What to wear under a dress for a reception
Short answer: A reception means hours on your feet, handshakes and often a room that gets warm once the guests arrive. The right layer under the dress keeps you dry, avoids white marks and helps the dress hang well.
Standing for hours calls for thoughtful clothes
At a reception you usually stand, wander a little and talk to many people. That means you neither move enough to get properly warm nor sit enough to rest your legs. The dress therefore has to look good and stay comfortable for several hours. The layer you have underneath makes a big difference to how you feel at three in the afternoon, once the party is properly under way.
Avoiding static and clinging fabric
Many dresses in thin fabric cling to the legs when the air is dry, and that gives an unflattering outline. A smooth layer underneath that does not cling itself helps the dress fall freely. Viscose from bamboo has a smooth surface and does not build up static as easily as many synthetic fibres. See bamboo dresses if you are looking for a dress that is soft itself and falls naturally. A slip or a thin underskirt in the same smooth fabric is a neat solution.
Sweat marks and light fabrics
Light and thin fabrics quickly show damp patches under the arms. A thin shirt or a vest that takes up the moisture can protect the fabric. If the dress has bare shoulders a shirt is out of the question, but you can choose a short top or a vest with narrow straps that cannot be seen. See bamboo shirt for women if you want a light layer to put over the dress when it turns cold outside.
Shoes, tights and comfort
Nobody should stand for three hours in shoes that rub. Put on soft socks or tights with a little cushioning at the heel, and bring a spare pair in your bag. If you wear high heels, you can pack a pair of flat shoes for later. Thin tights can feel tight at the waist, so choose a style with a soft waistband that does not press once you have eaten. It is the small things that decide whether you look forward to taking the dress off.
Warmth indoors and cold outside
Receptions are often held in places with a big temperature difference between the entrance hall, the main room and the garden. You walk into a cold corridor, stand in a warm room and perhaps go outside for some air. Three thin layers that can be adjusted work better than one thick one. A light cardigan or scarf in your bag solves most of it. You can see more under the full bamboo range for women if you want to collect a few basic pieces that fit under several dresses.
Caring for the dress afterwards
After a long day the dress has to be washed or aired. Always read the care label, and wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees on a gentle programme, preferably in a wash bag. Avoid the tumble dryer and let the dress dry on a hanger so the drape is kept. Iron on a low heat on the reverse side. The vest and tights can be washed with the rest of the light laundry, so you are soon ready again for the next occasion.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need something under a thin dress
Yes, a smooth layer helps the dress fall more nicely and stops the fabric clinging. It also protects against moisture and makes standing for a long time more comfortable.
How do I avoid getting cold when I step outside at a reception
Bring a thin cardigan or a scarf. Several thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick jumper.
Can I tumble dry a viscose dress
It is not recommended. Let it dry on a hanger instead, so the shape and drape last longer.
