Have you ever gotten an event invite that
requires some kind of dress code that leaves you feeling a little
frantic? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The terms “semi-formal,”
“cocktail attire” and “dressy casual,” have struck fear into
the best of us.
While whoever came up with the term “dressy
casual” should totally be fired — hello, aren’t those two opposing
terms? — there are actually specific expectations behind some of
the most confusing dress code suggestions.
Because it’s already hard enough to shop for
the perfect ensemble as it is when
you do understand the attire suggestions, we
went ahead and decoded some of the most common dress codes for you.
Whether your new job suggests that employees dress in business
casual attire, or you receive a wedding invitation that says “black
tie optional,” we’ve got you covered.
Picking out an outfit should be fun, not
stressful.
DRESS CODE:
BLACK TIE
This is crystal clear for men—wear a tuxedo.
It’s a little more complicated for women, who can technically wear
anything from a long dress to dressy separates to a formal cocktail
dress. The best way to figure out what to wear is to dress
according to what you expect the host to wear. Attending a high-end
wedding? Then wear a gown. If, on the other hand, you’re going to a
work function that calls for black tie, it’s more appropriate to
wear a little black dress with a statement jewelry.
Foolproof
Outfit: A long gown for women and a black tuxedo for
men.
Getty Images
Getty Images
DRESS CODE:
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
One of the murkier dress codes, men are given
the option of either wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and a tie.
Because men are given the option of dressing in a more casual
manner, the dress code is more open for women too, who can wear
anything from a long dress to a cocktail number. Think of it like
this: You aren’t expected to look as if you’re en route the Oscars,
but you should still make an effort with formal attire.
Foolproof
Outfit: An ankle-grazing dress and statement jewelry
for women and a black suit with a bow tie for men.
Getty Images
Salvatore Ferragamo
DRESS CODE:
CREATIVE BLACK TIE
“Creative black tie” is the dress code that
allows you to have fun. Men, for instance, should feel free to wear
a black shirt or a red bow tie—something other than the
cookie-cutter penguin suit. Women are similarly encouraged to take
their look less seriously. Still confused? Think of creative black
tie as trendy black tie. Oftentimes, creative
black tie is the expectation at theme parties with a dress code
like “1920s Black Tie” or “Texas Black Tie”, and in those cases,
choose a dressy look that works with the theme. For instance, with
a dress code that calls for Texas Black Tie, a man would be dressed
appropriately in a tuxedo, bolo tie, and cowboy boots, and a woman
could wear a gown and a cowboy hat.
Getty Images
Foolproof
Outfit: A formal-but-trendy gown for women and a tuxedo
with a black shirt for men.
Classy Girls Wear
Pearls
DRESS CODE:
COCKTAIL
For guys, this dress code calls for a dark
suit with a tie. For women, short dresses that are party-ready.
When in doubt, wear a little black dress and dress it up with fun
jewelry—or, if you’d rather wear color, opt for something bright
and feminine.
Foolproof
Outfit: A LBD for women and a suit and tie for men.
Getty Images
Pink
Peonies
DRESS CODE:
FESTIVE
A dress code that tends to pop up on
invitations around the holidays, festive attire is similar to
cocktail attire, but with a holiday bent—say a sparkly sequin dress
or a red satin skirt.
Foolproof
Outfit: A sequin party dress for women and a suit and
holiday-themed tie for men.
Getty Images
The
Glamourai
DRESS CODE:
BUSINESS FORMAL
The dress code suggestion at many daytime
semi-formal events (particularly work lunches and conferences),
this dress code calls for a suit and tie for the guys and a
tailored dress or a pantsuit for women. The idea is to wear
something business appropriate that also feels dressed-up.
Foolproof
Outfit: A pantsuit for women and a suit and tie for
men.
Gary Pepper
Girl
Camille Over the
Rainbow
DRESS CODE:
BUSINESS CASUAL
Most corporate offices have a dress code that
calls for business casual. For women, pants and a blazer, or a
pencil skirt and a fun blouse is the way to go. Guys can wears
slacks or chinos and a collared shirt. Absolutely no jeans or
sneakers.
Foolproof
Outfit: Black trousers and a tweed blazer for women and
khaki pants and a collared shirt (tucked in) for men.
Getty Images
What I
Wore
DRESS CODE:
CASUAL DRESSY
This dress code calls for a just slightly
dressier version of your most casual look. For women, dress up your
go-to pair of pants with a fun pair of ankle boots, add heels to
elevate flared jeans, or pair a jumpsuit with a collared shirt. For
guys, dress up your favorite pair of jeans with a blazer and you’ll
be good to go.
Foolproof
Outfit: Black pants, a blouse, and ankle boots for
women, and jeans and a sport coat for men.
Freddie
Harrel
Shout Out To
You
DRESS CODE:
CASUAL
Anything goes in this case, including jeans
and sneakers, and this dress code usually means you’ll be
uncomfortable in anything too dressy.
Foolproof
Outfit: Jeans and sneakers for men and women.
The Fashion
Guitar
yahoo
