You might have received an invitation to an event that required a certain dress code, heard someone mention a particular dress code in a conversation or read on Attire Club about which accessories you should wear depending on a given dress code and did not know what that meant exactly.

Dress codes are not very complicated and, even though each dress code has its own particularities, it is important to have an overview of the main dress codes to know how to dress for a certain occasion.

Here is an overview of the dress codes you might encounter:

 

 

White Tie

 

 

White Tie can also be called “ultra-formal”, as it is the highest level of dress code. White Tie is quite a rigid code, but not because of weird pretenses, but because people to be inline one with the other and up to the standard of an event.

The White Tie dress code involves wearing a white bow tie, a black coat with tails and a white pique vest over a white formal dress shirt. There are many details you need to pay attention to when it comes to wearing a White Tie outfit. While most men won’t get to wear such attire more than once or twice (this is usually required if you go to a dinner at a royal court for example), you should know that if the invitation says “White Tie attire only”, you should take it very seriously and follow all the rules.

 

 

Black Tie

 

 

Black Tie is considered the second highest level of formal attire. It comes up more often and is usually required at balls and other similar events. Black Tie involves wearing a tuxedo with a black bow tie, a cummerbund and a pair of leather shoes. Black Tie is a little more flexible than White Tie and, while it is not very recommended, you can make small tweaks here and there – if you know what you are doing.

 

 

Black Tie Optional

 

 

When the invitation reads Black Tie Optional, it basically means that as a man, you may choose whether you want to dress in the classic Black Tie attire or in a simple dark suit. Black Tie Optional is a more relaxed dress code – in this case, you can make more tweaks to the classic Black Tie attire without being criticized. However, remember that if you make tweaks, they need to be motivated from a practical, aesthetic or another point of view. Otherwise, you risk looking like you just did not know how to put Black Tie together.

If you want Black Tie Optional inspiration, you can check out red carpet photos from events such as the Oscars – you will see that, while some men break the code, many dress either in Black Tie or in classic suits.

Note that White Tie and Black Tie are the only formal dress codes. All other dress codes are not formal, even though many call them so, so you should not use this term to describe the following dress codes.

 

 

Creative Black Tie

 

 

Creative Black Tie is a dress code derived from Black Tie, that allows you more freedom to tweak and is open to personal interpretation.

For example, you can feel free to wear a colorful bow tie or a black shirt. Usually, bow ties with prints are not recommended for the evening, which is when most Creative Black Tie or Black Tie events take place, but, depending on your personal style, on the setting and on the way you affirm it, they could work.

For some, Creative Black Tie is an indicator similar to “1920s Black Tie” or “Texas Black Tie”, which basically means that you can tweak the Black Tie code according to a specific aesthetic.

 

 

Cocktail Attire

 

 

If you go to an event that requires Cocktail Attire, it means that it calls for a dark suit with a tie. The tie should usually be dark or muted, but other types can work as well. Basically, what you need is to wear a suit that fits like a glove, impeccable shoes and a tie that will make a good impression, regardless of whether it is colorful or not.

 

 

Festive Attire

 

 

Festive Attire is a dress code that is very fun and flexible. It can be described as a more colorful version of Cocktail Attire. If you are choosing a Festive Attire outfit, you can wear a colorful or printed tie and you can even go for a variation; for example wear a holiday bow tie, even though some might frown.

 

 

Business Formal

 

 

Even though this dress code is called Business Formal, it does not fit in the Formal category; it simply is a type of Business dress code.

The Business Formal dress code is indicated for many daytime and semi-dressy events, such as conferences or work lunches.

This dress code is very simple and focuses details: it implies wearing a suit and a tie, but you need to be sure that they are impeccable: make sure you match your belt and shoes, that the tie touches your belt and does not go any further down or higher up, that the jacket fits your shoulders, and that your pants fold a maximum of one time. Also, if you wear a watch, assure yourself it is of great quality and that it is proportionate to your body (bigger men should wear bigger accessories, such as larger watches, wider belts and ties, while thinner men should opt for skinny ties and thinner watches and belts).

The Business Formal dress code should be your go-to dress code for business or work-related events that don’t specify on the invitation how one should dress.

 

 

Business Casual

 

 

Business Casual is one of the most common dress codes in the corporate world. The Business Casual look is a very open one can contain many items from wearing a suit with no tie to wearing chinos with suede pants. In short, it means that, while you can wear many things, you should always look extremely professional.

Our recommendation is to go for a shirt and vest combination and to wear it either with dress pants or with a pair of chinos and nice leather shoes. Wingtips work really well, for example.

Never wear jeans or sneakers when dressing up Business Casual.

 

 

Casual Dressy

 

 

The Casual Dressy look implies that you are dressed up casually, but that you style up your outfit. For example, this can mean wearing a nice watch to an otherwise casual look such as a polo and slacks combo, to wear a blazer over a t-shirt and so on. What is known as “Club Attire” (which is not a dress code per se), falls in this category as well.

 

 

Casual

 

 

Being casual means dressing up however you want, as long as you look put together, polished and structured. This look involves anything and everything from crazy high and low mixes to simple shorts and shirt combos. You can wear sneakers, boots or any other type of shoes and accessorize as you wish. Basically, if you are going somewhere and the invitation mentions that the dress code is Casual, you can dress in a simple t-shirt and shorts combination, but you can wear it with loafers, for example.

 

 

The purpose of dress codes is not to impose a rigid vision, but to allow people to be comfortable and to stand out for the right reasons. Imagine how uncomfortable you would feel showing up at a formal dinner dressed in a way that would make others see you as out of place.

While dress codes can have more particular requirements, which we will describe in other articles, it is essential to know what they mean. This way, you will not only look appropriate, but you will also feel good and confident about yourself, which once again goes to show what we always say: that the way you look is strongly connected to the way you feel.

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. We want to hear from you! Which is your favorite dress code? How do you modify your Business Casual and Festive Attire? Have you ever been guilty of a dress code faux-pas? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!