Etiquette Guides
The unwritten rules
Practical guides to the customs, dress codes, and small kindnesses that distinguish a society evening — written for those new to the calendar and useful even to those who are not.
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Decoding "Decorations" on a White Tie Invitation
A note reading "white tie, decorations" on an invitation is not the same as a request for white tie alone. Here is what it means, who it applies to, and what to do if you have no medals to wear.
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What to Expect at Your First Society Ball in New York
Behind the heavy doors of the Plaza or the Metropolitan Club, the choreography of a society ball still follows patterns that few attendees see explained. A practical guide—rooted in present-day reality—to arriving, navigating the evening, and leaving without misstep.
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The Practical Guide to White Tie for Women
General guides treat women's white tie as a paragraph of rules; the reality has more nuance. A close look at the specifics that matter—gloves, length, jewelry, decorations—and the small choices that distinguish correct from merely acceptable.
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The Practical Guide to Black Tie for Men
Black tie is the dress code most often requested on the Manhattan calendar and most often treated as "fancy suit". A close look at what black tie actually consists of, where the room allows latitude, and where it does not.
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