I t’s okay if you’re a newbie to the world of fashion and don’t know much about dress codes. This guide details most of the common dress codes, and what you can/cannot wear under each category. It’ll be all you need to know how to dress for a formal event. What you wear is very important, as it shows not just your personality, but also your attitude towards life.
White Tie
Unless you’re part of the royal family or have some pretty strong political connections, you probably won’t be needing white-tie dresses. Most weddings do not use this dress code, however, that doesn’t mean it’s relatively new. White tie attire has been around for a long time and is actually the most formal dress code an event can have. For women, white-tie dress code means wearing gowns that are floor-length. Ankles should not be visible. For men, white-tie entails wearing a coat that has tails and pants that match the coat.
Black Tie
In order of formality, black tie is less formal than white tie but is still quite formal. It is the most common dress code in weddings, charity balls, and other high-profile formal events. Women can wear their LBD, but it has to be super dressy. A cocktail dress will work too if it's very fancy. Normally, a floor-length formal evening gown is preferred. For men, black tuxedos with matching trousers are the go-to for a black-tie event.
Black Tie Optional
This is still formal, but a notch lower than black-tie. People can choose from a wider variety as compared to black ties. Unlike a black tie, black-tie optional allows women to wear dressy separates, so a fancy top and the right pair of pants will be the correct choice for this particular dress code. For men, while a tuxedo is preferred, it isn’t enforced. Any dark-colored suit with a white shirt works, so long as the tie is conservative and nothing too bold.
Business Formal
In order to envision what business formal is, think of what corporate lawyers in Manhattan would wear. Business formal incorporates suits, business-style dresses, and heels for women. Stockings can be worn too, but are optional for summers. For men, dark-colored business suits with vests and dress shirts paired with conservative ties are the best.
Business Casual
Business casual is commonly used in corporate environments, and sometimes corporate parties too. The latter is not that common. Business casual does not have an exact outline as to what you can wear, so the boundaries are pretty ambiguous. As a general rule, slacks are acceptable.
Women can wear dresses, shirts with open collars, knitted sweaters, or shirts (but no spaghetti straps). Skirts, khakis, and pants are all also accepted. Men can wear dress shirts, casual button-downs, polo shirts, or open collar shirts. Ties are optional, and a sports coat can be worn if you're wearing khakis.
Semi-Formal
Think of semiformal as a little more formal than office wear, but less formal than what you’d wear to an actual formal event. If that doesn’t make much sense, don’t worry, maybe these examples will. Women can wear short cocktail dresses or afternoon dresses.
If not, fancy separates will also do the job, and LBDs will fall flat on the dress code too. If you have a long skirt that’s dressy, pair it with an elegant top and that’s semiformal for you. For men, a business suit, preferably dark, is the right choice. Vests are optional. Ties are expected.
Cocktail
This is one of the most common dress codes for events, especially ones held during the day. For women, don’t bring out your sundresses or mini dresses, but you don’t need your gowns either. Any classy, knee-length, or tea-length dress is the go-to.
You can also wear a jumpsuit if you have one, it will match the dress code and will make you look unique too. For men, cocktail dress codes allow you some room to wiggle in patterns on your coat. Don’t make them too crazy, but a simple pattern or a unique texture is the perfect fit.
Now that you know what you need to wear, all that’s left to do is buy it and style it. As a general tip, never wear clothes that aren’t dry-cleaned, especially tuxedos. People can tell, and it makes you look unorganized. These tips on how to dress for a formal event are all you need to know to pick out your ideal dress, so just keep them in mind when you go shopping!
-
This post is tagged in:
- formal dressing code
- how to dress formally
- formal event dress code
- dress code guide
