Chicago auxiliary boards, consisting of young professionals, usually host their major fundraisers in the spring and summer months. Though initially, auxiliary/junior/associate boards were established attract young members that would be ambassadors for a larger non-profit’s mission, over the years most of these auxiliary/junior/associate boards have proven to be vital part of a non profit organization’s fundraising efforts.
Having covered the Chicago fundraising scene both major ticket galas and aux board events for quiet some time, I’ve been able to discern who’s who and what kind of attire/crowd you see at some of these events. To help alleviate the question non regular gala attendees usually ask, which is “what do I wear to this event” we decided to partner with Bloomingdales for an IRL What To Wear & Where.
On Thursday April 27, I was honored to host SociaLifeChicago’s inaugural ‘What to Wear & Where’ at Bloomingdales Chicago (900 N. Michigan Ave.). Guests sipped on wine and LaCroix Nicola while noshing on bites from Paramount Events.
Our models were the philanthropic young professionals representing Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board, Midtown Educational Foundation, Nigerian American Professionals Association and Good Sports Young Professionals Board of Chicago. From a themed brunch, cocktail reception and more, you will find outfit inspirations to these must attend event of the aux board social season. Thanks to Bloomingdales, and the beauty team at: Estee Lauder, Trish McEvoy, MAC, NARS and Chanel.
Here we break down the events what to wear and what the models wore.
Good Sports Young Professionals Board of Chicago Disco Brunch
Event Date: Saturday May 20
Time: 1-4pm
Location: Studio Paris | 59 W. Hubbard St.
Cost: $85
Ticket link: CLICK HERE
Attire: Disco attire preferred. (Think jumpsuits, glittery eyes like Pat McGrath’s Dark Star 006, Bell jeans, Funky shirts for men).
Cari Grieb wears: Sandro Ruched-cuff twill jacket + trousers with ruffled hem
Evan Vladem wears: Allsaints Raymontauld Shirt | Seven Jeans
Lindsay Halston wears: Halston Heritage One-Shoulder Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
MEF Spring Soiree
Date: Friday May 19
Time: 7pm-11pm
Location: Architectural Artifacts | 4325 N Ravenswood Ave.
Cost: $100 in advance; $125 starting 5/15 and at door.
Ticket link: CLICK HERE
Attire: This is an event that I would recommend cocktail attire for. Whether you are going post work or not, something chic not too too formal. There will be dancing so comfortable shoes, open toe sandals or non cork wedges will work for cuteness and comfortability. For guys. casual suit with a scoop neck tee or no tie keep it cool with a pair of sneakers. No suit? no problem, a nice spring color long sleeve shirt, nicely pressed trousers and monk strap shoes will work.
Sean Madison wears: John Varvatos Luxe Slim Fit Suit | Theory T-shirt | Own Sneakers
Sarah Dietzel wears: Whistles Anouk Pleated Lace Dress | Hair by Be Glammed
Adiat baker wears: Elie Tahari Maritza Floral Embroidered Dress
Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board’s Zoo-ologie 2017 “A Midsummer Night’s Roar”
Date: Saturday May 20
Time: VIP 7PM | G.A 8PM
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo | 2400 North Cannon Drive
Cost: $110
Ticket link: CLICK HRE FOR ZOO-OLOGIE TICKETS
Attire: This Saturday evening event usually runs the gamut from formal to cocktail. If going very formal, stay away from a really heavy ball gown. Cocktail dresses from short to midi of varying styles. Again comfortable shoes for ladies. Guys, definitely suit it up, no need for tux in this situation. Its fun, its outdoors under a tent and most of all there will be dancing, lots of it and eating. Here’s what guests wore at past zoo-ologie events: 2016, 2015
Jacob Ringer wears: Canali Windowpane Classic Fit Travel Sport Coat | Canali Regular Travel Trousers
Gabbi LeVert wears: Bariano Off shoulder gown
NAPA Chicago Ankara Ball
Date: Saturday June 24
Time: 6pm
Location: Parkway Ballroom | 4455 S King Drive
Cost: $50+
Ticket link: CLICK HERE FOR NAPA SUMMERTIME SOIREE TICKETS
Attire: Ankara is a traditional African wax print material that has now been incorporated into mainstream fashion designs. There are shops in Chicago that sell said material that you can then have an outfit tailored for you (yes some attendees will be going this route). If you don’t have access to Ankara or choose not to get one on Zuvaa or Grassfields, wearing non-traditional clothing with ankara accents is another option. Boy ties, pocket square for men and a neck piece as seen below, jewelry or headtie for women.
Rob wears: Jack Victor Loro Piana Herringbone Sport Coat | Vince Palm Print Slim Fit Chino
Emiola wears: Halston Heritage Cape Gown | Weekend Max Mara printed silk scarf
Show coordinator: Aaron Shirley
photo credit: Esther Bell
