What To Wear

A Guide For IOT Students and Junior Officers

What To Wear

Issue 2 Oct 05

INTRODUCTION Contents

3 4 10 15 23 27 28 33 36 39 41 43

Introduction The Lounge Suit Jacket and Tie Casual Dress Formal Evening Dress Dress Guide by Function Official Reception/Annual Cocktail Party Graduation Day General Dress Suggested Retailers Frequently Asked Questions Mess Rules

INTRODUCTION

Introduction

This booklet has been written to give you practical guidance during the initial phase of your new career in the Royal Air Force, whether you have joined from civilian life or from non-commissioned service. It has been designed to help you resolve that ever-pressing question: What should I wear? All professions have a code of conduct, set of rules and a standard of dress. As an officer in the Royal Air Force, your superiors and subordinates will expect you to be suitably dressed, in order to uphold the standards of the Service, and to set an example to others. Whether you are in or out of the Service environment, you represent the Royal Air Force and will be expected to dress accordingly. As a junior officer you will be living in an officers mess and your attire should not cause offence to other officers using the Mess. You will also be invited to attend all ranks functions. You should always avoid the temptation to slip to the lowest common denominator i.e. trainers and jeans thinking that you will fit in better. The characteristic dress of an officer falls within well chosen limits; the purchase of appropriate, good quality clothes is a must. Building up a good wardrobe can prove to be expensive, but if planned and spread over a period of time, the cost will not be prohibitive. However, in todays relaxed lifestyle, it is often difficult to decide what to wear for different events and functions. As you progress through Initial Officer Training, you will attend many different training functions, each designed to teach you the etiquette and standards required of a junior officer. The type of function will determine the dress code expected, from a less formal quiz night in the Mess to the more formal dinner or reception. Although standards of dress still need to conform to the ethos of a military service and be of the highest quality, it is possible to adopt an up-to-date look that meets this standard. Extremes of fashion should always be avoided, but by following the advice in this booklet, there is no reason why you cannot achieve a modern style, which will not be out of place in society today. You will need to understand both the male and female dress codes so that you can brief your partners and guests when they attend functions in an officers mess with you, as they will also need to conform to the same dress rules. We have also listed the civilian equivalent for your guests for those occasions when you are likely to be wearing uniform. When you leave Cranwell and visit another Mess, you will also need to read Mess Rules to see if there are any particular requirements for that Mess.

The Lounge Suit Male

The first major item to be considered is the lounge suit. The suit is still one of the most elegant items of clothing a man can wear, as long as its cut, colour and fabric are correct, meaning that they suit the occasion, the time of day, the season of the year, and the climate. Cut is definitely the most important factor and the main reason why a cheap suit will always look cheap is because the cut is wrong for your shape; a well-cut suit can hide a multitude of body faults! Some points to remember: A well-cut suit should not be confused with the so-called designer suit. The designer suit will cost at least as much as, and probably more than, a good quality suit, but may not look anywhere near as good. Traditional colours for a suit are navy blue, dark or mid-grey, and black. Other colours are appropriate for more informal occasions, but not for mess wear. Traditionally, a gentlemans suit will have a 2 or 3-button single-breasted coat; it is never correct to have a 4-button coat on a suit, but a double-breasted style is an appropriate alternative. The coat should have at least one vent, but 2 are normal on a double-breasted suit; coats without vents are unsuitable attire for Mess wear. The trousers can have a pleated front, or they can be plain, and they may have turn-ups; crucially, though, your trouser length should always be exactly right. If they just break on your shoe, the length is correct; the current trend for one or 2 inches hanging over your shoe does not create a tidy impression. Wearing braces, instead of a belt, will help keep your trousers at the right length (see p39). It is impossible to over-emphasise that a well-cut suit should be viewed as an investment; it will not need to be replaced within 10 years of normal wear, and if you consider the variety of occasions on which you will wear a suit (Mess functions, weddings, funerals, Service meetings) it will pay dividends to buy one which is well-cut, rather than a trendy suit from a designer outlet, which will last a fraction of the time.

Female
Female lounge suits should be the equivalent quality and style to that of the male lounge suit with the exception that a skirt may be worn instead of trousers. If trousers are worn they should be straight legged and fall on the ankle. Skirts should be straight and finish at about the knee, but above mid-calf. Both jacket and skirt/trousers should be of the same material and colour, and the jacket should only ever be long sleeved. A shirt with a collar, or fitted tailored top, must be worn (tee-shirts and vest tops are unacceptable). Shirts and tops must not expose the stomach or cleavage, and underwear should not be visible through the shirt/top. A smartly fitting dress may also be worn. Closed toe shoes that complement the suit, with tights/stockings or pop socks, should be worn. Hair can be worn down if desired, and with an inconspicuous use of styling products, but it should still look neat and tidy.

Acceptable

Acceptable

Note the length of this skirt; at about knee length, this is acceptable.

Acceptable

Unacceptable

This would be acceptable for a more informal jacket and tie function but unacceptable at a function where a Lounge Suit is required.

INTRODUCTION

Unacceptable

This is a good suit for a Mess function; however, the shirt should be lighter in colour.

Jacket and Tie (Dog Robbers in the Royal Navy!) Male

The Sports jacket is so-called because it became acceptable to wear in the late-19th Century for sporting occasions, or more precisely for shooting. It was made of tweed, with 3 or 4 buttons, a belt, pleats for ease of movement, and large pockets to hold cartridges and provisions. It was some time before the design of the sports jacket began to approach the cut of the traditional suit jacket and this is the style in use today for less formal occasions. The correct jacket to wear in the mess, or on sporting occasions, is made of tweed, worsted, wool and, in summer, linen, but corduroy is rarely appropriate, as it is too casual. The blazer is also traditional. It emanates from the jackets ordered for wear by the crew of HMS Blazer when Queen Victoria visited the ship in 1837. The classic navy blue blazer is double-breasted (single-breasted is acceptable, though has no military background) and has 6 bright gilt buttons. It is usually dark blue, although black is acceptable for non sporting events and it always has 2 side vents. In addition, it has a breast pocket and 2 pockets with flaps. The blazer is usually worn at informal occasions, such as evenings in the Mess or at an informal garden party, or during Intercollegiate Games weekends. In selecting trousers, you will never go wrong with a pair in wool (grey, of any hue, is good with a blazer), twill, or smart cotton in summer. Your jacket and trousers should not be the same colour.

Female
Everybody knows what a lounge suit is, and one accepts from that dress code that the occasion will be fairly formal; therefore, ladies are rarely in any doubt what to wear when gentlemen wear a suit. However, not all functions during your training will be so formal; the words jacket and tie/female equivalent appear often on invitations to functions at Cranwell, so it is worth exploring what this actually means. Usually, ladies elect to wear a tailored jacket, with a complementing, but not matching, skirt; sometimes trousers are worn in lieu of the skirt. Some rules for you to follow: Skirts should be about knee length or a long skirt is also appropriate, but mini or micro skirts are not suitable. Trousers should be tailored, straight-legged, and fall on the ankle. The skirt or trousers should be a different colour to the jacket. A blazer may be worn if desired. A collared shirt or tailored top, which does not expose the stomach or cleavage, should be worn under the jacket. Shoes should complement the outfit and be closed toe. Tights/stockings or pop socks should be worn. If attending an outdoor event, smart leather boots may be worn. However, boots should never be worn with a skirt at an evening function. A small, feminine leather handbag may be carried if necessary.

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Acceptable

11

Acceptable

12

Unacceptable

This is acceptable wear for an informal sports function; however, the cords are a little too casual for a formal jacket and tie function. A pair of trousers, in a light grey or beige, would make this outfit suitable for an informal Mess function.

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Unacceptable

The trousers in this outfit are also too casual for jacket and tie dress.

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Casual Dress
Casual dress may be worn in the Mess before 1900, and on weekends, depending on Mess Rules. It is the minimum dress standard expected of an officer when out of uniform. Denim jeans and tee-shirts are considered unacceptable, as they are too scruffy. Jeans can be worn in many officers messes at the weekend, but check the Mess Rules; it is better to be over-dressed than assume. If acceptable, they should be smart and clean; fashion styles should be avoided, and torn or frayed jeans are never to be worn. You will feel comfortable in the Mess environment if you follow these simple rules: Trousers should be styled more like trousers from a suit than jeans-style trousers (which may have patch pockets and rivets). Boot-cut trousers are not appropriate, and should not be worn. Your shirt should always have a collar. For example, a polo shirt is adequate, as is a long-sleeved shirt, but a tee-shirt is never appropriate. Your shirt should always be tucked into your trousers, which will be worn with a belt. Training shoes should never be worn in the Mess, and this rule includes trainer-style shoes.

Planters Male
Planters is a form of relaxed dress that was popular in the 19th Century in the rubber, tea and coffee plantations in the tropics where it was too hot to wear a jacket. The idea was introduced more recently to officers messes in the UK for the warmer summer months. Put simply, it is jacket and tie, but without the jacket! Your trousers should still be well cut, but the fabric may be cotton, in the style of chinos. Your choice of footwear should still be smart, but the informal loafer would be acceptable with planters. Sometimes, depending on mess rules, a polo shirt may be worn instead of a shirt and tie.

Female
A skirt or tailored trousers may be worn. Skirts should be about knee-length or a long skirt may be appropriate. A shirt, or a tailored top, may be worn without a jacket. In cold weather, a knitted top or cardigan can be worn if desired. Tee-shirts and vest tops are unacceptable. Closed-toe shoes should be worn with a skirt, and boots may be worn with trousers. Hair should be neat and tidy, and accessories should be small and unobtrusive.

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Acceptable

16

Acceptable

This is an example of Summer Planters, and this is acceptable dress before 1900 in the mess. However, the trousers should be taken up by several inches to be acceptable!

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Acceptable

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Unacceptable

At first glance, this looks acceptable wear for the Planters dress code; however, the trousers are actually jeans. The rivets on the pockets let the trousers down, and this jeans-style pair of trousers is not appropriate whilst at Cranwell.

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Unacceptable

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This is not appropriate as the models stomach is showing. Her top is also too low cut. However, this blouse and trousers would be acceptable if the buttons were fastened at the bottom and top of the shirt.

Unacceptable

This skirt is too short, and the model has too many buttons unfastened on the blouse. If a button was fastened on the blouse, the blouse would be acceptable.

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Unacceptable

This is far too casual for mess wear; training shoes, including fashion trainers, should never be worn in the mess, and your shirt should always have a collar.

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Formal Evening Dress Male

The dinner suit, or in American parlance, the Tuxedo, after Tuxedo Park in New York where the jacket is said to have been introduced in 1886, is normal attire for civilian guests at a formal Mess function. Serving officers will also wear it in the Mess, at the Christmas Draw, on Burns Night and for formal dinner parties when the invitation states that the dress is Black Tie; if you, or your guests, are entitled to wear Highland Dress, it may be worn under this dress code. As the Dinner Jacket is worn for a number of occasions in your Service career and in civilian life, it makes sound financial sense to buy, rather than hire, a suit. As with the lounge suit, the cut is very important, but the style can be single-breasted or doublebreasted, and a shawl collar is also an option on this type of suit. A soft fronted marcella shirt with studs or buttons will be required. Your bow tie should be black, and all other colours and garish patterns should be eschewed in favour of the classic self-tie, black silk or barathea bow tie. You will be issued a bow tie with your No 5 Mess Dress so you do not need to purchase another one. A cummerbund may be worn with this suit, again it should be a dark colour, with the folds pointing upwards. Beware: if an invitation states Evening Dress, then the dinner jacket is not correct; your hosts will expect you to arrive in white tie and tails to such a function, so a visit to a hire shop may be in order! This will rarely be required and definitely not whilst on Initial Officer Training.

Female
Females should wear a full length dress of ankle length or lower and shoulders should be covered. At most functions shoulders may be uncovered after the meal, so for those dresses that have bare shoulders a shawl/pashmina or bolero jacket should be worn, both prior to, and during the meal. Typical ball dresses are permitted; however, it is also acceptable to wear a full-length evening dress. A 2-piece evening outfit can also be worn if desired, but it should be in keeping with the elegance of the evening. Large splits or tight fitting clothing are inappropriate. Strappy, heeled sandals are permitted without tights or stockings. Hair and accessories should complement the outfit.

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Acceptable

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Acceptable

This dress is suitable for a Summer Ball, or for after dinner at a Christmas Draw (not before dinner, as the shoulders are bare).

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Unacceptable

This dress would be suitable for a Cocktail Party, but it is too short for a Summer Ball or a Christmas Draw.

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Dress Guide by Function

The following table is an example of the typical formal and informal functions that will be held during your training at Cranwell:
Occasion Dept Meet & Greet Games Night Quiz Night London Visit Mid Course Reception (See notes on Official reception) Mid-Course Function Charity Night Training Dining in night Visiting Lecturers Dinner Colour Sunday Lunch Commandants Reception Intercollegiate Games Weekend Dining in Night Sqn Revue Night Graduation Lunch Graduation Ball (See Notes on Graduation Ball) Informal visit to the Mess Dress Lounge Suit Jacket & Tie Jacket & Tie Working Dress Lounge Suit (male) Dress (female) Lounge Suit (male) Dress (female) As determined by Sqn No 5 Mess Dress Lounge Suit No 1 HD Uniform Lounge Suit Jacket & Tie No 5 Mess Dress Lounge Suit No 1 HD Uniform No 5 Mess Dress In accordance with Mess Rules depending on the time of day (smart casual or jacket & tie) Guests Dress N/A N/A N/A N/A Male/female equivalent

Male/Female equivalent N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Jacket & Tie/female equivalent N/A N/A Lounge Suit Mess Dress or Formal dress In accordance with Mess Rules depending on the time of day (smart casual or jacket & tie)

Given the number of functions you will attend, you will need the following basic wardrobe:

Male
Formal, dark coloured lounge suit. Blazer and trousers and/or a sports jacket and trousers. Black leather, lace-up shoes. Minimum of 3 long-sleeved shirts. Ties and socks to go with each outfit.

Female
Formal, dark coloured lounge suit. Blazer or jacket, and skirt or trousers. Leather shoes, closed toe. Minimum of 3 long-sleeved blouses Knitted top to go under jacket or blazer. Tights, stockings or pop socks (neutral and barely black).

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Official Reception/Annual Cocktail Party Male

Official receptions are held annually to entertain civic dignitaries and other official guests on occasions such as the Queens Birthday or to commemorate the Battle of Britain. For these events, No 1 HD dress is worn by serving officers, and guests would be expected to wear a dark suit. If the event is a formal Black Tie evening, then a dinner suit is appropriate for a function - please see the advice for Evening Dress. For the mid-course reception whilst on Initial Officer Training, the dress is lounge suit.

Female
Ladies should wear a smart dress which falls between knee and calf length. The dress should be plain in style and not expose the stomach or too much cleavage, and it should cover the shoulders. An evening trouser suit or evening trousers and top (not shirt or blouse), may be worn as an alternative, following the same guidelines. Tights/ stockings should be worn if wearing closed-toe shoes. If wearing strappy, heeled sandals, bare legs are permitted. Large splits or tight fitting clothes are to be avoided.

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Acceptable

29

Acceptable

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Acceptable

This is a suitable dress; it is the correct length (below the knee) and has the shoulders covered by a shawl.

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Unacceptable

32

This dress is far too short for a cocktail party; dresses or skirts should fall below the knee, but above the ankle. Having bra straps that are visible is unacceptable, whatever the occasion. Furthermore, the model should also have her shoulders covered.

Graduation Day
The Graduation Parade and Service of Dedication is a unique occasion reviewed by a member of the Royal Family or a VIP The ceremonies are followed by a formal lunch in . College Hall Officers Mess which has a specific dress code therefore all guests are invited to dress appropriately. Uniform is only to be worn by the Reviewing Officers party and RAF College staff officers (including the graduating officers). For those guests unfamiliar with service ceremonies, the dress code is very similar to that of a smart wedding, so typical dress for gentlemen is a dark lounge suit, and dress for ladies is slightly more dressy; hats are encouraged.

Graduation Ball (and other formal evening functions)

No 5 Mess Dress is worn by Graduating Officers at the Graduation Ball, and serving officers amongst the guests are encouraged to wear Mess Dress; civilian guests should wear Black Tie. After leaving Cranwell, you will have the opportunity to go to the Summer Ball and the Christmas Draw (called a Draw, rather than a Ball, because it is traditional to have a raffle as the primary focus of the evening); the dress code differs for these 2 highlights of the Mess social calendar, and is as follows: Summer Ball. No 5 Mess Dress is worn for Summer Balls on Royal Air Force stations, although female officers are often given the option of wearing civilian attire if they desire; cadets on Initial Officer Training will not normally attend a Summer Ball. Draw. Christmas Draw. On RAF stations, you will be expected the wear Black Tie, or the female equivalent, as detailed in the formal evening attire section.

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Acceptable

34

Acceptable

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General Dress Male Shoes

Shoes worn with any outfit need to be of superior quality and appropriate for the dress code. Shoes worn with a suit, or with a sports jacket and tie, should always have a leather upper and leather sole, as rubber-soled shoes are deemed too informal, and lace-up shoes are infinitely preferable to the more casual slip-on. A pair of black brogues or Oxford pattern shoes will always be appropriate when wearing a suit; when wearing a dark lounge suit, the only colour shoe deemed correct is black. Trainers are only acceptable with sports clothes, and only whilst participating in sports. Fashion shoes, particularly those with square toes, buttons or velcro should always be avoided in the Mess environment. Trousers at the right length

Shirts and Ties

Your choice of shirt is as important as your choice of suit; wearing a cheap shirt ruins the effect of any smart suit. The collar should be semi-stiff, ideally with removable collar bones to maintain the collars shape, and the smartest shirts have double cuffs, which require cufflinks. Some people dislike double cuffs, and button cuffs are perfectly acceptable. Checked shirts, and shirts with a button-down collar are more informal, and these may be worn with a sports jacket or blazer, but not with a lounge suit. When in a formal environment, a suit should be worn with a plain shirt, in a light colour, such as pale blue. A pale coloured, striped shirt is a good alternative. A well-chosen tie can be the finishing touch to a suit, as long as it complements the shirt as well. A geometric patterned, or a regimental, striped tie looks smartest when worn with a suit, and will also go well with a sports jacket or a blazer. Colour is unimportant, but garish designs or cartoon characters on ties will create a comic effect that is inappropriate in clothing, and totally unsuitable for the Mess environment.

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Too Long

Too Short

Just Right

General Dress Accessories

A belt is required with all trousers, except when braces are worn, and it should be made of leather, in the same colour as your shoes. Cufflinks are one of very few items of jewellery acceptable on a gentleman; the others are a wedding band, or a signet ring, and a watch. Cufflinks are usually made of either gold or silver, but silk knots are a stylish, and very inexpensive, alternative.

Socks
Plain, dark-coloured socks are best with a formal outfit; fashion socks, or brightly coloured designs are discouraged. Socks should complement the suit and the shoes; therefore, white socks will never be acceptable with anything other than sportswear.

Care of Clothing
If you take good care of your clothes you will double their useful life. You can significantly prolong their life by using the correct type of coat hanger (shaped wood for jackets), shoes trees, and by ensuring that your clothes are brushed, sponged and pressed regularly. You will get plenty of practice in ironing and pressing your uniforms, so keeping your civilian clothes neat will become second nature! Stained clothes should be sent to the dry cleaners as soon as possible, and shoes should always be put away clean.

Female Shoes
For females, wedge or platform heels should not be worn, and heels should not be too high. Shoes should be of superior quality and closed-toe, unless worn with a cocktail or ball dress (see previous guidance), and complement the outfit.

Shirt
Female shirts/blouses should be plain in style and colour, and not include too much detail.

Tights
When worn with uniform, tights should be barely black. In civilian attire a more neutral shade may be appropriate with a skirt or dress; patterned and orange-coloured tights should be avoided.

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General Dress Hair

Hair needs to be styled in accordance with the type of event that you are attending. Formal functions, where a lounge suit or jacket and tie are appropriate, require a tidy hairstyle. Long hair can be worn down, but should still look styled and neat. When off duty, and away from Cranwell, your hair can be worn in any style you choose.

Make-up
Make-up is acceptable with any civilian outfit, but it should not be too garish in colour or style. Neutral shades should be worn that complement skin type and colour, and fashion make-up should be avoided. Painted toe-nails in subtle colours are acceptable in cocktail and ball dresses.

Jewellery
Female officers, and cadets, are allowed to wear one pair of single stud gold earrings when in uniform (but not in field kit, and never when on parade); normal earrings may be worn when in civilian attire (one earring in each ear). No other form of body piercing is acceptable, and could be dangerous when you consider the activities you undertake during training. All serving officers, and cadets, may wear engagement, wedding or plain signet rings when in uniform, but any more than 2 rings would be unacceptable, and rings should never be worn on the thumb. As a general rule, accessories should be simple and complement the outfit.

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Suggested Retailers
While many retailers offer quality clothing of a good standard, most of the retailers listed below offer a generous discount to military personnel, and their products are of a superior quality, yet still good value:

T M Lewin (Shirtmakers).
Lewins shirts offer exceptional value for money as they are a top quality Jermyn Street shirt maker and offer their shirts (normally 6070) for 27 to military personnel. Their suits are superb quality, and very good value, reduced from 500 to 225 for military personnel. Visit www.tmlewin.co.uk for full details, or see them at the Freshers Fair during your first week at Cranwell.

Hackett.
Hackett formal wear, suits, jackets and shoes are very good quality, and they also offer a 10% discount to personnel of the Armed Forces. Visit www.hackett.co.uk for more details.

Costello
Civil & Military Tailor 284 Ley Street, Illford Essex www.costello.co.uk

G D Golding
Civil & Military Tailor 220 Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts 183 London Road, Camberley Tel: 01727 841321 www.tailors.co.uk A suit and shirt from T M Lewin

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Suggested Retailers Gieves and Hawkes

Very high quality civilian clothes and uniform. www.gievesandhawkes.com

Ede and Ravenscroft

Similar to Gieves & Hawkes, but slightly less expensive. www.edeandravenscroft.co.uk

Charles Tyrwhitt
Good quality clothing at very reasonable prices; good military discount applies. www.ctshirts.co.uk

Cordings
Very good, traditional outfitters. Their suits are legendary for their quality and longevity. www.cordings.co.uk

Austin Reed
Decent quality casual wear, and very good value. www.austinreed.co.uk

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Frequently Asked Questions

suit? A cheaper suit may be perfectly Why should I invest in a good quality suit suitable for the mess, but only whilst it is relatively new. The quality of the cut is never great, and the fabrics used tend to look cheap quite quickly. Whilst the initial outlay may be less than the price of a suit from a tailor, value for money is poor because the suit will not last very long. Similarly, designer suits are good only for flashing the label to friends; the cut may be of a higher quality, but for the same money, you could invest in a suit made specifically for your frame which will last for years, and perhaps as long as your career in the Service. My favourite tie has Tigger on it, and a couple of other characters; why will Mess? Ties are formal items of clothing, but that be a problem if I wear it in the Mess they can still be fashionable. Television gameshow presenters and others in the public eye can get away with a less conservative approach to neckwear, but a potential RAF officer is expected to display a little more taste and dignity in public; the Tigger tie can be worn safely in the confines of your own home or at an informal party, but certainly away from Cranwell. All the guidance given about dress codes seems quite daunting, and rather expensive. Will I need to overhaul my wardrobe before I start my training at Cranwell? Cranwell No, not at all. Most people who apply for a commission in the RAF will already have the basics, and the guidance given is not intended to be a shopping list. The essentials are as follows: a dark-coloured suit; 3 collared shirts; 2 ties; a sports jacket/blazer; a pair of trousers (to go with jacket); one pair of black leather, lace-up shoes. There is no immediate requirement to buy a dinner suit, as one may be hired as necessary. There will also be the opportunity to purchase some good quality clothing at the Freshers Fair, held during the first week of the Course. All these dress codes seem a little confusing; will I always know what to Cranwell? wear whilst at Cranwell Guidance is given before all functions during your training at Cranwell, and the guidance will come from your instructors. If you feel that you need more information at any time on what to wear for a certain occasion, and this is always the case for female cadets, then the first person to turn to would be your flight commander. I have heard that Cranwell is very strict on dress standards, and that the true? Cranwell is a training unit, and all advice wider RAF is more relaxed; is this true given on dress standards is guidance for what to wear whilst at Cranwell. Admittedly, officers messes in the RAF may apply more relaxed dress standards, but these are decided upon by the mess membership. At Cranwell, we feel it is important to impart traditional standards to officers of the future, and to give you the confidence that if you follow these simple instructions you will be correctly dressed. The aim is to encourage graduating officers to surpass the minimum stipulated standards, rather than simply meeting them. Remember that, in or out of uniform, you are representing the RAF and , should have pride in your appearance accordingly. skirt? In today s military it is entirely As a female, should I wear trousers or a skirt your decision whether you wear trousers or a skirt with an outfit. Whichever you choose should conform to the guidelines in this booklet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

function? Whatever the Should I wear my hair up or down for a particular function function, as an officer your appearance should be beyond reproach, and this includes your hair. Hair can be worn down if desired out of uniform, but must be tidy and professional, especially if wearing a lounge suit. expensive? Not at all. You can mix and match Does my wardrobe need to be expensive some high street stores clothing with a few timeless classics and still achieve a smart, modern look that meets the required standard. Expensive clothes will not necessarily always be suitable. standards? The Do my guests in the Mess need to conform to the same standards simple answer is yes, absolutely! The dress rules for the Mess apply to everyone using the Mess, including guests. You are responsible for ensuring that your guests are properly briefed and dressed, in order that they are not breeching any rules. function? There is no limit on how Can I wear the same suit/dress to each function many times you can wear a particular outfit to a function. Many people have a classic suit, jacket and dress that they will wear time and time again if it is acceptable. pamphlet? The Will I be expected to wear all the outfits contained in this pamphlet simple answer is yes. You will spend a lot of time in uniform, within the Mess environment and whilst at work, but as you progress through the Course, and especially when you move into College Hall Officers Mess, you will be expected to dress appropriately when visiting the bar and dining room and other public rooms. Wherever you are, whatever you do, as a (potential) officer, you will always be expected to be smartly dressed. room? Any form of casual clothing is acceptable in your What can I wear in my room own room. There are times during bull nights (a night spent preparing your room for an inspection by training staff), when you are cleaning your living accommodation that you will require scruffs (ie clothes you do not mind getting dirty, such as old track suit bottoms and jeans).

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Mess Rules
Mess Rules act as a code of conduct for members and guests in any Mess. They cover areas such as dress, etiquette, social conduct and any local rules that everyone should follow. They can normally only be changed by the President of the Mess Committee (PMC) or Stn Cdr. Most Messes follow a simple traffic light system, indicating the type of dress code permitted. A green light will indicate a more relaxed dress standard is in force, for example planters or smart casual, dependant on Mess Rules. A red light will indicate that more formal dress should be worn, usually a lounge suit or equivalent for ladies. This will normally be enforced when a VIP or dignitary is visiting the Mess or station. Mess Rules normally apply within all public rooms in the Mess, for example the dining room, bar and ante-rooms. Domestic areas and corridors are normally considered non-public rooms, and therefore are not subject to the dress regulations. It is always a good idea to fully acquaint yourself with the rules of a Mess before visiting, to avoid any embarrassment. If you telephone the Mess reception, they should be able to tell you the minimum standards expected, so that you do not get caught out! Although, this booklet offers solid advice on dress standards for all junior officers, you should ensure that you read and follow Mess Rules for any Mess that you visit in the future.

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Notes

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RAFC/GRAPHICS/33.293