Whatever happen to a dress code

As you saw from my previous entry, we were at the Berklee Gala last night. It is a black tie affair and the invitations state so. I can understand men doing the black suit (no pin stripes please) with a solid tie; after all, you are not going to a board meeting. However, there was everything you can think of. There were guys with a fancy white T-shirt and a dark suit (please!) to patterned shirts, to someone who had a ruffle tuxedo shirt (how 70's for god sake). It was not only the men... and that is always a major dissappointment.

Some women can't understand what a formal cocktail dress is. What is so difficult about that?? I understand this is New England, but I don't care how reserved you are, at least ear rings and perhaps a simple necklace. Is that too much to ask? The organizers of the event were thrilled with how much money they raised, thus the crowd has some serious money, at least dress a little better!!!