It's finally happening! You've been invited to an awards show. Whether you're the guest of honor, performer, host, or simply a fan this upcoming event has probably got you a bit anxious. You're excited to go but your biggest issue right now is figuring out what to wear. You've got a ton of things in your closet, but in your opinion, none of it makes the grade. You only have a few weeks to figure something out, and it's driving you insane.
Going to an awards show is a big deal. This is especially true if the event has a huge following or will be recorded for television. You want to stay true to your own personal style, but you also want to fit in with the other guests and the theme of the show. While it can be nerve-wracking to try and figure out, here are a few fashion tips to get you started.
Start With the Invitation
The invitation is your first bit of evidence to determine what to wear to an awards show. Sometimes, the answer is pretty obvious as they have created a dress code or rules for you. The invitation may imply that it's a black-tie or formal event. There could also be a theme that they want you to try and follow. Other times, however, the answer isn't so obvious. In this case, you might use context clues to try and figure out what to wear. The venue, time of day, and time of year, for example, can give you some idea of what to put on.
Consider the Industry
If the invitation hasn't given you any idea of what to wear to the awards ceremony, the next clue would be the industry hosting the awards. If it's in the film or music industries, you can rest assured that the guests are going to be high-profile and their wardrobes will be flashy and over the top. On the other hand, if it's a corporate awards ceremony, then guests will likely wear upscale business attire.
Your Role
Your role in the awards show should also give you some ideas on what to wear. If you're the host, you'd want to make sure your outfit choices suit the theme and venue while also standing out since all eyes will be on you. The same would be true if you were the person presenting the awards and plaques, someone receiving an award, or a performer. If you've only been invited to spectate your outfit can be geared more towards your personal style and comfort.
Quick Awards Show Fashion Ideas
What you decide to wear will fall into a category including casual, cocktail, formal, and black-tie. Here are a few fashion basics for each category:
Casual - Casual awards ceremonies are often held during the day and/or in a more laidback or creative industry. This often means that you can wear something you already own. Guys might feel comfortable in a pair of slacks, a button-up, a sweater vest or cardigan, and a nice pair of loafers or shoes. Ladies might prefer a pants suit, jumper, or sundress paired with a cardigan or blazer, and a simple pair of sandals or pumps to match.
Cocktail - Cocktail events often take place late afternoon or evening and are a bit more dressy than casual events. Ladies would be wise to wear mini dresses or dresses that stop just above the knee (cocktail dresses) and pair the dress with a pair of eye-catching shoes, a clutch purse, and some killer accessories. Guys can go with a business suit and tie.
Formal - Formal events are held late evening and night. They are a lot more upscale. Ladies should wear long evening gowns with shoes and accessories. Guys should go with a more formal suit and tie.
Black Tie - Last but not least, are black-tie events. This dress code requires you to step things up from typical formal wear. Here is where ladies will have to spend a bit more and purchase full-length dresses and ballgowns which should be paired with statement-making pieces of jewelry and shoes. Guys will likely want to forego the whole suit and simply swing for a tuxedo. Traditional black tux, white button-up, and black bowtie is highly recommended.
It's not every day that a person gets invited to an awards ceremony or show. So, when you do, it's only right that you want to dress to impress. Instead of freaking out just a few weeks before the event, use the above-mentioned fashion tips and clues to help you narrow down your options and select an outfit that reflects your personal style, fits in with the theme of the day, and turns heads along the way.
