What to Wear: to a Fundraiser (for women)

I love spring!

Sure, all the April flowers are nice and I appreciate the warmer weather (which is finally here!); but, what I really love about the spring is the kick-off of fundraiser season.  I already pretty much think that life is a giant game of dress-up, so getting all dolled up for various parties, galas and banquets is right up my alley.  However, I know the inevitable stress that comes with getting dressed for such occasions.  The ante is further upped when you consider that you’ll most likely be rubbing elbows with some of your city’s or industry’s elite.  Of course you want to look the part!

Have no fear!  YCS is here to break down some of the more popular fundraiser styles – black tie/black tie optional, cocktail, banquet/luncheon/reception – and help you understand what will work best.

Black Tie/Black Tie Optional

The only thing more formal than black tie is white tie; however, the rules are so restrictive you can easily google “white tie attire” and find out everything you need to know.  For me, black tie and black tie optional galas are always a gray area.  Especially with that little word, “optional,” thrown in.  Typically, if you’re going to a black-tie affair, you are safe to assume that you should wear a floor-length evening gown (if your black tie event is during the day, we’ve got bigger fish to fry – like why are we having a black tie event during the day?).   The great thing about living in the 21^st century is that you aren’t relegated to department stores or a bridal shop to find an amazing evening gowns.  You can shop online, or stores you wouldn’t traditionally think of as having formal wear (i.e. J Crew) and even discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls carry evening gowns.  My recommendation would be to invest a couple evening gowns for extra special events and then supplement from places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls.  I have been invited to a fair amount of black tie fundraisers and I can’t afford a $300 dress every time.  Black tie optional leaves you with more wiggle room.  You can certainly go the route of a long gown.  But, you can also go with an appropriately short number or even a beautiful pair of evening pants.  For either event, evening sandals, shoes or pumps (the more sparkle the better in my opinion) and an evening clutch or bag (silk, satin and not too big) will do the trick!

Cocktail

If a fundraiser calls for cocktail attire then you definitely have a ton of adorable options to wear.  A little black (or red, or pink, or green, or . . . you get the picture) will always be appropriate.  Shorter dresses (3-5 inches above the knee – depending on your height and build) are options.  But don’t be afraid to rock a cute knee length or even tea length dress.  You also aren’t confined to wearing a dress.  You can certainly wear a skirt and top or even a fantastic pair of tuxedo pants with a great jacket (skip the shirt underneath if you’re feeling really daring!).  Cocktail parties are meant for you to mix, mingle and network, so be sure to wear footwear that a) you can stand in, b) you can walk in (need lessons – come Strut Your Stuff) and c) is comfortable.  At a cocktail party, feel free to take a risk – wear a unique color combo (my yellow cocktail dress with red shoes is one of my fave ensembles) or something you would never get away with normally (like a white dress – which you wouldn’t wear at a wedding) or a funky hair accessory (when my hair was longer I would often bobby pin brooches into my updo or wear pretty flowers).

Banquet/Luncheon/Reception

Last, but not least, might be the most confusing of all fundraisers – those of the banquet, luncheon, or reception variety.   At these events, you can find yourself wearing anything from a business suit, to a skirt and cardigan, to a cute spring-time dress.  As a general rule, dress to match the organization hosting the event.  For example, if it’s a business or industry associate hosting the event then you’re probably fairly safe wearing a skirt or pant suit.  For an afternoon luncheon or reception, your best bet is a great dress or pretty skirt.  If there is a theme (big hat brunch, white linen party) then by all means embrace it (as shown below).  These types of events leave a lot of wiggle room – and that’s OK!  I wish I could tell you what one thing to wear, but, by nature, it just isn’t that easy.  So, reach into your closet and pull out your favorite flowery spring dress, your chicest slacks or your favorite fitted blazer.  Just remember to keep it appropriate and classy.

Below are a few looks I’ve worn to various fundraisers (and one baby shower, but it works for a fundraiser!).  Excuse the overwhelming amount of selfies.  I rarely remember to take photos at the actual events!

Do you all find yourselves in the thick of the fundraising season? What are you wearing?  You know the deal!

Your Chic is Showing,