DEAR MISS MANNERS: Could you speak to the etiquette of costume party dress?
I’ve been invited to a party for adults with a “Christmas pajama contest.” It’s a church group of relatively close acquaintances and friends.
I assume that about 75% of the people will come in their pajamas or a “traditional” Christmas pajamas look; however, a few people are not participating (based on online RSVP messages).
What do you think? Is it proper to come in your pajamas -- whatever they might be? Or should the “red onesie with reindeer” be the goal? And in general, are there standards of dress that supersede any costume party dictums?
GENTLE READER: Yes: One must be fully clothed.
As it is a church group, Miss Manners is assuming that this is implicit. But she has been fooled before -- and the precarious closure on the back of that onesie is just asking for trouble.
However, this is also a contest, so it is likely that most attendees will not be wearing what they wore to bed the previous night. That is both a blessing and not.
Festive but sturdy cotton or flannel pajamas seem safe. Just know that you will likely be competing with electrified Christmas wreaths and inexplicably sexy yule logs.