We're trying to create a New York-quality party in Boston. Part of that experience is that our guests dress up for the large and smaller cocktail parties. This is your chance to make a Boston a great-looking town! Gentlemen, step up to dress shirts/jackets or break out that stylish three-button suit you've wanted someplace to wear. Ladies, little black dresses are always welcome, as are interview-quality pantsuits and shirts and dresses. Get those high-heeled pumps or boots out of their boxes. Beaded or long cocktail dresses are better saved for other weekend events — and this invitation list offers those regularly.
At the large and smaller cocktail parties, cocktail party dress is strongly preferred. If you're coming directly from work, business dress is acceptable. Anything less formal — including business casual — is not acceptable.
The following are not acceptable for either men or women:
Men should wear jackets and shirts with collars. Ties are not required but are always appreciated by the women. The following are examples of what would be appropriate for men:
The following are examples of what would be appropriate for women:
The following are not acceptable for women:
In Summer, we're obviously more casual but please dress appropriately for the venue. Many would define Summer as from May 1 to August 31. Use your best judgment.
The Winter Ball is one of the best black tie charity events in Boston. The woman who runs it, Hope Baker, will actually refuse entrance to those who are not properly dressed. I admire her commitment to enforcing standards but I don't have the nerve to go that far. If someone is slightly underdressed, one of the facilitators will most likely talk with them, so they know next time. If someone is substantially underdressed, there is a good chance they will be dropped from the invitation list. Guests not on the invitation list who come substantially undressed have as much chance of being placed on the invitation list as a snowball's chance in you know where.
If you have any doubts, please err on the side of slightly overdressing. If you have any questions, please call James at (781) 647-0136, which is good day and night.