To an awards ceremony you usually wear something more festive than everyday office wear, but still in keeping with the industry and the invitation. For women, a satin-look blouse or an elegant top with smart trousers works well, for men a white shirt with dark trousers, possibly with a jacket. Choose a good fit and shoes you can comfortably walk and stand in. This way the same outfit works for the official part and the drinks afterwards.
Work and celebration at once
An awards ceremony is a special occasion. You are there on behalf of your work, among colleagues, clients and people from your industry, but the atmosphere is festive. Photographs are taken, there are speeches and perhaps you have to go on stage yourself. The level depends on the dress code and the atmosphere of the organisation.
Read the dress code
| On the invitation | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Business or tenue de ville | Trousers with blouse, possibly a jacket | Suit or trousers with shirt and jacket |
| Festive or smart | Elegant top or satin-look blouse, smart trousers or skirt | Shirt with dark trousers, jacket optional |
| Cocktail | Cocktail dress or elegant combination | Dark suit, tie optional |
| Black tie | Evening gown or very formal combination | Tuxedo |
If nothing is stated, ask the organisation or look at the venue and industry.
For women: three looks
1. Satin look and flared. The Cordelia blouse with V-neck and matte satin look in white with the Daphni pleated trousers with flared leg in black. The matte satin look adds some sheen and the V-neck keeps the combination simple. The flared leg with pleats gives the trousers a long line. Black and white together make a calm, polished combination.
2. Monochrome black. The Isadora elegant cape T-shirt in black with the same black trousers. The cape gives the top a clear shape and covers the shoulders. Gold or silver earrings and a small clutch finish it off.
3. With a jacket. If the dress code leans towards business, add a tailored jacket over one of the combinations above. You can take the jacket off at the drinks for a more festive look. You will find more inspiration in the collection Celebration and in our Signature Occasions for women.
For men: the basics and the variations
A white shirt with dark trousers is a usable basis for many awards evenings. The Hamilton shirt with Italian collar in white has a collar that looks good with and without a tie. Combine it with the Frederick pleated trousers in black: the pleats add extra detail and the brushed inside feels warmer.
Add a dark jacket or tie if the invitation asks for a more formal dress code. Without a jacket and tie you look relaxed yet festive, which often suits a creative industry better. Also see our Signature Occasions for men and the collection Dinner and Dates.
On stage
There is always a chance you will have to step forward, for example to receive an award or say something on behalf of your team. A few practical points:
- Shoes you can walk in: a stage often has steps. Choose a heel you can stand on steadily.
- No creases: choose fabrics that are still neat after a few hours of sitting, such as trousers with stretch or a satin-look blouse.
- Calm colours: bright colours and busy prints can look restless on a stage with bright light. Plain shades often give a calmer block of colour on camera.
- Mind the neckline: if you wear a microphone, you benefit from a collar or neckline it can easily be attached to.
- Hands free: a small bag you can put down, so your hands are free for the award and the handshake.
Photos and light
At an awards ceremony many photographs are taken, often with flash or bright stage light. Bright stage light and flash can make fabrics look different from at home. Test your outfit beforehand if photography is important. White and cream glow beautifully under light, black and navy give contrast. If you like, take a photo beforehand in similar light to see how colour and fabric react on camera.
From ceremony to drinks
After the official part there is usually a drinks reception or dinner. Then you can relax your look a little: take off a jacket, undo the top button of your shirt, or put in a more striking earring. Bring a small toiletry bag with a comb, lip balm and possibly a pair of more comfortable shoes. This way you stay polished all evening, even if it gets later than planned.
If you are nominated yourself
If you are nominated yourself, you will be in the spotlight that evening. Choose an outfit in which you feel completely at ease and that you have worn before, so you are not faced with surprises. If you like, coordinate a few colours with your team so the group photo has a calm feel. And prepare a few sentences: anyone who feels prepared also radiates it on stage.
Shop the look
Cordelia: blouse with V-neck and matte satin look, white
Daphni: pleated trousers with flared leg, black
Isadora: elegant cape T-shirt, black
Hamilton: shirt with Italian collar, white
Frederick: pleated trousers with brushed inside, black
Frequently asked questions
What does festive mean on an invitation to an awards ceremony?
Slightly more formal than office wear, but not a gala. Think of an elegant blouse or top with smart trousers, or a shirt with dark trousers and possibly a jacket.
Should I wear a tie to an awards evening as a man?
That depends on the dress code and industry. If in doubt, ask the organisation.
Which colours work best in photos?
Plain colours such as white, cream, black and navy often give a calm image. Test striking sheen or prints beforehand if photography is important.
