Receiving an invitation to an event can be exciting but also create a level of anxiety if you do not understand the rules of dress codes. It is essential that you attend looking the part, and many people fear that they will be underdressed. Actually, you will also look out of place if you are overdressed. Hence, it is much better to spend time learning a few things about what dress codes mean and making sure that when the next invitation drops through your letterbox, you will be able to RSVP with confidence that you will shine on the day in the correct attire.
Casual
Casual is perhaps the lowest dress code you will find, but there are still some basic rules and regulations you can follow to ensure you don’t stick out in a negative way. You don’t want to attend in ripped jeans, flip flops, dirty or really old clothing, but you do have quite a lot of choice compared with other dress codes. If you’re going to attend in jeans and t-shirts, try and keep the t-shirt plain and free from slogans or giant graphics. In the summer, shorts are perfectly acceptable but again try and make sure they are smart rather than shabby and go with sandals or low-heeled summer shoes. Casual is often the dress code found on a barbecue or other outdoor summer event.
Smart casual
So, stepping up from the basic casual dress code, we find smart casual or dressy casual. It is time to ditch the t-shirt and go for a shirt with buttons. Remember that a dress shirt does not have any pockets! Smart casual is a very wide dress code in that it is not extremely restrictive. However, it should not be interpreted as overly casual. For example, if you are expected to be dressed “smart casual”, you can go for a sports jacket with a colorful shirt or a long-sleeved top (not too sporty though) and even jeans and moccasins will do. Steer away from being too casual though. Sometimes, you can also wear a casual tie (emphasis on casual), for example in a jeans and shirt combo.
Business casual
Generally, most people will go for something business casual when it comes to interviews (but this depends on the company), which means that although a tie is not necessarily required for men, a collared shirt certainly is and at a push a polo shirt. A blazer or sports jacket on the top. Business casual basically means taking a classic business suit and dressing it down. For example, you can wear a blazer with a shirt and sweater or a more casual suit.
Cocktail wear
You may be invited to an event where cocktail wear is shown as the dress code, or it could be written as semi-formal attire. Think about weddings and evening events when it comes to this dress code. Men are expected to wear a dress shirt and a casual suit which in winter should be dark colors but in summer or outdoors could actually be lighter colours perhaps even a pale linen suit. You will most likely be expected to wear lace-up brogues or loafers, but always very upscale.
Black tie (Black tie optional)
Before you can respond correctly to a black-tie optional dress code, you must first understand a black-tie dress code. We are now entering formal dress codes for evening events. Traditionally this means that men should wear a single- or double-breasted dinner jacket, with of course the matching suit trousers. A dress shirt which has a pleated front and is always white is required. Generally, as you might expect, the suit’s color is black; however, a dark blue tuxedo has become acceptable in the last few years. In some cases, thinking James Bond-style, you may even find men in white dinner jackets and some events accept even very colorful ones. The look should be completed with a black bow tie, patent shoes, black dress socks, and cufflinks. A cummerbund or vest is optional but only ever wear one, not both together. Women should ensure that their dress finishes just below the knee or is floor-length, heels or flat dress shoes are acceptable. So, black tie optional means that you will either attend the event in your black-tie dress code or a dark suit or cocktail dress.
White Tie
Most of us won’t get invited to a white tie event unless it is a state dinner or gala event. Men need to upgrade their jacket to a tailcoat, and the bow tie must be white with a white vest. Men’s shoes are often laced with black ribbon.
These tips on dress codes are an overview of what these entail and can be detailed further. However, for those who are not (already) in the know, it is important to have a vision over what different dress codes mean for men. This way, you will feel more comfortable when attending different functions and events.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
A Quick Guide to the Main Dress Codes
How to Be Well-Dressed on Every Occasion
How to Wear Casual Bow Ties and Shirts
Choose Your Clothes Wisely: Tips for Great Everyday Style
How Does Business Casual Look?
The Jeans and T-shirt Combination Done Right
How to Dress to Command Respect
P.S. We want to hear from you! Which dress code do you like best? Why? Do you have any “dress-code-gone-wrong stories? 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!