Last updated 11/28/11This thread exists to make our dress code as clear as possible and to avoid any issues before the dance. We will update this first post as necessary as we answer questions, so if in doubt, start here! The Dress Code exists to make things, believe it or not, more fun! A dress codes means that this is not an everyday kind of dance, and lays down some guidelines that really should make it easier to decide what to wear.
What does "Semi-Formal" mean for NDK NYE?
For the Gents:A long-sleeve, button-up business/dress shirt, trousers/slacks and a:
- Tie or bowtie* AND
- Sports coat OR
- Suit jacket OR
- Vest.
* If the button-up shirt has a mandarin-style or banded collar, a tie is not required.You must have all required elements to enter the dance.
For the Ladies: A nice dress or a nice top/blouse with trousers/slacks/skirt. The dress must be at least cocktail length (no more than two inches above the knee, no matter the style). No t-shirts, beach dresses, swimsuit covers, lingerie/nightgowns or anything see-through.
Specific Guidelines (gents and ladies)
Dress lengthFloor length is desired, but knee length to cocktail length (no more than two inches above the knee, no matter the style) is also acceptable.
Period ClothingAscots, capes, and knee-length breeches/breeks/culottes (with appropriate leg coverings) are acceptable.
Cultural DressGarments deemed formal to that particular culture, such as formal kimonos, kilts worn with formal evening wear, Senatorial togas/stolas (no bedsheets or unhemmed fabric, must be accompanied with a tunica and other formal Roman elements), etc. are acceptable.
Lolita dress is also acceptable, provided the skirt length matches our requirements.
Military Style DressFormal style military dress uniforms are acceptable. Utility uniforms are not.
PropsProps are allowed, but standard NDK prop rules still apply. There will be a "mini ops" table set up to handle all peace bonding needs.
MasksMasquerade style masks are not required, but encouraged!
ShoesWomen: dressy, open-toed shoes are acceptable. (Close-toed shoes are also acceptable.)
Men: closed-toes shoes only.
We understand you’ll be on your feet all night and will want comfortable shoes, so we aren’t enforcing a strict shoe policy. Please use your best judgment and the guidelines above.
Cosplaying? Keep your footwear within the spirit of what you’re wearing, even if you’re going for comfort.
Not appropriate: Denim, khaki, shorts, fishnet stockings, street clothes, and dresses shorter than cocktail length (no more than two inches above the knee, no matter the style)..
If you are not sure if your outfit or costume meets the guidelines above, please post a photo/pic in the thread below. However, the final decision as to whether or not attire is acceptable will have to be made at the event. I mention this, because we may see sketches, or photos, as they are presented here, and we may think it sounds/looks fine. But what if the person changes their mind, or makes a material substitution before the event? We can only say yay/nay to what we *think* we see here. There's also the potential for someone to post a misleading representation just to get an 'ok' here, but show up in something else entirely.
The INTENT of NDK NYE is to be a formal event. New Year's is traditionally a time to have fun, get dressed up, and celebrate. We're just putting an Anime/Japanese/Cosplay spin on this evening.
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Please start posting your Dress code comments and questions below.
