This week I decided to do a post not only relevant
to those of you planning a wedding, but also for those readers out there who
have ever been invited to an event and not known or completely understood, the
required dress code.
We all know those words “black tie” or “black tie
optional” can be extremely daunting. What should you wear? What will everyone
else be wearing? And of course, everyone’s greatest fear – not wanting to look
out of place. Well do not worry! You can sleep soundly tonight. I have compiled
an extensive list of all the different types of dress codes so that you can be
prepared for an event of any type, regardless of the dress code.
White Tie
Probably the least likely to appear, however
nonetheless important, are the words “White Tie”. As the most official dress
code of them all, White Tie is often used for events such as Charity Balls,
Royal Events, Nobel Prize Award Ceremonies, State Dinners, Debutante Balls and
Academy Awards Ceremonies.
Women: - Evening Gowns (ankle or floor length) should be worn
-
Shoes should
match the gown
-
Jewelry should
be appropriate (all your fancy diamonds are the perfect choice!)
-
Clutch bag
-
Gloves are
optional but should be either white or coordinated to gown and should be Opera
length
Men: - Black Tailcoat with matching trousers with a single stripe of satin
or braid
-
White Vest and
Shirt with piqué wing-collared with stiff front
-
White bowtie
-
Gloves should
be white or gray
-
Studs and
Cufflinks should both be white
-
Finally black
dress socks and patent shoes
Black Tie
Usually used for an evening event after 6:00pm.
Although Black tie is less formal than White Tie, it is more formal than
informal or Business Casual. Events that would call for such dress could range
from a particularly fancy wedding or event to other formal social gatherings or
galas.
Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant
Evening Gowns (can vary in color)
-
Shoes should
match your dress
-
Jewelry should
match/ compliment the dress/ outfit
-
Purse should be
minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice
Men: - Black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers
-
Formal white
pique or pleated front shirt
-
Black bow tie
-
Black
cummerbund to match tie or a waistcoat
-
Suspenders are
optional
-
Black patent
leather shoes and black dress socks
-
White pocket
handkerchief
Black Tie
Optional
When an invitation says “Black Tie Optional” it
means that the host of the event is giving their guests the option of wearing a
tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Although the invitation does say “optional” it is
usually a clue as to the formality of the event.
Women: -Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant Evening
Gowns (can vary in color)
-
Shoes should
match your dress
-
Jewelry should
match/ compliment the dress/ outfit
-
Purse should be
minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice
Men: - A tuxedo
OR
-
Dark Suit with
a white shirt and a conservative dark color tie
Creative
Black Tie
Although
not commonly used, “Creative Black Tie” is another way of saying “Black Tie
Optional”. By phrasing it “Creative Black Tie” it allows for trendy
interpretations for the classic formal wear.
Women: - Dresses vary from Short Cocktail length to long, and elegant
Evening Gowns (can vary in color)
-
Shoes should match
your dress
-
Jewelry should
match/ compliment the dress/ outfit
-
Purse should be
minimal – Clutch or small bag would suffice
-
Don’t be afraid
to get Creative!
Men: - Tuxedo combined with color
-
Black shirt,
colorful bowtie and cummerbund
-
Any other creative
yet formal combination you can think of
Semiformal
As you can probably tell from the title, Semiformal
means that the event is less formal than all of the other, previous examples.
It means that the dress is more casual and laid back. However, this does not
mean that you can pull out your blue jeans and old t-shirt.
Women: - Cocktail dresses
-
Matching
appropriate shoes
-
Jewelry should
match/ compliment your outfit
-
Purse should
again be minimal
Men: - Dark business suit
-
Optional
matching vest
-
White shirt
-
Conservative
tie
Dressy Casual/ Business Casual
One of the most casual types of events one can
attend. Again however, this does not mean that jeans are acceptable.
Women: - Nice Cocktail length dress or Sundress
-
Matching
appropriate shoes
-
Purse should be
small
Men: - Seasonal sport coat or blazer
-
Slacks or
khakis
-
Open-collared
shirt
Beach Casual
As you can most likely infer from the title, it
usually applies when there is a beach somehow involved. Everyone knows beach
weddings or events held near the water are usually casual and laid back. The
beach is meant to be relaxing and therefore the style is representative of that
same feeling.
Women: - Sundresses in light or bright colors
-
Sandals
-
Minimal Jewelry
-
Purse should be
small
Men: - Khakis or Shorts (cargo or Bermuda)
-
Knit or Polo
shirt
-
Optional Sports
Jacket or sweater
I hope this helps and clears up any confusion you
might have! Remember though that if you have any questions it is best to
contact the host or hostess and ask what kind of attire is expected so there
are not any awkward situations once you arrive. What do you think of all these
different styles?
xox Lauren
