Dress Code Definitions

White Tie

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. White tie is usually reserved for high society events such as state dinners, formal balls and evening weddings. It is typically considered only appropriate after 6 p.m., but it has been extended to anytime after dark.

Black Tie

Black tie attire is slightly less formal than white tie, but it is more formal than business attire. It is the most common formal dress code for events such as weddings, proms, formal dinners, and theatre.

Creative Black Tie

Creative black tie is a dress code that allows you to slightly tone down your formal attire by adding hints of your own personal style. A creative black tie is best described as attire with a black-tie foundation with room for some creativity and flair. It maintains black tie formality but allows for the use of textures, colors, and accessories to create your own fun (and still elegant) look.

Black Tie Optional

A black-tie optional dress code gives guests a couple of formal options to choose from. Men are requested to wear a tuxedo, but can opt for a dark suit. Women can choose either a formal evening gown, a shorter cocktail dress, or dressy separates.

Semi-Formal

A semi-formal dress code is best described as being more formal than what you would wear to an office, but slightly less formal than what you would wear to a formal event. Do keep in mind that if the event is later than 6 in the evening, you’ll want to err on the side of formality.

Business Formal

A business formal dress code is characterized by a suit jacket with matching pants or a skirt. The darker the suit, the more formal. There are seasonal variations as well as matching accessories to personalize your look, but they should not be a distraction in any way.

Business Casual

Casual business attire is pretty ambiguous, but generally means slacks, khakis, or a skirt with a dress shirt, blouse or polo. Dresses and seasonal sport coats fall into this dress code as well.

Dressy Casual

A dressy casual dress code is a versatile balance between formal and casual. This is the ideal choice for networking (or socializing) after work, fundraisers, or dinner at a nice restaurant.

Casual

Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional. It’s best to go with nicer casual wear and avoid the baggier items you wear around the house.

Ultra Casual

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Dress Code Breakdowns & FAQ's

Examples for White Tie

White Tie for Women

Formal (floor length) evening gown
Long gloves (optional)

White Tie for Men

Black dress coat (tailcoat), matching trousers with a single stripe of satin or braid in the US; two stripes in Europe or the UK
White piqué wing-collared shirt with stiff front
Braces, to ensure a good fit
Shirt studs and cuff links
White vest
White bow tie
White or gray gloves
Black patent shoes and black dress socks

Examples for Black Tie

Black Tie for Women

Formal (floor length) evening gown
Dressy cocktail dress
Your dressiest “little black dress”

Black Tie for Men

Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers
Formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt
Shirt studs and cuff links
Black bow tie (silk, satin, or twill)
Black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest
Dressy braces to ensure a good fit (optional)
No gloves
Black patent shoes and black dress socks
In summer, in the tropics, or on a cruise: White dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers plus other black tie wardrobe

Examples for Creative Black Tie

Creative Black Tie for Women

Women have a multitude of options when it comes to choosing a creative black tie outfit:

Sequins and patterns: Instead of a formal dress or evening gown, women can mix it up by wearing a long dress with patterns and sparkly sequins.

Cocktail dress: The flexibility of creative black tie also allows for a shorter cocktail dress with a blazer and bold accessories.

Dressy separates: For creative black tie, women can wear dressy separates, like tuxedo pants and a white blouse accented with statement jewelry, or a modern pantsuit.

Basic black dress: Women can wear a plain black dress and accessorize it with an eye-catching purse. Creative black tie for women should feel red carpet-trendy, with subtle flairs and enhancements to bring a little excitement to their formalwear.

Formal paired with fun or unique accessories.

Creative Black Tie for Men

The creative black tie look has a playful element that intelligently substitutes bold colors on subtle pieces for a bit of pizzazz.

Texture and color: Creative black tie encourages men to add pops of texture and color to their formal wear. Men can wear attire anything from velvet suits to paisley cummerbunds.

Vests: Vests are a staple in formal attire, and creative black tie provides the best opportunity for men to think outside of the box with their vest choices. Add a textured or colorful vest to a suit or tuxedo to infuse a layer of fun into a creative black tie outfit.

Accessories. Silk or satin lapels and bright-colored socks can give a stiff tuxedo a little creativity. Pairing a nice dinner jacket over a sleek black dress shirt with vibrant cufflinks, shirt studs, or pocket squares can also give this classic look a less-traditional feel.

Examples for Black Tie Optional

Black Tie Optional for Women

Formal (floor length) evening gown
Dressy cocktail dress
A “little black dress”
Dressy separates

Black Tie Optional for Men

Tuxedo (see “Black Tie” above)
Dark suit, white dress shirt, and conservative tie
Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks

Examples for Semi-Formal

Semi-Formal for Women

Short afternoon or cocktail dress
A “little black dress”
Long dressy skirt and top
Dressy separates

Semi-Formal for Men

Dark, business suit
Matching vest (optional)
Dress shirt
Tie
Leather dress shoes and dark dress socks

Examples for Business Formal

Business Formal for Women

Suit
Business-style dress
Dress with a jacket
Stockings (optional in summer)
Heels, low or high

Business Formal for Men

When a gentleman is dressed in professional attire, Decorum and professionalism are heavily portrayed. There is a high level of respect that is both given and received that comes with this look.

Suit: Navy is considered the standard color but gray and black are also strong business suits.

White shirt: Plain white shirt is always a great option but you can spice it up with textured shirts or inconspicuous designs like window pane stripes or gingham print.

Neckties: Blue, gray, black are standard business colors for ties. Don’t feel limited as there are varying shades of blue and grey and designs such as polka dots, stripes, and paisley are great ways to add more style.

Pocket Square: White, straight fold handkerchiefs adds a crisp and classic element to the overall look. Colored pocket squares can work depending on the environment.

Oxford shoes: Shoes should be the same color as your belt; brown or black. Again, shades of brown vary so there is still a lot of variety available.

Socks: Trouser socks that that matches the pant leg of the suit. It’s the safest bet to stay with solid socks.

Examples for Business Casual

Business Casual for Women

Skirt, khakis, or pants
Open-collar shirt, knit shirt or sweater (no spaghetti straps or décolleté)
Dress

Business Casual for Men

The key to this look is no neckwear. The collar can be open or the top button can be buttoned up. Either way, there should not be a tie. Also the polo can be worn with the top button fastened as well. It’s personal preference.

Seasonal sport coat or blazer with slacks or khakis
Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
Optional tie
Loafers or loafer-style shoes, and socks

Examples for Dressy Casual

Dressy Casual for Women

Dress
Skirt and dressy top
Dressy pants outfit
Nice jeans and dressy top

Dressy Casual for Men

Seasonal sport coat or blazer, and slacks
Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt, open-collar or polo shirt
Optional tie

Examples for Casual

Casual for Women

Sundress
Long or short skirt
Khakis or nice jeans
Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
Casual button-down blouse

Casual for Men

This look can be a pair of well-fitting raw denim jeans, a t-shirt, and some stylish sneakers. Another option would be a henley, khakis, and a pair of boots. It is the undefined look when you want to be comfortably sharp.

Khakis or good jeans (clean, no holes)
Cargo or Bermuda shorts—depending on occasion and climate
Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
Casual button-down shirt and/or sweater
Loafers, sneakers (with or without socks), sandals

Examples for Ultra Casual

Ultra Casual for Women

Sundress
Long or short skirt
Khakis or nice jeans
Shorts (depending on occasion and climate)
Plain T-shirt (no slogans), polo shirt, turtleneck
Casual button-down blouse

Ultra Casual for Men

This type of look is the simplest to pull off. It's for style and comfort. The Ultra casual look is a spring and summer go-to look as it's for warm weather and functionality. Grooming will play a big part in this look as well.

T-shirt: The type of t-shirt is totally depending on your preference. Whether it's a crew neck or v-neck is not as important as the fit and quality of the shirt. Make sure that both are stellar

Shorts: Shorts should be funtional and worn above the knee. When shorts are worn below the knee it makes you look shorter (regardless of your height) and disproportionate.

Shoe: Sneakers or moccasin/loafer. Wear either shoe with no socks or “no show” socks if your feet sweat. Socks with these kind of shoes are an absolute no-no.

Accessories: Watches and bracelets are great additions to this look. They will stand out because of the outfit's simplicity. Both classic and sporty watches will work well and leave a strong, fashionable statement.