Do I have to cover my shoulders for white tie?

[BlameItOnTheBogey]

Does anyone know not the literal rules but the actual practice for white tie? I think it is:

• closed shoes
• long gown more 'ball gown' than maxi dress.
• Possibly gloves.
• Shoulders covered for arrival but ok to have bare shoulders during.

But I may have made that up because it fits what I want to wear. Does anyone know whether I am close the mark?

(Please say yes, I have the dress already and no back up…. although will have to find one if I am wrong)

I found this.... Debrettâ??s, the UKâ??s most definitive source of social protocol, says in its New Guide to Etiquette and Modern Manners that â??Women wear long, formal evening dresses. Short frocks, no matter how glamorous, are not acceptable and trousers should not even be considered. These rules are particularly strictly adhered to in Scotland.â??  If the evening is to include rigorous dancing the book advises against strapless dresses, big jewellery and unrestrained long hair and suggests comfortable shoes. Evening gloves remain correct although they are rarely used by young women and â??are no longer compulsoryâ?? according to the Debrett's online etiquette guide.

I know this is a year old, but perhaps this topic may come up again in future, and as I attend a couple of white tie events on a regular basis I can perhaps help another lady.

You got everything right. In very proper circles, one must also wear stockings, and if you happen to have one handy, you can don your best tiara (--> Royal Caledonian Ball).

In summary:

• long (at least ankle length) ball gown
• closed court shoes (I daresay nobody will arrest you if you decide to wear peep-toe shoes or a D'Orsay type) and stockings
• nicest jewellery; tiara optional :-)
• gloves are always lovely, just be sure to take them off for dinner
• a nice stole, wrap or bolero jacket to cover your shoulders during dinner if the dress is strapless/sleeveless

Did you have fun at the event?