Style Guide: What to Wear to an Engagement Party

An outing at the country club isn't the same thing as grabbing a few beers at your local dive or sports bar. While you don't have to follow any specific rules etiquette-wise (unless you’re playing a round of golf), you will need to keep up with the country club's dress code. The dress code tends to change depending on the specific club, so it's not a universal dress code for every location. That said, there are certain guidelines you can follow that will have you looking the part at just about every country club you visit.  While the dress code can be complicated, don't worry, we’re here to help you dress for success at your next country club outing. Read on to learn more about country club attire and how you can customize your look. What Is a Country Club?  Never been to a country club and don't know what to expect? We have you covered, and in principle, a country club is simpler than you might think.  The first thing you think of is likely golf, but country clubs aren't just golf. You'll find that many clubs include other amenities as well that range from private pools to lavish tennis courts. Country clubs also tend to be exclusive, but there are some public options opened by counties or townships. Village clubs are also available depending on your location, but you'll likely have to be a resident of that village to visit them. At exclusive country clubs, you have to pay a membership fee or be invited by an organization that's renting the place out. These fees vary based on the location, and what you get out of a membership will vary based on the club. Aside from having outdoor and indoor activities, country clubs also tend to have bars, dining options, as well as other amenities. In fact, country clubs tend to be a great place for a wedding, but the dress code for that is more black tie. Do Country Clubs Have a Dress Code? Yes, most country clubs will have a dress code. Typically, the code is enforced by the people who work at the country club. This can be a bartender or someone who watches the golf course.  Depending on the country club, the dress code and how It's enforced will vary. For example, some courses won't give you any trouble if you’re playing nine holes in sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt, while other clubs will ask you to change or leave. Why Do Country Clubs Have Dress Codes? Country clubs have dress codes because they're baked into tradition. In the past, people used to join country clubs to be prestigious, so it wasn't uncommon for them to dress the part. Today, this is often the case, and the dress code is part of what elevated country clubs above most other restaurants, bars, and even public golf courses.  Ultimately, the reason for the dress code at a country club is a mix of prestige, tradition, and standing out from other places to hang around.  Country Club Attire for Women  When it comes to country club attire for women, you'll find that there are a lot of options– you don't have to feel forced to wear a button-down shirt or slacks. Instead, women can get away with long-sleeve shirts or sleeveless shirts. However, a collar is still important at some country clubs. Some appropriate choices for the club include skirts that hit the knee or below, shorts, and longer slacks. Neutral tones tend to work best for shorts or slacks, though if you’re going with a skirt, it can have a little more color.  Likewise, dresses are another choice as long as the hemline and neckline are appropriate. Generally, you’ll want your skirt or dress to hit your knee, though some country clubs may allow for a shorter look – be sure to check the dress code.  If you get chilly, a cardigan or sweater is perfectly fine at most country clubs, but you can always call ahead if you have any concerns.  Headwear is also flexible for women at the country club. Visors, hats, and headbands are all acceptable. Plus, you can have some fun with the colors because you don't have to worry about having a specific color unless it's a rule that's stated by the country club.  If you’re going to a more formal outing, like a cocktail hour, you'll want to opt for a cocktail dress or something a little more formal. You can also consider more formal dresses for weddings and other major events taking place at country clubs. Attire to Avoid at the Country Club for Women  We've covered what you can wear at the country club, but what about what you can't?  The clothing items we list below are ones you should typically avoid:  Short shorts  Tube tops  Sandals  High heels (unless you’re at a wedding or cocktail hour) An excessive amount of dangling jewelry  Sweats  Boots  Yoga pants  Leggings  Jeans Hoodies  Depending on the country club, you might also want to avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing. Do Young Women Have to Wear Country Club Attire? Yes, young women have to wear country club attire. Anyone who wants to go to the country club should meet dress code standards. It helps the club maintain its status but will also help your children feel more included. Plus, why not start young? While children don't have to wear the same clothes as adults, it helps to be mindful. Country Club Attire for Men  When it comes to country club attire for men, a good rule of thumb to follow is that you should always have at least a collared shirt. This can be a button-down shirt, polo shirt, or another type of shirt that has a color. While the shirt is the most important part, you also need to wear a nice pair of pants. For men, country club pants tend to be golf shorts or golf slacks. The material is often a combination of khaki and activewear, so don't worry; you'll be comfortable out there.  As for the colors, well, that's where you have the most creativity. Have a polo that's covered with ducks or other designs? You can wear it to the country club. Have a plain black polo shirt? Also acceptable for the country club. This applies to your pants as well, so don't be shocked if you see a man wearing a white polo with pink pants – that's just a fun golf outfit.  It's also important to note that hats and visors are not off-limits at country clubs. While these clothing items tend not to be acceptable for classy outings, they're okay for the country club setting, especially if you’re playing a few holes. The only time this dress code changed is if you’re attending a country club outing for work or a wedding. For work, business casual is the right move, and for a wedding, you'll want to wear a suit and a tie.  If you’re ever worried about what to wear to a country club, you can always call ahead to see what the dress code looks like. Attire to Avoid at the Country Club for Men  Men have a lot of leeway with what they can wear at the country club, but that doesn't mean that anything goes. You'll want to avoid wearing jeans and work clothes, for example, because it can make you look out of place or be outside the country club’s dress code.  Other clothes to avoid include: T-shirts  Sweatpants  Cuffed pants  Hoodies  Baggy clothing  Sandals  Boots  Too much jewelry  Cargo shorts (at some country clubs) Clothing with foul language or designs  Aside from these clothes, you can also avoid other outfits that you think will make you feel out of place. Do Young Men Have to Wear Country Club Attire? Yes, young men have to wear country club attire. While you can get away without it, helping your child fit in on the golf course or at your next country club outing can help them feel more comfortable. Plus, it's a respectable thing to do for other guests at the county club. Feel Confident at the Country Club With Sherri Hill  When you want to feel confident on the golf course, there's no better place to shop than Sherri Hill. Every year we update our catalog with new dress ideas to help you feel confident in any situation.  Whether you’re playing 18 holes or you need a cocktail dress for a lunch event, we have you covered with some of the best dresses you'll lay eyes on. You'll also find plenty of formal dresses if you plan on attending a wedding at a country club, so we have you covered for any country club event. Overall, we have dresses for any occasion at Sherri Hill.

Winter is the most wonderful, magical time of the year — and that’s not just because it brings with it a whole lot of festive cheer and carols! Winter is the perfect season to pull out the comfy sweats, experiment with layers, and dazzle in sequins. Whether you need some winter outfit inspiration for a Christmas party or a Winter Wonderland ball, you’re at the right place. Below, we’ve gathered plenty of winter outfit ideas for all kinds of festive occasions and preferences.  Tips on How to Choose a Winter Outfit From the weather and location to the outfit materials, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a winter outfit: Weather Winter brings with it freezing temperatures and unpredictable weather. Make sure you’re wrapped up warm and be prepared for rain or flurries of snow. Pack an umbrella when traveling, and also keep a scarf and pair of gloves on hand.  It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you attend your winter event, as this will give you a much better idea of how you should style your outfit to maximize comfort. Type of Event A laidback Christmas party will call for a festive sweater and fleece-lined boots, while a work party with colleagues may require you to dress either semi-casually or more formally (think a midi-length knit dress and black heels).  You should also be mindful of the dress code and if there are any activities planned. For example, if you’re going ice skating, you’ll want to stick to materials that’ll allow you to move freely.… This leads us nicely to our next point:  Materials This is by far one of the most important factors to consider. While you can get away with light materials like satin and linen in the summer, opting for these materials in the winter will leave you a cold, shivering mess. Instead, invest in high-quality, thick materials that’ll keep you warm during those frosty days. Good options include cashmere, wool, fleece, velvet, and cotton. You can also wear a thermal undershirt for added protection.  Event Location Consider whether the winter event is held indoors or outdoors. If the event is held indoors, where you’ll be protected from the elements, wrapping up too warm may cause you to overheat. If you’re able to, consider scoping out the venue before the day to get an idea of the overall temperature and how warm you’ll need to dress. Your Natural Features You want your outfit to accentuate your natural features and allow your true beauty to shine, not hide it! Pick silhouettes, colors, and accessories that flatter you and allow you to feel confident. Don’t just wear what’s trending; trends come and go and aren’t suited to every person, while your features are here to stay. Colors  Winter traditionally calls for warm, neutral shades, such as creams, beiges, and browns. These shades are a safe bet for everyday winter looks or when attending formal occasions.  However, if the event is Christmas-themed? Feel free to honor the festivities with bright, playful, and bold colors — think red, green, silver, and metallics. You can also experiment with patterns and textures; sequins, embellishments, sparkles, and 3-D prints work exceptionally well!  Winter Outfit Ideas for All Kinds of Festive Occasions Winter outfit ideas don’t need to be difficult to figure out. Grab a hot cocoa and get comfy - it’s time to get inspired by our outfit ideas below!  A Snug Knit Dress A knit dress won’t just keep you warm in the winter months; it’ll also keep you looking stylish and give off a modern, chic vibe. You can pair the dress with thick thermal tights and comfy fleece-lined brown boots for the ultimate winter combo. This outfit should suit any casual event and can also be dressed up effortlessly for more formal occasions. If you are wearing a knit dress to an event with a formal-leaning dress code, opt for a neutral color and make sure to choose a dress style that flatters your figure and has a polished feel. Consider also styling with a sophisticated black leather belt, knee-high boots, and a blazer. Oversized Cable Knit Sweater An oversized cable knit sweater is a staple winter wardrobe piece, and it’s no surprise why: This attire keeps you warm and epitomizes the comfy, snug vibe of winter. An oversized sweater is perfect for a trip to your local Christmas market or a day out admiring the festive lights. While any color can work, stick to camel, ivory, or cream for a more sophisticated look. Velvet Ball Gown If you’re attending a winter ball with a formal dress code, it can be hard to find an outfit that’s both elegant and comfortable to wear. However, you certainly can’t go wrong with a velvet ball gown. Velvet is a luxurious texture that’s warm and quintessentially festive — perfect for a winter ball — and the ballgown silhouette is universally flattering and sure to make you the center of attention.  Opt for a ball gown with a thermal inner layer to keep you extra toasty. If the event is held outside, consider adding stylish yet protective accessories, such as evening gloves or a sophisticated blazer. Show Off Your Festive Cheer  Want to channel your inner Christmas spirit? Then go bold with sequins, sparkles, festive patterns, bells, tinsel, and thick, comfy scarves! You can also incorporate bright festive hues like red and green. When it comes to Christmas, clashing different colors and textures together is a part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to defy standard fashion rules and conventions. Once you feel like a walking Christmas tree, you know you’ve nailed the look!   Wrap Coat and Leather Pants A wrap coat with a pair of leather pants is an ideal winter outfit, providing an effortlessly polished vibe. Just make sure to opt for high-quality leather pants. Faux leather won’t offer the same level of heat protection as genuine leather. You can also strategically wear a pair of thermal leggings underneath if the temperature calls for it. Neutral Plaid Coat  A neutral plaid coat is a timeless look that can add a touch of class to any winter outfit. There are also plenty of ways to style a plaid coat, allowing you opportunities to express your personality.  Dress up with black boots and a clutch bag, or keep things semi-casual with a pair of comfy jeans. If you want to take the winter feel up a notch, style the coat with a knitted hat, thick ankle boots, and a cream cashmere scarf. Slim Fit Tweed Suit  Let’s not forget about the gents!  When putting together your winter outfit, you may want to consider a slim-fit tweed suit. The slim fit will keep you snug and looking polished, while the tweed pattern helps to convey a subtle festive touch.  For formal events, stick to neutral hues and pair the suit with dress shoes and business trousers. If you’re attending an outdoor occasion, add a matching waistcoat for that extra layer of warmth.  Matching Sweaters (for Couples) Have a significant other in your life? Then consider expressing your love with matching sweaters. Winter is one of the few times when you have an excuse to be a hopeless romantic, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of this opportunity! While you can pick any sweater design, consider choosing something sentimental to you both. This will allow you to treasure the sweaters for years to come rather than have them thrown to the back of your closet once the festive period is over. Dressing for the Festive Season Winter is the perfect opportunity to dress up snugly and play around with colors, textures, and patterns. However, make sure to prioritize your personal style above all else. Being authentic to yourself will allow you to truly feel confident in what you’re wearing.  While it may sound cliche, confidence is truly the best ‘accessory’ you can bring to your outfit, and it’ll ensure you leave an impression on those around you.

If you're looking for a color that mixes elegance with a bit of mystery, silver is always the one that grabs attention. Since the prevailing fashion of the Space Age era in the 1960s, going full silver or adding metallic touches to any outfit has become pretty common. These days, you’ll see everyone dressed in shimmering gowns at formal dinners or dance-floor-ready outfits in shiny, reflective fabrics.  This article will explore different silver outfit ideas you can try, from black-tie events to casual wear, and from everyday chic to party looks. Silver in Formal Wear Wearing silver to formal events is an ideal choice if you want to stand out from the crowd while adhering to the formal dress code. The metallic sheen of these outfits captures the lights beautifully, especially if worn at a gala or a luxurious romantic dinner. There are several bold and understated looks that you can try out: Silver Suits A tailored silver pantsuit or a metallic blazer is an excellent option for both men and women who want to be bold without being overly flashy.  This can work as a modern look for weddings, cocktail parties, and formal dinners. Women can pair the silver blazer with matching trousers or a contrasting black skirt, while men can pair their silver suit jacket with black trousers and a simple white shirt. You can wear a pair of tailored silver pumps or loafers but if you’re looking for a more casual vibe, we recommend wearing stylish ankle boots or chic mules. Structured accessories and minimalistic jewelry like geometric earrings will be the perfect addition to this ensemble.  Silver Evening Gowns Silver gowns are the epitome of class and glamour and are wonderful for events like the ballet or symphony. The material of these gowns creates an ethereal glow, whether it’s a sleek satin dress, a sequined mermaid gown like the one above, or flowy metallic chiffon.  Pair these looks with delicate pearl earrings or simple metallic studs. The more minimalistic your jewelry is, the more your outfit will stand out. You can tie the whole look together by adding a neutral makeup palette with a pop of shimmer on the eyelids. Statement Accessories  If you’re not a fan of the all-silver look, you can always make a bold statement with your accessory choices instead. Delicate silver chains and rings can be an excellent addition since they won’t make the look feel too heavy. You can also opt for a metallic clutch or a structured silver tote if you’re going for a more corporate-style event.  Silver in Casual Wear It’s true that silver is often associated with high fashion and black-tie events, but there’s no rule against using it in everyday wear. Changing up things by introducing this color into your wardrobe can give even the most casual outfit a stylish twist. Here are some looks we recommend: Silver Tops and Blouses Silver can be an excellent contrasting color with dark blue or black denim jeans. You can tuck in a metallic blouse into high-waisted jeans and immediately step up your look from relaxed to effortlessly chic within minutes. If you want a more business-formal look, you can replace the denim with tailored trousers and statement heels.  You can even add a silver crossbody bag with this look as long as it doesn’t overwhelm the overall outfit. Keep your makeup light and dewy for a bit of a youthful look, and you’re good to go! Silver Pants and Skirts It’s a bold choice for sure, but if you’re trying to capture the essence of the disco era back in the ‘70s, silver pants and skirts are what you should try out. You can pair these with a plain black or white top and add some visual interest by playing with different textures, like wool, cotton, or denim.  If you layer delicate silver necklaces or stack silver bracelets along with this attire, you’ll create a boho vibe that’s full of personality. You can pay homage to the past and also allow a modern interpretation that showcases your unique fashion sense.  Casual Silver Dresses A silver dress is the perfect statement piece for a casual day out. It stands out on its own, so you can keep it simple. Pair a strapless metallic cocktail dress with a denim jacket or white sneakers, and grab a neutral bag to finish the look.  Silver in Party Wear Silver dresses instantly bring to mind flashing disco balls, colorful dance floors, and a vibrant nightlife. This will be your go-to shade if you want to bring fun and excitement with you wherever you go: Shimmery Silver Mini Dresses A lace mikado cocktail gown or a strapless dress with cut outs and a bow embellishment is all you need to dazzle the crowd at any club. This is your opportunity to go bold with strappy strappy stilettos or metallic platforms to elongate your legs and complement the dress.  We also recommend choosing a bold red lipstick or smokey eyeshadow to add to the drama in your party look. Silver Jumpsuits and Rompers A more trendy alternative to those who want to move past wearing dresses is to wear a silver jumpsuit or romper. Sequined jumpsuits that are cinched at the waist can create an hourglass figure that is hard to resist. High heels or ankle boots both do wonders to flatter your silhouette when wearing such outfits.  Silver in Street Wear Incorporating silver in your street style looks can give you a more edgy, futuristic look. If you’re inspired by icons like Lady Gaga or Kanye West, these pieces will allow you to have a more expressive take on everyday fashion:  Silver Outerwear A silver bomber jacket, trench coat, or metallic parka is an excellent addition to your closet. You can pair this with distressed jeans and chunky sneakers or boots to balance out the metallic shine. Neutral tones like black, white, and gray look the best with silver outerwear.  Athleisure  Athleisure is all about comfort and versatility, but who says you can’t add your personal touch of silver to every comfortable outfit? This can mean anything from silver leggings or metallic sneakers to a silver sports bra peeking out from under a loose-fitting tee.  If you don’t want to go too over-the-top, add neutral tones wherever you can to maintain a chic and sporty look. Coordinating Your Colors Silver can work with many shades and tones, but you need to know the right color combinations for your outfits. The wrong mix can overshadow the silver and clash visually to create a rather disjointed look.  An easy and safe way to style silver is by pairing it with neutral tones, such as whites, creams, and blacks. These create a fresh and clean aesthetic that you can experiment with in terms of textures and layers to make the outfit more interesting.  If you want to go the adventurous route, try bold shades like red, emerald green, and royal blue that will enhance the silver’s brilliance. The red can be a striking outfit for date nights that exudes power and passion. On the other hand, the green and blue lean more towards the luxurious and elegant side.  When playing with such bold colors, aim for balance wherever you can. If your outfit features a bold color, let silver play a supporting role, such as through accessories, shoes, or a bag, and vice versa.  A final fan favorite is opting for an all-silver monochrome outfit. This can be hard to get right for most people because there are several factors you need to consider. For one, try mixing different shades of silver and various textures to keep the outfit exciting.  We’re talking shiny silver skirts with matte silver tops and silver jackets layered on top. Try using various materials such as satin, sequins, and metallics as well. This will also help prevent the outfit from appearing flat and create a multi-dimensional look.  Don’t Hesitate to Experiment As you can tell by now, using silver in your wardrobe can be a statement that encapsulates anything from elegant to more futuristic styles. We’ve shared various outfit choices you can pick from, whether you’re dressing for a formal event, a casual outing, a business convention, or simply to stand out from the crowd on the daily.  Experimentation is key. The more looks you try out, you’ll figure out over time what works and doesn’t work for you. With practice, you can master the art of color coordination with silver and play around with different fabrics and textures to find your style.  Ultimately, silver is a timeless choice that doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon. Don’t shy away from experimenting and transforming your outfits into something truly special!