My general reply to those who want to have conversations about Seattle's supposed inability to dress up and be chic is a blank stare. I mean, I just can't argue with the ill-informed, you know?

Seattle, you turn it out. I've seen you. Often but not always it happens at the city's fundraising balls and money-raising events—places where our Met Pages cameras always are. Smart. If you're going to look good, you might as well be doing good at the same time, and you may as well capture the moment forever.

And you might as well get a bonus for your favorite cause, too.

To that end: follow along here as we document the Met Pages' year-long Best Dressed contest, a full- or cocktail-length, frilly or minimal, fabulous, and otherwise stylish race to a cash prize for the foundation nearest and dearest to your heart.

Here's how it works:

-Be at an event where the Met Pages is present.

-Be who you are, in the best way. Make the most of the occasion. Any occasion. (That's our 2013 group plan, remember?) Career counselors tell job hunters to dress for the job they want, not the one they have. Go with that. Dress for a city, and a world, that takes individuality, expression, presentation, and the joy of the parade into account. Let's do this.

-Be sure you're in the way of a camera—a Phototainment booth or wandering photographer's—and make sure they've got your name. 

-Watch this space for winners—like the Atomic Bombshells' Kitten LaRue and Lou Henry Hoover (above), the dashing couple who attended our First Look party. 

-At the end of the year, mix it up with all 12 monthly winners at the Best Dressed party (details TBD), and see who gets the sartorial honors, and the honor of getting more money into deserving hands.