Dress Codes: A Guide
Designed by June Woo
Have you ever seen a dress code and just had no idea what you’re supposed to wear? Well, now you’re in luck because I have compiled a guide to the most widely used dress codes. They range from dress codes you never see to ones so common, yet no one knows what they really mean. I hope to provide you with inspiration and a closer idea of what to wear. But it is your job to add your own style and flair, as you should with every outfit you wear.
White Tie
Are you a fan of the royal family? Planning to win a Nobel Prize? Attending a ball or gala? Even though you might not need to know this dress code now, there are many events in the possible future that could require a very strict dress code. Starting with the most formal of all dress codes: White Tie. That means the most rigid rules, so here we go, starting off strong!
If you dress more masculine:
A white, hand-tied bowtie
An evening tailcoat, unbuttoned and lapels peaked
A stiff, white, evening shirt with single-folded cuffs
A winged collar
Mother of Pearl buttons, or something similar
Cufflinks
A white, low-cut evening waistcoat
High-waisted trousers with two lines of braid down the outer seam (the braid is the stripe on the outside of the trousers).
Black patent leather dress shoes with laces
Black dress socks
If you wish to dress more feminine:
A floor-length evening gown (the more formal the better)
A clutch
A statement necklace and tasteful earrings
Black Tie
The most common formal dress code for less elite events is something everyone must know. The second most formal of the dress codes: Black Tie. The rules are very similar to white tie but slightly relaxed. This will be a very common dress code for weddings, red carpets, charity events, dinner parties, and more.
The biggest difference between white tie and black tie is with the rules for masculine dressing people:
You should wear a black bowtie
A tuxedo or a formal dinner suit
A crisp white shirt
Loafers or a more traditional dress shoe
Optional: a cumberbund or a vest and fun cufflinks, you could also get away with wearing a tie
If you wish to dress more feminine:
A floor-length evening gown, or a formal cocktail dress.
Keep the jewelry to a minimum
Heels are sleek and classy
Black Tie-Optional
Out of all the formal event dress codes, this is the one you will see most often: Black Tie-Optional.
If you dress more masculine:
A tuxedo or a suit
A crisp white shirt
Keep the suit colors dark: black, navy, or charcoal
Optional: cufflinks and/or a pocket square
For the feminine dressers:
Aim for a floor-length gown, formal cocktail dress or dressy pantsuit
A midi-length dress that falls below the knee.
Make sure your dress or pantsuit is not too revealing; however, a tasteful slit is perfectly acceptable.
Cocktail
One of the most referenced dress styles and party themes is Cocktail. This guide to cocktail attire will come in handy when you are invited to a less formal wedding, go to happy hour, have a date night, or go to the club. Cocktail attire is a very versatile dress code and can be more or less formal. In this guide, you will learn the general rules so that you can look your best at every event.
If you dress more masculine:
A spunky sport coat or a double-breasted blazer is always a good choice
Stick to a button-down if you’re unsure, but feel free to choose one with a funky pattern
As for pants, stick to well-tailored trousers, even better if they are high-waisted and pleated
You can wear jeans, as long as they are dark and well-tailored – no baggy jeans!
As for shoes, you can wear loafers, casual dress shoes, or Chelsea boots
If you want to wear a tie, make it fun and bold!
For the feminine dressers:
If you want to wear a dress, stick to mini to midi-length.
A well-tailored, fancy jumpsuit is always a classy choice
If you want to wear pants, then stick to a well-tailored trouser paired with a flirty top, fun blouse, or elegant button-down
Elevated but comfortable heels or any classy pair of flats or platform shoes
Elegant jewelry and a nice clutch
Business-Casual
Do you have an internship coming up? Are you graduating and going to work in an office building? Well this is the dress code guide for you! Below you will find inspiration and a general set of rules for your work parties and meet and greets: Business-Casual.
If you dress more masculine:
Jackets are a lot less formal in business-casual; they can be sport coats, blazers, or a regular suit jacket
Your tops can range from a nice button-down or an elevated sweater to a henley shirt or polo
Pants should be well-tailored slacks, chinos, or dark jeans with no holes. No khakis!
Shoes should still be formal, so stick to oxfords or a nice pair of loafers
For the feminine dressers:
Your top should be a well-structured blouse, button-down shirt,
A tailored and chic skirt, knee length or lower
Dresses should be modest and polished, at knee length or lower
Well-tailored trousers or, on occasion, a pair of dark jeans
Shoes should be professional-looking flats, a low pair of heels, refined boots, loafers, or oxfords
Accessories should be simple and neat, and feel free to add a suit jacket to any outfit
Smart Casual
Have you ever come across a dress code for a club in Chicago but don’t know what it means? This guide is for when you aren’t so sure how formal you need to be: Smart Casual. A mix between super formal and extremely casual, smart casual can usually be applied to many events. Even some clubs in Chicago. Additionally, this attire is a great choice for networking events if you do not want to go the full business-casual mile.
If you dress more masculine:
Basically think business-casual but less formal
Stick with the sports coats or blazers as a jacket
The shirt can be a short or long-sleeve button-down or a fun patterned dress shirt
Pants can be more casual dress pants, chinos or dark-colored jeans
Shoes should be dress shoes, Chelsea boots, Gibsons, or even a very nice pair of sneakers (think leather or suede)
For the feminine dressers:
Start off your look with a classy blouse, shirt, button-down, or other collared shirt
As for pants, stick with a tailored trouser or a dark-wash pair of jeans
If you want to wear a dress, go with a smart midi dress; they do not need to be as formal as a full-on pencil dress
When choosing a shoe, stick to classy flats, heels, or luxury loafers
Accessories can be fun and bold; they should add more of your personality to the look