Does a black tie dress code freak you out? You’re not alone

As parts of the world start to feel normal once more – masks off, restaurants open, offices full (except on Fridays) – we are readying ourselves to go out again. In Sydney, the Silver Party is back on.

The autumn racing carnival is going ahead. Awards shows had literal red carpets. And at nearly every February fashion week show, designers sent messages of glamour down the runway: miniskirts, bold shoulders, velvet, silk, sequins.