Vancouver Vogue: Tips for Dressing for Diner en Blanc

Diner en Blanc Vancouver is approaching quickly, on August 18th, and since this is my second time in attendance, I thought I'd share my tips for dressing for the event. If you haven't heard about it before, Diner en Blanc is an al fresco dining event that happens in a variety of cities worldwide, with a dress code and decor of all-white. Diners tote along their own chairs, tables, and dining pieces (and meals if they choose not to purchase) and converge on a secret location which is only revealed moments before the event!

I know a lot of people can find the event to be rather expensive considering you bring everything yourself, including your food, and pay for the opportunity. But I personally just loved the whole idea and the atmosphere, so I was more than happy to pay for the experience. I especially loved the live french music last year, that serenaded us as we ate amongst the thousands of other diners in attendance. It's quite a sight to be seen if you have the chance to attend.

If you were lucky enough to receive an invitation this year (or knew a fabulous person who is bringing you along), then here are a few things that might help while picking out your DEB outfit:

Wear all white, head to toe! It's funny because it wasn't until I started to dig up some options for what to wear this year, that I realized that not everything in my closet that I thought was white was true white. The event calls for a true white dress code, as creams and off-whites tend to stand out and look quite dirty amongst the rest of the attendees in white. So make sure, before you walk out the door the day-of, that each item you're wearing is really a true white!
Pick clothes you'll be comfortable in. I loved the dress I wore last year, but it was quite heavy, I was sweating, and well, I was hiking up the top all night. Not exactly ideal, especially on a hot day when you're trucking around your dining supplies. This year, I'm opting for a light cotton dress that's easy to move around in, and breathes easily. Keep it simple and jazz it up with accessories, that way you'll be comfortable all night.
Focus on accessories. As I mentioned in #2, it's better to keep your clothing simple, and accessorize. I'm going to wear my favourite white earrings from Nobis & Grey, but anything in white, gold or silver will do. Statement pieces are perfect! Even add a hat or fascinator in white if you have one.
Wear comfortable flats. You may end up doing a bit of walking to reach the venue, and remember you're carrying all of your dining necessities too, so comfortable footwear that's easy to walk in is key. Of course, you know me, I'll bring a pair of white heels along to change into once we arrive at the secret location. I didn't have a pair of white wedges, but wedges would honestly be your best bet if you have them. Don't have white shoes? I'd recommend hitting up your local thrift store or Value Village to find a cheap pair! No point spending a lot on a pair of shoes you'll only wear once.
Bring a light sweater. I'm on the hunt for one right now. As soon as the sun goes down at the event, it can get pretty chilly, so it's best to have a layer your can throw over top. I'll be stopping by Value Village to find a cheap white sweater that I can toss in my bag!
Have fun with your makeup! There's one thing that doesn't have to be styled in white: your makeup! Spice things up with a bright lip - orange and pink are favourites of mine. In the photos below, I'm wearing NYX Cosmetics' Soft Matte Lip Cream in Antwerp (from London Drugs). It also doesn't need re-applying (in my experience), so you won't need to touch up throughout the night.

And most of all, enjoy the experience once you're there! There really isn't anything else like it. And hey - if you haven't been able to score an invite yet, why not host a little all-white soiree on your own, with your sweetie or best friends?