How To Pick the Perfect Homecoming Dress for Every Figure

Formal events always come with a dress code to follow, and black tie weddings are probably the strictest of the bunch. As an elegant, sophisticated occasion, you can expect the dress code of a black tie wedding to be described in a similar way. You likely already know that you should wear something refined and respectful for the event, but what exactly does that entail? The nuances of a black tie wedding can be a bit overwhelming, especially if this is your first black tie event. In this article, we’re going to explain what to wear to a black tie wedding so you can make sure you know how to make a lasting impression. This article discusses appropriate attire for both men and women, the classic tuxedo and evening gown, and the accessories that complete the ensemble. We'll also let you in on all our secrets on color palettes and fabric choices so you can truly look your best.  What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding: Women’s Attire You’ve probably been told you need to wear an evening gown for a black tie event, but there’s a lot more that goes into this decision. Here, we’ll take you through our recommendations for evening gowns, accessories to go with them, and hair and makeup to tie it all together. Evening Gown As far as a woman's black tie attire goes, the evening gown is pretty much the only right choice. This gown should be floor-length and made from silk, satin, velvet, or lace; anything luxurious. Options for the neckline range from a classic sweetheart to a sophisticated halter, but we generally recommend opting for a more modest style that complements your figure.  If you’re confused about the decision for the fabric and style of your gown, consider the season when you’ll be attending; a lightweight silk gown is best for a summer wedding, but a velvet gown might do you better in the winter. This does come down to preference, however. Accessories Accessories will help you complete your black tie ensemble. For your essentials, go with a delicate clutch or a small evening bag. As for jewelry, we usually recommend the classics: a diamond necklace, elegant earrings, and a bracelet. High-heeled shoes, preferably in a neutral color like silver or gold, will help elevate your look a touch. When choosing your accessories, make sure they complement your evening gown and overall style, which means no overly large or flashy accessories that might detract from the theme. Hair and Makeup Like your accessories, the hair and makeup should complement your evening gown and overall look. If you’re unsure, take your pick between the classics: a chignon, updo, or soft curls. Keep your makeup natural and sophisticated while highlighting your features with subtle contouring, mascara, and a touch of lipstick. Choose a color palette that complements your skin tone and the overall aesthetic of your outfit. Color palettes are discussed in detail in a later section. What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding: Men’s Attire If you’re just picking out a standard black tuxedo and calling it a day, you might be missing out on making your best impression at the event. In this section, we’ll go into everything that ties a man’s black tie attire together. Tuxedo The tuxedo is to men’s black tie attire what the evening gown is to women’s. It’s the standard suit, but it doesn’t have to be the standard style every time. A tuxedo is usually characterized by its black jacket with satin lapels and black trousers with satin side stripes, but we recommend experimenting with a navy one too. You might be pushing it with other, less common colors, but a navy jacket is perfectly acceptable at most events and helps you stand out just that little bit more. The jacket of your tuxedo should fit impeccably, with a tailored silhouette that accentuates your physique. The trousers should be hemmed to just above the ankle. The fitting of the tuxedo jacket can really make or break your whole outfit, so make sure it gets the appropriate attention. Shirt and Bow Tie The shirt worn with a tuxedo should be a white dress shirt made from a fine fabric like cotton or linen. The collar should be a wingtip or a spread, the two most commonly used formal types. A black bow tie is also the traditional pairing for the tuxedo, so make sure you have one. It should be tied carefully and adjusted so it’s comfortable around your neck. Like the rest of the outfit, the bow tie should be made from a high-quality fabric, such as silk or satin. Accessories Accessories at a black tie wedding are as important for men as they are for women. As a man, you should choose a black patent leather belt and your best pair of dress shoes (we recommend oxfords or wingtips). A pocket square can also add a touch of personality to your tuxedo jacket. Don’t forget your timepiece - a classy Tissot can add a lot of sophistication to your look without breaking the bank. Grooming Grooming is an everyday essential, but it’s all the more important if you want a polished black tie look. Whichever hairstyle you choose, make sure it’s neatly styled and well-groomed. If you have facial hair, it should be trimmed and properly maintained.  There are too many perfumes or colognes to choose from (depending on the season, style, etc.), so as a general recommendation, we advise against strong or overpowering ones. A subtle fragrance is all you’ll need to lift your whole impression. Little details like this will make all the difference for you on the evening More Do’s for Both Men and Women Now that you have a baseline for what to do with your outfit and accessories, you can get into the nitty gritty of your overall look; that’s what we’ll cover in this section. Color Palette At a black tie event, your options may be a bit limited in the color palette, depending on how strict the dress code is. If you want to go with something solid and dependable, black is the traditional color that you just can’t go wrong with. This will work for both tuxedos and evening gowns.  That said, there are other options that can work just as well too. For men, our favorite is a midnight blue tuxedo or even a charcoal gray suit. For women, you can consider a navy blue, emerald green, or dark silver evening gown as well. The only guideline to keep in mind with different colors is not to go for really flashy ones that might stand out in a distracting manner. Fabric Quality The quality of the fabric used in your outfit plays a much bigger role in how you’ll look than people often expect. High-quality fabrics that are both durable and luxurious are a must here. For women, these would be silk, satin, velvet, and lace. Not only do they look the part, but they also drape beautifully and make you look graceful regardless of the setting. For men, your tuxedo should be made from a fine wool or cashmere blend. The fabric should be soft to the touch and have a subtle sheen.  Fit and Tailoring As we emphasized earlier, fit and tailoring can really make or break your whole look. For men, your jacket should fit snugly across the shoulders without being too tight. The sleeves should be the correct length, which means ending just above the wrist bone. The trousers should be hemmed to your preferred length and fit comfortably around the waist. For women, the evening gown should flatter your figure and curves. The tailoring should be such that it fits snugly around the bodice and waist, with a flowing skirt that goes with your body type. Comfort We often see people overlooking comfort in favor of looking their best, but you don’t necessarily have to choose between the two. A good looking outfit can be your most comfortable one as long as you choose it right. For starters, whichever attire you go with should let you move freely and enjoy the evening.  Women should look at the length of the dress in this respect (does it let you move around easily?) Heels are the most common choice for shoes, so make sure they’re your most comfortable pair. For men, when getting your suit tailored, make sure it’s not so tight that it restricts your movement, even if it looks fine at a surface level. Get a good pair of dress shoes with good cushioning and support to avoid discomfort. Mastering the Art of Black Tie Attire And there you have it! By now, you should know everything you need to look your absolute best for the evening. Once again, we’d like to emphasize the importance of your fitting and tailoring; it’ll define not just how good you look, but how comfortable you are at the wedding.  You also have options with colors, though we’d generally recommend staying on the darker end of the spectrum with your choice. Last but not least, remember to be your most confident self at the event - your attire will follow suit, and you’ll make the best possible impression on your peers.  

A cruise is the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury, giving you an unparalleled vacation experience. There is always a variety of activities, from lounging by the pool and unwinding in premium spas to dining in the finest restaurants and exploring exotic locations. This busy schedule calls for careful planning on what to wear. This article will guide you on what to wear on a cruise so that you look stylish and feel comfortable throughout the day and night. We’ll also share some exclusive packing tips at the end that can make preparing for your next vacation easier.  What to Wear on a Cruise: Daytime Outfits Mornings and afternoons on a cruise are the perfect time for travelers to ease into an exciting day of various onboard activities. While there’s usually no strict dress code for these activities on most cruises, here is a breakdown of what you can wear if you’re in need of some inspiration: Lounging by the Pool Almost all ships offer spacious pool decks with loungers, hot tubs, and occasionally water slides and splash zones. If you’re starting your day off by soaking up the sun with a refreshing cocktail, you’d want to dress in lightweight, breathable swimwear. You can also wear a sarong wrap or kimono for a cover-up if you’re moving between the pool and the bar.  For men, we recommend opting for a pair of swim trunks and a casual tank top or short-sleeved button-up. You’ll also need a pair of slip-on sandals and flip-flops to make it easier to walk around the deck.  Onboard Entertainment Another common theme you’ll encounter on most luxury cruises is the range of entertainment available, such as fitness classes, sports tournaments, dance lessons, cooking demonstrations, trivia games, and more. This will require versatile and comfortable clothing like tank tops and breathable shirts with shorts or casual sundresses. Whether you're going on an adventure or enjoying relaxed activities, light sneakers or slip-on shoes will keep you comfortable and ready for anything. Shore Excursions If you’re heading offshore to hit the beach, explore any local destinations, or take a guided tour, you need to dress the part. Light tops like t-shirts and tank tops work well with breathable pants, capris, or even skirts. Activewear like moisture-wicking tops, board shorts, and athletic leggings work well if you’re heading off hiking or zip-lining. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals, as you’ll be engaging in a lot of movement that can tire out your feet.  If you’re visiting places that have cultural or religious restrictions, make sure to pack modest attire. These typically include clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, such as maxi skirts, long-sleeved tops, and scarves.  Relaxation and Wellness Activities If your itinerary includes spa sessions, yoga classes, and wellness workshops, loose-fitting apparel is key. We’re talking yoga pants, breathable tank tops, comfortable shorts, and cozy loungewear. Most wellness centers provide robes and slippers, but it's always a good idea to bring your own outfit that you can easily slip into after a rejuvenating spa session.  Casual Daytime Dining  For those wanting to grab a bite or a drink without having to dress in formal attire, there are often several casual dining and lounging options. All you need to wear here is a simple sundress or a nice blouse or polo shirt with a pair of shorts for a meal like brunch. You might also need a light cardigan or shawl in case the air conditioning is too cool for your taste.  What to Wear on a Cruise in the Evening Cruise evenings change up the atmosphere a bit, shifting from the relaxed daytime vibe to a more sophisticated and lively scene. This is where you’ll want to embrace proper cruise etiquette by dressing up, showcasing your personal style, and enjoying a different side of the cruise experience.  Casual Nights Casual evenings and nights usually require a comfortable yet stylish outfit. Think jeans or chinos with a nice shirt or blouse for men and casual dresses or skirts paired with simple tops for women. You can choose between loafers, casual shoes, and flats to finish off the outfit. Smart Casual For a relaxed but more polished look, dressier pants and stylish skirts with a button-up shirt or chic blouse can do the trick. Men can wear a blazer over a dress shirt with trousers. If your overall outfit is still simple, you can dress it up with smart shoes like loafers, dressy flats, or ankle boots.  Formal Nights Formal nights are when you can go all out when dressing up. Some cruise lines have specific dress codes, but, generally, the guidelines are quite simple. Women can wear elegant cocktail dresses, gowns, or dressy separates. On the other hand, men should opt for a suit and tie or a tuxedo. Heels are typically encouraged for women, while men are expected to wear dress shoes. Special Cruise Events Cruises often feature exciting specialty events and themed nights to add a bit of spice to your voyage. These can include tropical luaus, masquerade balls, retro 80s parties, and neon nights. To avoid any last-minute stress of wondering what to wear, it’s a good idea to review your cruise itinerary well in advance so you know what you have to work with.  Plain white outfits can work perfectly for white parties, while tropical prints are ideal for a traditional “Caribbean night.” You can also rent costumes and thrift affordable themed accessories before your trip to transform your outfits with a few creative touches without breaking the bank.  Cold-Weather Cruises While most people enjoy going on cruises in the summertime, voyages to colder destinations like Alaska also have a strong fan following. These trips require a lot more preparation and have a greater focus on layering. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day. You can start off with thermal tops and bottoms as a base layer, add a fleece jacket or knit sweater for warmth, and finish off with a waterproof jacket to guard yourself against the wind and rain. Don’t forget your waterproof boots or shoes, especially if you’re planning to head out on excursions to glaciers, join nature hikes, or move about on rainy days. Essential Cruise Accessories In addition to all the outfits we’ve broken down above, here’s a list of essential cruise accessories you need to pack to have for a smooth and enjoyable trip: Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun while lounging on deck or exploring areas offshore. Beach Tote or Bag: Carry your essentials with you wherever you go. Wide-Brimmed Hat: Get shade and protection from the sun while completing your chic summer look. Baseball Cap: Keep the sun out of your eyes during daytime excursions or activities. Clutch: Serves as the perfect stylish accessory for formal dinners. Jewelry: Enhance your outfit with versatile pieces that can transition from day to night. Avoid bringing overly expensive or sentimental jewelry so that you don’t have to worry about loss or damage. Cold-Weather Accessories: Gloves, scarves, beanies, and thermal socks for extra warmth. Packing Tips for a Cruise Packing all these outfits and accessories can be daunting, but there are several tips you can follow to make the process easier: Create a capsule wardrobe. If you focus on a color palette that allows easy mixing and matching, you'll have a much more versatile selection of outfits. You can easily dress up and dress down these pieces depending on the situation. Roll clothes instead of folding them to save vital space in your luggage. You can also get packing cubes and organizers from your local store to use your space more efficiently.  Remember to pack sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, medication, toiletries, and other essentials.  Leave behind heavy and bulky items unless they’re necessary for your destination.  Avoid bringing uncomfortable footwear, such as very high heels, that can cause discomfort while walking on a moving ship.  Review your cruise line’s specific guidelines carefully to make sure what is allowed and what is prohibited.  Every Cruise Line Is Different At the end of the day, every cruise line is different and offers a unique set of amenities and activities that can influence your packing and overall experience. You need to understand the specific features and expectations of your cruise line so that you can tailor your wardrobe and accessories accordingly.  The guidelines shared in this article are an excellent starting point for planning your wardrobe. Given your cruise’s rules and your personal preferences, you can add and subtract items as you see fit. It might seem like a chore at first, but the better prepared you are, the more you'll enjoy your cruise adventure.  

Since the introduction of photography, family portraits have been a tradition for many. Now that we all carry a high-quality camera in our pocket, candid photos are more popular than ever, but sometimes having a planned family photo can be a charming way to commemorate an occasion. One of the most common family photos are yearly Christmas photos, but you can take a group picture for all sorts of events. Birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, or family vacations are wonderful excuses to get together and take a picture. Of course, if you’re taking a special photo, you want everyone to look the part. Most families have some people who are chronically overdressed and others who are chronically underdressed, so choosing a theme or dress code ahead of time can help the picture look more cohesive. There’s nothing cuter than a coordinated theme to family outfits in a photo.  Looking Your Best in Family Pictures For some of us, taking photos in general can be stressful. We might feel self-conscious about how the camera captures us, or we may compare ourselves to others in our own family. When you’re old and gray, though, you may regret it if you don’t have pictures of yourself with the people you love. No matter the theme, you can choose to create an outfit that helps boost your confidence. Pick a silhouette that flows over your body, not clinging or scrunching. While stretch jersey fabrics feel comfortable, they don’t photograph well, so choose a woven fabric with some structure. Make sure your outfit fits well and feel free to adjust it with a belt or by tucking things in to create a more dynamic shape or more even proportions. Even a boxy t-shirt can be styled in a way that makes you feel more confident, so take the time to style yourself before the photo. Your smile will be even brighter if you do. Matchy-Matchy Family Picture Outfit Ideas The easiest way to make sure everyone is dressed to the theme is to have everyone wear the same thing. It takes some pre-planning, but if that’s the concept you want, it’s worth the effort. Matching Tees The old family reunion special is matching t-shirts, and it’s easier than ever now with print shops letting you upload your designs digitally. Make sure to order the right number of the right sizes so everyone’s shirt fits well in the picture. You can poll everyone ahead of time in the family group chat. If you want to create your own custom tees, make sure to enlist the most artistic member of the family to help create a design that’s cute enough to wear even after the photo is taken. Matching Outfits If you’re dressing a smaller group, there are other options beyond the classic t-shirt. Many larger mall and big box brands like Old Navy, Gap, and Target have clothing in a wide range of sizes and cuts for men, women, children, and teens. Classic items like solid color button-downs or cable knit sweaters will likely be available across all those sizes. Sometimes the same patterns will also be available in children’s and adult clothes or very similar kids’ versions of adult designs. There are even brands that specialize in “mommy and me” or “daddy and me” outfits, so you can find an identical outfit in kid and adult sizes. Having your baby or toddler match you perfectly will, no doubt, make your photos extra adorable. Unique Family Picture Outfit Ideas Sometimes you want a more organic look to your photos, especially if you’re dressing a group of mainly adults.  If you don’t want to purchase identical clothing items for every member of the family, you can choose a theme that everyone dresses to instead. This will give your photos a charming sense of harmony without looking artificially staged. Here are a few ideas to consider when picking outfits for your family photos. Stick to a Theme You can think of your family photo themes as party themes: choose something fun to let everyone’s creativity shine through. Pick a theme and let everyone have fun creating a costume or look together. Maybe you want to do an old west theme and have everyone dress up as cowboys and Oregon Trail pioneers. Or, the theme could be beach vacation. Everyone can wear their swimsuits and Hawaiian shirts with sunglasses. You could also do your own version of the MET Gala with everyone dressed in their very best formal outfit. A theme could also be based on a beloved book for a film the whole family enjoys. Each member of the family could dress as their favorite character. An open theme not only allows each member of the family to put a unique spin on a concept, but also lets you show the personality of your family as a whole. Choose a Color The easiest way to make a family photo look well-coordinated is to choose a color for everyone to wear. It’s usually easiest to choose a neutral color that everyone will have in their wardrobe. While it’s tempting to pick basic black, a lighter color like cream or beige will brighten everyone up and keep the photo from looking too drab. You don’t have to limit yourself to neutrals, of course, you can also choose a color that’s representative of your family or important in your culture. It will be a more visually interesting photo to have everyone wear their favorite shade of the same color. It will be obvious that the theme was planned, but it will allow everyone to pick the shade that best flatters them and makes them feel good. Pick a Matching Item of Clothing Who doesn’t love an ugly sweater party? This outfit revolves around a specific item, a sweater, and allows everyone to exercise their creativity in the one they choose. While this is common for winter holidays, there are other items you could choose to match. Denim jackets are a classic item that many people have in their wardrobes. They can be simple and basic blue denim, but they can also come in a variety of washes and colors. Some people also enjoy customizing their jean jackets with patches, pins, and paint. A jean jacket family photo will look cohesive while still allowing each person to show their creativity and style. Coordinate a Pattern Patterns are one of the best ways to add excitement or visual interest to an outfit, and you can also use them to spice up a family photo. Classics like stripes or polka dots are easy to coordinate, but you can also choose more unique patterns that reflect your family’s cultural background. If you have Scottish heritage, choose a tartan associated with your family clan. If you have Ashanti roots, add a piece made with Kente cloth to your outfit. For families that trace their ancestors back to the Andes Mountains, try adding some Quechua patterns. Every culture has a rich history of textiles that are unique to that region. You can incorporate one item of clothing in that pattern into everyone’s outfit. Perhaps someone wears it as a shirt, another as a scarf, a headband, or even a dress. This is a beautiful way to create a thread that links everyone’s outfit, but allows individuality. Or you can simply choose a fun pattern that everyone loves and let them incorporate it into their look. Seasonal Themes Choosing a seasonal theme is also a great way to get everyone on the same page. Spring and fall are particularly great seasonal themes that come with a strong sense of visual language. If you can take your pictures in an outdoor setting during those seasons, even better! For spring, a pastel color palette with soft neutrals is perfect. Floral patterns work well too. Linen shirts, light colored slacks, midi dresses, or flowy skirts in the colors and patterns of the season will look great on every member of the family. Choosing a park or botanical garden as your backdrop will create the perfect spring photo. For fall, you can take inspiration from the autumn foliage. Deep browns, burgundy, burnt orange, and forest green are beautiful colors for fall. Chunky knits and flannel shirts are perfect at this time of year and can be paired with denim or khaki bottoms.  You could choose a long-sleeved dress or pair a chunky sweater with a maxi skirt and leather boots for a look that practically smells like pumpkin spice. Take your photos in a wooded area to showcase the trees or at a pumpkin patch. What’s cuter than kids in a pumpkin patch? Say Cheese in Your Perfect Family Photo Outfit When it comes time to take the picture, everyone will be smiling brighter if they had fun creating their look and feel good wearing it. These are some of our favorite family picture outfit ideas, but there are so many options. You can choose the theme that best represents your unique family and the incredible individuals in it.