Dress the Part
It's that time of year when weddings, proms, galas, and fancy events are in full swing. With an invitation to an event always comes a dress code or the question of " what do I wear?". This blog will cover all of the dress codes so that none of you will show up under or over dressed this season. There's nothing worse than showing up in jeans when everyone else is in fancy attire or showing up in a fancy long dress to find everyone else in fun sun dresses. Follow these basic guidelines below and you're sure to fit right in! Skip the stress of the dress and enjoy the event!
If the invitation says White Tie:
WOMEN:
- Formal (floor length) evening gown
- Elbow length gloves (optional)
MEN:
-Black dress coat (tailcoat), single satin stripe or braid
-White wing collared shirt with stiff front
-Braces included to ensure good fit
-Shirt studs, cuff links
-White vest, white bow tie
-White or grey gloves (now optional)
-Black patent shoes
-Black dress socks
If the Invitation says Black Tie
WOMEN:
-Formal (floor length) evening gown
-Dressy cocktail dress (keep modesty in mind!)
-Your dressiest Little Black Dress
MEN:
-Black tuxedo (matching!)
-Formal white shirt
-Shirt studs and cuff links
-Black Bow Tie (silk, satin, or twill)
-Black Cumberbund or vest
-Braces for structure (optional)
-No gloves
-Black Patent shoes
-Black Dress socks
*NOTE: If (and only if) it is summer, you are in the tropics, or on a cruise ship, the acceptable men's attire may also include a white dinner jacket with black tuxedo pants (and the remainder of the black tie wardrobe).
If the Invitation says Creative Black Tie
WOMEN:
-All of the black tie requirements
-Add fun or unique accessories
MEN:
-All of the black tie requirements
-Add trendy or Whimsical attire
(ie: a black shirt instead of white, or a matching cumberbund
and bow tie in a fun color or pattern)
If the Invitation Says Black Tie Optional
WOMEN:
-All of black tie requirements
-Or-
-Dressy Separates
MEN:
-All of the black tie requirements
-Or-
-Dark suit
-White dress shirt
-Conservative Tie
-Leather dress shoes
-Dark dress socks
If the Invitation says Semiformal
WOMEN:
-Short afternoon / cocktail dress
- A "Little Black Dress"
- Long dressy skirt
- Dressy separates
MEN:
-Dark business suit
-Matching vest (optional)
-Dress shirt
-Tie
-Leather dress shoes
-Dark dress socks
If the Invitation says Festive Attire
*usually included on holiday invitations
WOMEN:
-Same as Semiformal attire
-feature holiday colors and accessories
MEN:
-Treat as Semiformal
-Add holiday accessories like ties, vests, etc.
If the Invitation says Business Formal
*always abide by company policy!
WOMEN:
-Business suit
-Dress with a jacket
-Stockings (optional in the summer)
-Heels (of any height)
MEN:
-Dark business suit
-Matching vest (optional)
-Dress shirt
-Conservative tie
-Leather shoes
-Dark Dress socks
If the Invitation says Business Casual
*abide by company policy!
WOMEN:
-Skirt, Khakis, Dress Pants
-Open collar shirt, knit shirt, sweater
(NO spagetti straps or cleavage enhancing shirts)
-Dress
MEN:
- Seasonal sports coat / blazer
-Dress slacks or khakis
-Dress shirt, casual button down or Polo
-Tie (optional)
-Loafer type shoe
If the Invitation says Dressy Casual
WOMEN:
-Dress
- Skirt and Dressy Top
-Dressy Pant Outfit
-Nice Jeans and Dressy Top
MEN:
-Seasonal sport coat / Blazer
-Dress Slacks
-Dress Shirt
-Casual button down
-Open collar
-Polo shirt
-Tie (optional)
If the Invitation says Casual
WOMEN:
-Sundress
-Long or Short Skirt
-Khakis or Nice Jeans
-Shorts (depending on season/climate)
-Plain t-shirt (NO slogans or logos)
-Polo
-Button Down Blouse
-Casual Dress Shoes/ Sandals
MEN:
-Khakis or NICE jeans
-Cargo/ Bermuda shorts (depending on season/climate)
-Plain t-shirt (NO slogans or logos)
-Polo
-Casual button down and/or sweater
-Loafers, Nice Sneakers, or Sandals
So there you have it, everything you need to know about dress code for upcoming occasions. You can now arrive in style with the confidence that you are within code. Let the invitations roll in! Happy party season ya'll.
Once again, thanks for reading!
