What dress codes are there

But if the event is more pub than lounge, switch to dark denim. Your host may actually be saying, "We're easygoing. Just come on by and don't stress about it. Something you would put on for lunch with friends—say, nice jeans with a striped top and ballet flats—is ideal. If it's a backyard barbecue, an open house with the neighbors, or a get-together with kids, nice jeans and Converse sneakers or other cute kicks pass muster.

It's also smart to take a cue from the host. If she is usually put-together on an average day, follow her lead and slip on a simple jersey dress with skimmers or boots. What not to wear, no matter what: gym clothes, like graphic tees, sweats, and beat-up trainers. Everyday clothes that are clean, in good condition, and unwrinkled.

Yep, the bar is pretty low. Try a Henley or a button-down with jeans or, in the summer, shorts. Whether boots or sneakers, the footwear should be well-kept and stylish to elevate the whole look.

When an invitation says a style of dress is "optional" or "preferred," the host is stating their preference, but allowing for some wiggle room. It doesn't mean "Go out and buy a new outfit.

But if you do go short, the dress should be awards-show fancy. As for men, a dark, dressy suit with a black tie is acceptable in place of a tux. Ask the Host : If the invitation offers no heads-up on the attire , the surest way to find out the dress code is to ask the host what she is wearing.

But if you don't feel comfortable doing so, you're going to have to play detective. Puzzle it out with friends who are also going to the party and decide on a dress code that you can all agree on. But again, when in doubt, it's better to be overdressed. Inspect the Invitation : If the invitation is engraved, letterpress, or embossed on nice card stock, the host is probably spending time and money on the event. Acknowledge her efforts with a gown or a cocktail dress.

Store-bought cards are trickier to decipher because they vary from extravagant to basic, so search for other possible tip-offs see below. When dealing with e-vites which are sent even for weddings these days , look for hints in the design and the wording.

Be Mindful of the Theme : If this is an annual event for a charity or an organization, check out what has been photographed and documented online to guesstimate your getup.

Religious ceremonies, like Bar Mitzvahs and baptisms, deserve respect with a more conservative outfit. Note the Time : As a general rule, parties after 5 p. Scope Out the Location : A party at someone's house will probably be more relaxed than one at a venue.

But if it's at a catering hall or a restaurant, browse the website or take a field trip to gauge its chichi quotient. Outdoor soirees tend to be less formal than indoor functions. Country club protocol, however, leans toward sundresses rather than jeans sometimes white jeans are OK, but you'll want to double-check before taking that route. By Megan Kaplan Updated September 30, Save FB Tweet More. Depending on the nature of the event, your footwear can range safely from sneakers to heels to boots.

Tip: For outdoor events, sneakers are better as heels can sink into soft ground. For Him: Wear a pair of nice khakis paired with a polo shirt or other collared shirt. Dress shoes or loafers are appropriate. Tip: Avoid the wrinkles; iron your shirt and pants! Patterned collared shirts are a nice option for a less dressy feel than their solid counterparts.

For Her: Dress pants or khakis with a fashionable top is appropriate. A casual skirt is also an option. Tip: Wear your hair in your everyday style, and avoid overdoing it with makeup or perfume.

Smart Casual or dressy casual is basically a combination of casual, business casual, and business dress codes, where you can combine them into a "smart" ensemble. For Him: This is your opportunity to pair denim with a sport coat.

Khakis, trousers, vests, and ties are other great options to bring into the mix. Tip: If opting for jeans, your denim should look somewhat dressy, fresh and sharp with no wear or holes. For Her: It's safest to go with nice slacks or a skirt, though you could also wear a nice pair of dark jeans dressed up with a collared or otherwise dressy top. Throw on a blazer for an extra touch of class.

Tip: For Smart Casual, you should look sharp, stylish, and neatly put together. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Have you ever received a wedding invitation that left you completely clueless about the wedding guest dress code? Between "black-tie optional" and "semi-formal," the language can be tricky to decipher.

Meet the Expert. She has planned over 50 successful weddings and events. Formal attire may be the most common, but there are plenty of other dress codes that may appear on a wedding invitation. Formal, semi-formal, and casual are a bit more ambiguous than, say, black-tie, and it can be difficult for guests to settle on the level of formality they want to go for.

One of the best ways to decide what to wear is to do some research on the venue. If you're stressed out about style, we've got you covered with our handy guide. Here are the most common wedding guest dress codes explained so that you arrive appropriately—and stylishly—dressed for the celebration.

This is the most formal wedding attire possible think: White House state dinners. Women should wear a formal floor-length evening gown, no exceptions. Pair your dress with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest and bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords. This is the next most formal wedding dress code and usually means the wedding is an evening event.

Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress, but if the wedding seems a bit less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress may also be acceptable. Women may also wear elegant pantsuits. Men must wear a tuxedo.

A black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also suggested. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are also acceptable. The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black-tie is acceptable. So, a tuxedo isn't required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate. The choices are the same as with black-tie: a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

As far as women are concerned, there's not much of a difference between black-tie attire and black-tie optional attire, although Mae says it's more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles which is not true of a black-tie dress code. Men have the option of wearing a tuxedo, or they can wear a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie. A small step above semiformal though not as formal as black-tie optional or formal, cocktail attire is a popular dress code choice. It's a balance between elegant and comfortable, and typically is more formal than a day wedding but more casual than a night celebration.

Instead of a floor-length dress, women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress. Men are required to wear a suit and tie, regardless of the wedding's setting.

Remember to look classy and polished, but don't wear something overly embellished or fancy that you take away from the newlyweds.