Q: This month, I'll be attending the 25th anniversary dinner of our company president in a ballroom of a local hotel. The invitation said "black and white optional," and I was told that attire is not to be formal. What should I wear?

A: Let's start with what you should not wear. Since one stipulation is that the event is not formal, tuxedos and evening gowns would be overdressing. And because the event is an anniversary celebration, it would be underdressng to be casual, as in jeans, khakis, polo shirts or sneakers.

First, if at all possible, honor the request to wear black and white. Second, look for something that you might wear to church or to work at a professional office. For women, that cold be a dress, skirt suit, nice pantsuit or a pretty blouse with a skirt. For guys, perhaps a suit, or a nice blazer with dress pants -- maybe even a necktie.