Most people’s initial reaction when an offer to a state dinner at the White House arrives is to choose a dress that goes against all the accepted guidelines for the demure, traditional black tie custom.
But. Since ramping up her open appearances in recent years as their relationship has grown more serious, she has become the fiancée of one of the world’s richest people, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.
For Sánchez, the answer was to reach for a dress that epitomized her passion for something concealing and figure-hugging, a passion that seems to date her adore for Bezos. She chose to use Rasario, a label that describes its styles as “a gorgeous ode to femininity and sensuality,” to create a red strapless, corset-style pattern with sheer sections.
The dress met the black connect dress code’s full-length requirement, but the result was perhaps more boudoir-style than a state banquet, with the lace bustier lower cut to expose Sánchez’s decolletage.
Online readers had a variety of viewpoints on the dress selection. “Stunning”, “goddess” and “but gorgeous” were some of the look’s good reviews. However, others believed that Sánchez made a mistake by saying, “You were in the presence of the and other distinguished guests, so why did you dress like Kim Kardashian” (little did this person know that Sánchez has discussed exchanging style advice with Kardashian in the past), and that his comments were “not a good look… where’s your respect?”
As a former news anchor and journalist, Sánchez may be aware that she is both legally permitted to wear whatever she likes, wherever she likes, and that others may have their views on that choice. If she is confident and comfortable, then it doesn’t necessarily matter. There’s no idea that she has offended anybody at the White House, both. If anything, seem to be two midlifers on a quest to show that beauty has no deadline day – see moreover, Sánchez’s Instagram photo of Bezos climbing out of the sea last summer in his swimming shorts, captioned by his beloved: ‘Is it just me, or is it popular outside?’
In addition, Sánchez is spearheading a movement to end the notion that the ultra-rich must always be swathed in milk wool or trussed up in old-school attire. The person who may soon become Mrs. Bezos was featured in a Vogue magazine report last year that read, “Sánchez uses a tumbler Bezos got her from Amazon, with the words” Woke off sexy as hell again” splashed across the part. She went on to say: “I always found it interesting that people say,’ Well, Lauren, you definitely dress more for men.’I actually dress for myself … But it works for Jeff.”
Over the years, though, flimsy conventions about what it means to dress for a state occasion have also been gradually overturned.
Queen Elizabeth once regarded as quite risky for having attended a meeting with Hollywood stars in 1956 wearing a black velvet gown created by Norman Hartnell. It paid off in the end. Although the Queen would eventually adopt the most appropriate style of attire for black and white tie events, opting for a long white gown that covered everything but provided a beautiful backdrop for all of her jewels, the designer later called it “the greatest triumph ever.”
And while it may seem unremarkable now, it was even viewed as noteworthy when wore dark evening gloves rather than white ones on the night she danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985. The following day, her stylist Anna Harvey called to thank them for making such an adventurous decision.
Michelle Obama pushed the envelope for the final state dinner of her husband’s presidency in 2016, wearing a chainmail Versace gown that clung to her figure and showed off her arms ( it did keep her bust safely tucked away though ). Up until that point, First Lady probably had her most seductive appearance. The past state dinner styles of the majority of first ladies could best be described as “high- end mother of the bride,” wrote Vogue. But this woman was tall, wearing a curve-hugging piece that Beyoncé could have easily wore to the Grammys.
Whether it’s Melania Trump wearing silver sequins with sheer panels or Queen Letizia of Spain in a one-shouldered red creation, which automatically denotes sensuality, it can still look “posh sexy” in a variety of forms and can definitely be done without creating too much of a stir. On Wednesday, Jill Biden arguably took this route in an Oscar de la Renta embellished column gown, which was sheer underneath all the gems, despite leaving almost everything to the imagination.
While it wouldn’t strike you as instantly sexy, something that’s close-fitting without being revealing can all the more alluring for it because Samantha Cameron described the high-necked Alessandra Rich gown she wore for a state banquet at the White House as one of her favorite moments of dressing for the world stage.
The$ 2,300 dress worn by Sanchez on Wednesday is already out in most sizes, which suggests there might be more black-ties events where it will be present in all its sheer panelled, plunging neckline glory.
Four ways to do ‘posh sexy’ – without causing a furore
Be clever with your reveal/conceal balance
If there’s a slit on the leg, go more covered- up on the decolletage.
Beware of your colours
Some shades, like black, red or metallics will look instantly sexy, so think about paring back other elements.
Judge the occasion
You might want to err on the demure side at a diplomatic or military event. Something more personal and celebratory could warrant more experimentation.
Show off in sheer
See-through panels can be used to enhance a gown’s seductive appeal without becoming inappropriate. Sheer back, décolletage or side areas can all work well.