When an invitation arrives to a state dinner at the White House, most people's first thought may not be to choose a dress that violates all the generally accepted rules of the understated, conservative tradition of black ties.
But Lauren Sánchez isn't most people. She is the fiancée of one of the richest men in the world, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She has made her bold, unapologetically sexy style a cornerstone of her personality since ramping up her public appearances in recent years as their relationship became more and more serious.
For Sánchez, the solution was to find a dress that embodied her love of all things revealing and form-fitting, a passion that seems to predate her love for Bezos. She opted for a red strapless design with corsets and sheer panels from Rasario, a label that describes its designs as "a beautiful ode to femininity and sensuality".
The dress met the full-length requirements of the 'black tie' dress code, but furthermore the effect was perhaps more boudoir than state banquet, with the lace bustier cut low to reveal Sánchez's cleavage.
Online commenters shared differing opinions on the choice of dress. "Gorgeous," "goddess" and "so beautiful" were some of the positive reviews of the look. But others thought Sánchez had misjudged; "a bit inappropriate for a White House dinner", "you were in the presence of the President of the United States and other distinguished guests, so why did you dress like Kim Kardashian" (this person did not know that Sánchez had spoken about the exchanging style tips with Kardashian in the past) and "don't look good... where is your respect" read more comments under the post that Sánchez shared on Instagram.
As a former news anchor and journalist, Sánchez will be all too aware that she has every right to wear whatever she wants, wherever she wants, and that others may have an opinion about that choice. If she's confident and comfortable, it doesn't necessarily matter. There is also no indication that she insulted anyone in the White House. In any case, Sánchez and Bezos seem like two midlifers on a mission to prove that sexiness has no expiration date - see also Sánchez's Instagram photo of Bezos climbing out of the sea in his swimming trunks last summer, with his lover captioned: ' Is it just me, or is it hot outside?'.
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Furthermore, Sánchez is leading a movement against the perception that ultra-rich people must always be wrapped in cream cashmere or dressed in old-fashioned couture. A profile in Vogue magazine last year of the woman who will soon become Mrs. Bezos revealed that "Sánchez is using a mug that Bezos gave her from Amazon, with the words 'Woke up sexy as hell again' splashed across it." She continued, "I've 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."
The vague conventions about what it means to dress for a state occasion have also been slowly turned upside down over the years.
It was once considered very daring for Queen Elizabeth to wear a black velvet dress designed by Norman Hartnell for an evening meeting with Hollywood stars in 1956. It was a risk that paid off. The designer later called it 'the greatest triumph ever', although the Queen would embody the most appropriate way of dressing for black and white tie events, invariably choosing a long white dress that covered everything but provided an excellent backdrop for all her jewelry. .
And it may seem completely unremarkable now, but it was even considered remarkable when Princess Diana wore dark evening gloves instead of white on the night she danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985. Her stylist Anna Harvey received calls the next day, congratulating her on such an adventurous choice.
Thirty years later, Michelle Obama pushed the boundaries for the final state dinner of her husband's presidency in 2016, donning a Versace chainmail suit that clung to her figure and exposed her arms (but left her bust safely tucked away). She probably looked the sexiest a First Lady has ever looked up to that moment. "Most dinner styles from the first ladies' past can best be described as 'high-end mother of the bride,'" Vogue wrote. "But here she was standing tall in the White House in a curve-hugging garment that could easily have been worn by Beyoncé to the Grammys."
Looking "posh sexy" can come in many guises these days and can certainly be done without causing too much of a stir, whether it is Queen Letizia of Spain in a red one-shoulder creation, a color that automatically radiates sensuality, or Melania Trump in silver sequins with see-through inserts, without actually revealing any parts of the flesh that would raise an eyebrow. Jill Biden likely went this route on Wednesday in an embellished column gown by Oscar de la Renta, which was sheer beneath all the gemstones, though it was so heavily encrusted that she left almost everything to the imagination.
Samantha Cameron has described the high-neck Alessandra Rich dress she wore to a state banquet at the White House as one of her favorite moments dressing for the world stage. Although it might never seem directly sexy to you, something that is form-fitting without being revealing can be all the more attractive for it.
As for the $2,300 dress Sanchez wore on Wednesday, it's already sold out in most sizes, suggesting there may be more black-tie features where it will appear in all its sheer panels and plunging neckline in the coming months. to appear.
Four ways to be 'posh sexy' - without making waves
Be smart with your reveal/hide balance
If there is a gap in the leg, go more covered on the décolleté.
Watch your colors
Some shades, like black, red or metallics, look instantly sexy, so think about paring back other elements.
Assess the opportunity
If you are attending a diplomatic or military event, you may want to err on the side of caution. Something more personal and festive might warrant more experimentation.
Show off transparent
Adding sheer panels can make a dress feel sexier without making it look inappropriate. Sheer back, décolleté or side areas can all work well.
