The JDRF Star City “Denim & Diamonds” Gala is one of the premiere events in the Roanoke Valley. Each year nearly 400 people come to The Shenandoah Club to enjoy great food, great music, great auction items–and of course, the BEST company! Many newcomers ask the question: What do I wear?

The Denim & Diamonds theme allows our guests to keep the perfect balance of glitz and comfort. This year, we ask that all men wear a jacket with their denim.  Women, wear your most ostentatious jewels and  some form of denim. You’re encouraged to get creative!  We think this article from Real Simple magazine sums it up well:

Casual Chic (a.k.a. Dressy Casual, Smart Casual, Denim and Diamonds)

Translation: A dress-up/dress-down hybrid.

The safe bet: Pair a weekend staple with something glamorous—for instance, jeans with a bow blouse and heeled booties or ornate flats. To look pulled-together in jeans, stick to a deep indigo rinse, a sophisticated pattern, or a saturated shade, like cobalt, oxblood, or emerald. Sharpen up further with a blazer and Golden Globes–worthy earrings. The goal is polished but not uptight.  When it’s a girls’ night out or a dinner party, you can be more adventurous in a trendy jumpsuit or boldly printed pants. Lockard says to go the extra mile if you’re at a loss: “Being overdressed shows you put in an effort, whereas being under-dressed can come across as disrespectful.”

What a guy should wear: “Aim for date night,” says Loose. Sport a tailored oxford shirt with flat-front chinos or sleek wool pants. But if the event is more pub than lounge, switch to dark denim.

Article from RealSimple.com