dress with a hairstyle you wear to work! So, give
yourself enough time to get your hair done. If you are going to the hairdresser, tell them in advance what the theme is
and what you are wearing - they will be most delighted to help you complete the look! On the day itself, bring the
outfit along to show them and if there is time, put it on after the hairdo for a final touch!

Tip: If your outfit requires slipping through the head, and you don't want to mess your hairdo, you will have to put on
that item before doing up your hair. Otherwise, warn your hairdresser and go for a style that makes it easier to slip
on your clothes after that.

The grand entrance!

Finally, the day has arrived! Keep the mood up by preparing yourself with appropriate mannerisms and 'style' when
you make the grand entrance! Your host/hostess will not only notice you, but also remember you as someone who
took the effort to help make his event a successful and memorable one!