Skip to main content

How to Decode a Dress Code

Dress Codes, Attire, Business Attire

Dress Code Definitions 

New dress codes arrive daily.  Some may be confusing since they are new. Still, most are descriptive, and we can decode them. Below are the most common dress codes.  Hopefully, you can decode any new dress codes with these.  If not comment below and ask.

Dressy Casual

Slacks with a nice top (for either gender), a knee-length skirt with a quality top, or a dress that you would wear to a restaurant is fine. Shorts may be fine in certain situations, but these should not be too short or cut-offs—no t-shirts or flip-flops.

Resort Attire

This means good quality summer attire that you would feel comfortable wearing to a golf club or country club.  This could include good quality shorts, button and polo shirts, short skirts, sandals, and newish sneakers—no flip-flops, tank tops, t-shirts, or too much skin.

Evening Resort Attire

Very similar to what we would feel comfortable wearing to a country club in the evening. Slacks and a nice shirt (jacket optional) for men and a dress or nice separates are perfect for women—no sneakers, flip-flops, t-shirts, or shorts.

Cocktail Attire

Usually, this is the basic black dress and a suit for a man.  For warmer weather, just think of that dress in lighter fabrics and you are on your way. 

Formal Attire

Long gowns or short dresses in quality material, or a dressy pantsuit is perfect for the ladies.  Men can wear a dinner jacket and nice slacks or a dark suit. After 6 pm, men should wear a tux.

Black Tie

Quite formal, yet like formal. Long gowns in satin or velvet, beaded or sequined separates for the ladies.  Men would wear a tux.

Black Tie Optional

This means that men have the option of wearing the tux.  A black suit is perfect.  Women should dress the same as for the formal evening.

White Tie

Very formal attire is required for this type of event.  Men should wear a long black dinner jacket with tails, a white vest with a white bow tie. Women should wear a long, very formal evening gown.  She should wear gloves with strapless gowns.

Ballet and Opera

Although there is no official dress code for guests, it is polite to dress up.  Opening night can be very dressy.  In a city such as New York, many will dress formally.  In most other parts of the country, cocktail attire is best.  The typical event typically calls for dressy business attire, although you may see those dressed in blue jeans.

You may hear of or be asked to participate in an event that requires a strange new dress code, such as 'Texas Formal'.  These types of codes are confusing because they do not exist.  I hope you can decode them close enough so you will feel comfortable in your choices. 

Similar Posts

Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove Etiquette

Attire Choices: Tenue de Soirée and '70s Theme Party

What to Wear for Three Distinctly Different Weddings?

  


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing.   At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests.   I’m sure that’s not the case.   Still...      Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event.   So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage.   This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds.   So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women.    Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive.   Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification.   Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode a Dress Code Proper Formal Attire: Benefits, Ballet, and Glove
Post a Comment
Read more

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

  Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!
Post a Comment
Read more

3 Most Asked Questions About Listing Doctors on Envelopes

  How to List Doctors on Invitation Envelope? Dear Polite One , How does one address an envelope for the two following scenarios? 1) The wife is a physician, but the husband is not. 2) Both the wife and husband are physicians, and she used her maiden name. Lots of Doctors Dear Lots of Doctors, The doctor and husband: Doctor Jane and Mr. John Smith The doctor couple: Doctor Jane Jones Doctor John Smith Most sincerely, The Polite One What is the Proper Salutation for Doctor Couple? Dear Polite One , How do you write the correct salutation when both the husband and wife are doctors? Doctors All-Around Dear Doctors All-Around, If you are close friends, you would use their first names.  If this is a formal or business letter, you would use the title doctor for both: Doctors Smith, Doctor Sam Smith, and Doctor Tina Smith, or Doctors Tina and Sam Smith.  Most sincerely, The Polite One Don’t Know Husband’s Name and the Wife is a Doctor!   How to
Post a Comment
Read more